For Christ and His Kingdom

Transcription

1 For Christ and His Kingdom Provost Search 2015

2 Wheaton College Profile Wheaton College was chartered as a four-year, distinctively Christian college in 1860 in what are now the western suburbs of Chicago. Led by its first president, Jonathan Blanchard, a staunch abolitionist who had previously served as president of Knox College, Wheaton enrolled the first African-American student in the state of Illinois in 1866, having endowed a scholarship to aid African-American students in honor of the martyred abolitionist, Elijah P. Lovejoy. Wheaton also began as the first fully co-educational college in Illinois, graduating its first female student in Designed from the very beginning to serve both the church and society For Christ and His Kingdom, Wheaton has remained committed for over a century and a half to providing a residential, co-educational, Christian liberal arts education that combines academic rigor and evangelical theological orthodoxy. Wheaton s Mission At its core, Wheaton is a missional institution. Among the large number of liberal arts colleges that began as Christian institutions and even the much smaller number for which that Christian identity remains central to institutional life and polity, Wheaton is distinctive not only for its high academic standards and achievement but also for the seriousness with which it pursues its Christian identity. Wheaton s mission statement expresses the stable and enduring identity of the College its reason for existence and its desire to serve society and the church. All the purposes, goals, and activities of the College are guided by this mission: Wheaton College serves Jesus Christ and advances His Kingdom through excellence in liberal arts and graduate programs that educate the whole person to build the church and benefit society worldwide. Wheaton s motto expresses its commitment to do all things For Christ and His Kingdom (Christo et Regno Ejus). This combination of academic excellence and Christian commitment distinguishes Wheaton in the landscape of liberal arts institutions in the United States.

3 Wheaton s Educational Programs Committed to the principle that truth is revealed by God through Christ "in Whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," Wheaton College seeks to relate Christian liberal arts education to the needs of contemporary society. The curricular approach is designed to combine faith and learning in order to produce a biblical perspective needed to relate Christian experience to the demands of those needs. The College offers undergraduate programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Music Education degrees. Graduate degree programs are offered leading to Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Master of Arts in Teaching, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.). The College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, as well as by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE); the Doctor of Psychology program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association. The College is also a member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Wheaton s Resources Guided by its mission, Wheaton has been blessed with substantial resources with which to accomplish its goals: outstanding students, distinguished faculty and dedicated staff, strong financial assets, support from engaged alumni and other constituencies, and excellent physical facilities. Outstanding Students: By every available measure, Wheaton s undergraduate students are among the most academically gifted in the nation. With an average incoming SAