Leadership Profile. Cottey College. Vice President for Institutional Advancement. This search is being assisted by:

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1 Leadership Profile Cottey College Vice President for Institutional Advancement This search is being assisted by:

2 INTRODUCTION Cottey College, an independent, non-sectarian, liberal arts and sciences women s college, located 75 miles south of Kansas City in Nevada, Missouri, seeks a dynamic and experienced Vice President for Institutional Advancement (VPIA) who can build on recent successes and further the College s mission and its vision for greater achievement. The VPIA, a member of the President s Council, reports to the President of the College, Dr. Jann Weitzel, and assumes responsibility for Advancement, Annual Fund and Alumnae, and College Relations. The position is currently open and an appointment is expected by December The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience and a record of progressive achievement to the position, as well as the ability to develop and implement strategies that leverage the unique assets and opportunities of the College. Prime candidates will have at least three years of leadership responsibility for fundraising, including personal solicitation and management of all or most of the programs of annual fund, major gifts, capital campaigns, foundation and corporate giving, and alumnae relations. HISTORY AND MISSION In 1884, Virginia Alice Cottey founded Vernon Seminary to educate women to be knowledgeable, thinking, mature adults. Backed by the $3,000 she and her sisters had saved, she selected Nevada, Missouri, as the site and named the school for Vernon County in which it is located. To the townspeople, however, the school was known as Cottey's school or Cottey College; and in 1886, the founder proudly renamed her institution Cottey College. As time passed, Ms. Cottey realized she could not guide her college forever. Coincidentally, she accepted an invitation to join the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a philanthropic educational organization with the same ideals she maintained for Cottey College. In 1927, she presented the College as a gift to the P.E.O. Sisterhood in return for the Sisterhood s promise to raise an endowment for the College and to maintain it in perpetuity. With the support of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Ms. Cottey s dream continued. Buildings were erected, accreditation was achieved, and, the nationwide membership of the organization allowed Cottey College to expand the reach and diversity of the student body. 2

3 The catalog stated Virginia Alice Cottey s guiding principle: The College was founded... for the purpose of affording (women) superior facilities for obtaining a thorough, practical, yet liberal education, at very reasonable rates... A strong faculty, trained in the best colleges and universities, will strive in every legitimate way to awaken and deepen the interest necessary to success. For more than 130 years, the college has offered young women the opportunity to learn and grow into leaders, role models, and confident individuals. Cottey began as a two-year institution that through academic rigor and personal interaction prepared students to transfer to highly selective universities. In recent years, the College has expanded its mission by adding programs that lead to the baccalaureate degree. In both the associate s degree and bachelor s degree programs, students are challenged to push the limits of their knowledge and study and practice leadership. Successful Cottey graduates include the first female member of the Texas Supreme Court, a Treasurer of the United States, an Oscar nominee, an astronaut in training, the first female general manager for the Associated Press, science and math professors, Fortune 500 managers, and entrepreneurs in technology and other enterprises. THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM Originally designed as a transfer institution, the College developed a transfer-oriented liberal arts curriculum, offering the Associate of Arts and the Associate in Science degrees through four major divisions: Fine Arts, Humanities, Science and Mathematics, and Social Science. It was customary until three years ago for 95 percent of the College s graduates to transfer to fouryear colleges and universities throughout the United States and abroad. These institutions include many of the top U.S. women s colleges such as Smith and Mount Holyoke, along with the American University in Paris, Brown University, California Institute of Technology, Georgetown University, Grinnell College, Harvard University, Northwestern University, and the University of California at Berkeley. Cottey s distinguished academic program has resulted in students receiving prestigious awards, such as the Truman, Jack Kent Cooke, Guistwhite, and Udall scholarships. 3

4 In 2011, Cottey added four-year programs leading to Bachelor of Arts degrees with programs in English, environmental studies, and international relations and business. A four-year program in psychology was added in 2012, and business and liberal arts majors were added in A major in health science will begin in fall Cottey now has general authority to add any baccalaureate program that fits its mission. The academic tradition at Cottey College is firmly grounded in the liberal arts. Cottey emphasizes general education while promoting high academic standards and unique opportunities for personal growth through residential, cultural, and intellectual experiences. Deeply embedded in the Cottey education is the mission to nurture civility, integrity and concern for others, to encourage and value diversity and social justice, and to foster leadership and service. The College is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and by the National Association of Schools of Music. CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Cottey has a proud tradition of a close working relationship between academic and student affairs. Students excel in an environment where they enjoy the full support of a close-knit community which focuses on preparing women to be learners, leaders, and citizens in a global society. Leadership development is a prominent opportunity available to each Cottey student and is a key priority of the institution s strategic plan. The Helen and George Washburn Center for Women s Leadership offers both Cottey and community women a nurturing environment in which to identify their leadership styles and practice their leadership skills. For first- and second-year students, Cottey provides a four-level certification program titled Leadership, Experiences, Opportunity (LEO) designed to help young women define a vision of themselves as leaders. 4

5 For third- and fourth-year students, Cottey offers programming and financial support for travel, internships, and undergraduate research through the Serenbetz Institute for Women s Leadership, Social Responsibility, and Global Awareness. The Institute s programs are closely tied to the majors. Students report that they find their voice in this stimulating environment where close contact with faculty and staff is a hallmark of their experience. Cottey offers access to state-of-the-art equipment in science laboratories and language labs as well as art and music studios in a newly constructed fine arts building. Computers are available to students for general use at a ratio of 1 for every 3 students. Students can create musical compositions in the digital music laboratory, and all students may participate in free music lessons, have access to excellent instruments, and practice rooms. Rehearsal and performance facilities are exceptional and available to music, dance and theater. Learning beyond the classroom takes students to laboratories and businesses throughout the country, as well as unique international opportunities. Every member of the second-year class is eligible for a trip to Europe supported by the College which pays airfare, hotel, and several other amenities. During the first week of Spring break, students accompanied by faculty and staff members visit a major cultural center of Europe (London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Florence, and Rome). Learning modules developed by faculty and staff enhance the cultural experience by incorporating historic landmarks, theatre, music, architecture, food, and more. This year students will have the opportunity to travel to Paris. Students participate in over forty student organizations. The importance of team activities is emphasized through athletic programs available to students on several levels, including intercollegiate teams in basketball, softball, volleyball and crosscountry/track. The College is currently a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association - the governing body of intercollegiate athletics for two-year college but is considering applying for membership in National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). 5

6 THE FACULTY The Cottey program is supported by excellent faculty in keeping with Cottey s founding mission. Of the 36 full-time faculty, 56 percent are tenured. Almost 90 percent of the full-time faculty have terminal degrees; 75 percent have doctorates;725 percent of the College s faculty are women; and 19 percent are ethnic minorities. The average class size is 12 students and the student/faculty ratio is 8:1, allowing professors the opportunity to engage with students in meaningful and substantive exchanges. There is a strong sense of camaraderie between students and faculty. Faculty members are active in their disciplines; some are active scholars, and many are involved in associations connected to their fields. FINANCIAL HEALTH Unlike most small private colleges, Cottey College is in excellent financial health. It has no long term debt, no short term debt, and its payables are current. The College s endowment as of April 2015 was just over $100 million from which the Board authorizes an annual draw of 4.5 percent. The operating budget is $16.2M. The total undesignated gift revenues for were over $1.3M. Although the College s financial health is outstanding; its cash flow is challenged by a general decline in enrollment in recent years. However, enrollment goals for fall 2015 were met, and the entering class is the largest since COTTEY S PRIMARY PARTNER Cottey College is owned and supported by the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a non-sectarian, philanthropic educational organization that features almost 235,000 members and 6,000 chapters in the United States and Canada. P.E.O. supports educational opportunities for women and sponsors five projects around the world, one of which is Cottey College. P.E.O. has assisted more than 77,800 students through their projects, specifically through scholarships and loans totaling more than $200 million, and generally through its support of the 9,000 students who have graduated from Cottey College. The P.E.O. Sisterhood s commitment is remarkable. A significant number of students attend Cottey due to the Sisterhood's encouragement and facilitation of applications. For example, P.E.O.s attend college fairs, hold gatherings for prospective students, and provide Cottey College materials to high school guidance counselors. It is a clear fact that Cottey thrives 6

7 because of the dedicated efforts of P.E.O.s. It is currently reported that the Sisterhood accounts for 80 percent of the referrals that become enrolled students. The P.E.O. Sisterhood appoints the Board of Trustees. The College has benefited from strong and effective leadership by its Board whose members bring with them a passion for engagement and a demonstrated commitment to support the College. They embrace the concept of shared governance and are supportive of academic freedom. The Board of Trustees and the College s senior leadership work compatibly in an environment of trust and mutual respect and enjoy a strong and healthy relationship. THE LOCATION OF THE COLLEGE Cottey is located in Nevada, Missouri, a peaceful, friendly county seat of approximately 9,000 residents located 75 miles south of Kansas City, MO, in the gently rolling hills of southwestern Missouri s Prairie Lands. Faculty and staff report that the quality of life is high and that the cost of living is low. The community enjoys multiple civic, cultural, and social opportunities. Nevada has an active arts community, with a theater, a community choir, citywide mural projects, art exhibits featuring the work of area artists, and outstanding parks and golf courses. These activities are enhanced by lecture and artist series, which bring well-known speakers, entertainers, and performances to the College and the community. The Cottey campus has grown from a small three-block, three-building institution to a campus that now occupies 15 buildings covering more than 11 city blocks. In addition, Cottey owns a 33-acre wooded recreational area and lodge, located near the campus, along with an historic and well-maintained president s home a few blocks away. A new fine arts building was dedicated in September ENROLLMENT In the fall of 2015, Cottey enrolled 326 students, who represent 43 states and 25 countries. The average ACT is 22.7 and the GPA is Among the students, there are about 25 percent who are minorities, including students from the following ethnic/racial groups: Black, American Indian, Asian, Hispanic, Non Resident Alien, and Native Hawaii/Pacific Islander. Few small colleges are so geographically or racially/ethnically diverse. 7

8 At its highest enrollment, Cottey College had over 400 students in The goal in recent years has been 350, and progress has been made. The new strategic plan has a goal of 500 for this baccalaureate institution. Several changes have been made at Cottey College that bode well for reaching this goal: (1) baccalaureate programs have been added, and more are scheduled; (2) sports basketball, softball, volleyball and cross country/track--are four already established and others will be added; (3) there is heightened awareness that increased marketing and recruitment in Missouri and neighboring states is an untapped opportunity; (4) there is now the potential for transfer students from community and technical colleges for degree completion options, and (5) greater attention is being given to retention. INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT When Cottey College s recent comprehensive campaign A Defining Moment, was completed in early 2014, the ambitious goal of $35M was exceeded and a total of $40,420,737 had been raised. The campaign priorities were funded as shown below: Scholarship Endowment $11.95M Faculty Chairs 1.8M Fine Arts Instructional Building 10.1M Library Enhancements 800,000 Unrestricted Funding 12.67M The gift summary for the past five years is shown below: $1,102, ,276, ,141, ,265, ,011,439 As of , there were 8,646 alumnae and 12.83% were donors. Over the past five years, alumnae participation has ranged between 10.15% and 15.8% with totals gift totals from $224,571 to $969,226. The P.E.O. organization, Cottey s owner and largest supporter, provided annual funds ranging from $1,102,578 to $3,265,081. Because of the generosity of chapters and members of the organization, Cottey is in the position of having a beautiful campus, handsome buildings, a fine endowment, and no debt. Few institutions can compare with this enviable scenario. While Cottey has been fortunate to have such support, it has meant that many presumed funding from other sources was not needed. That is changing as some aspects of fundraising to 8

9 P.E.O. chapters and members are being evaluated by the organization. The bright spot for Cottey is that it has the opportunity to develop its fundraising programs for alumnae, parents, friends, corporations, and foundations, as most other colleges and universities do. These options are largely unexplored and the next VPIA will be a leader in the plan for fundraising for Cottey College. THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Working in partnership with new President Dr. Jann Weitzel and the President s Council, the VPIA will provide leadership in the Office of Advancement to attract resources that enable Cottey to meet its educational and institutional goals. The Vice President for Institutional Advancement will join an experienced and dedicated staff of four administrative staff and four support staff who are responsible for fundraising, annual fund and alumnae affairs, and college relations. It is expected that, working with Cottey s constituencies, the VPIA will provide outstanding leadership for personnel and budgets and will develop a plan and initiate strategies to meet the fundraising goals by providing stewardship of current donors, identifying potential donors, effectively soliciting both new and established friends of Cottey College, and maintaining appropriate records. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: A bachelor s degree from a regionally-accredited university is required; a master s degree is preferred Three years of increasingly responsible and successful leadership in advancement and college relations A commitment to women s higher education and leadership DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Ability to be an effective team-oriented leader, capable of motivating staff and promoting the College with faculty, students, and other administrators Knowledge of principles and practices of business administration including public relations, communications, general accounting Skill in program planning and development Knowledge of charitable estate and tax planning Knowledge of office procedures and business operating systems 9

10 Ability to demonstrate appropriate methods and means of dealing with human behavior situations in a variety of business circumstances Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, to a diverse range of audiences and settings Ability to persuade and negotiate Ability to assess operational programs and staffing Ability to identify and solve administrative problems Ability to work long hours under stressful conditions Ability to delegate responsibility while achieving results through subordinates APPLICATION PROCEDURES The search committee will review applications early in November 2015 to select semi-finalists and will conduct neutral-site interviews in Kansas City, Missouri, in mid-november. Finalists will be invited to campus in December and an appointment is expected soon thereafter. While applications will be accepted until a new VPIA is selected, interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials by November 5, To apply, candidates should submit a letter of interest addressing the ways in which they meet the qualifications and desired characteristics. Applications should include a current resume and a list of five professional references with addresses and telephone numbers. References will not be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate. Send materials as an attachment in Word and addressed to: CotteyVPIA@academic-search.com. Assisting in the search is: Dr. Wanda Durrett Bigham, Senior Consultant Academic Search, Inc. wdb@academic-search.com (334) NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY Cottey College is committed to providing equal opportunity to its students and employees in all aspects of campus life. The College does not unlawfully discriminate in educational programs, recruitment and admissions of applicants, school-administrated activities or programs, or employment opportunities, policies, or practices on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law. In addition, and in accordance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Cottey College does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs, schooladministrated activities or programs, or employment opportunities, policies, or practices. 10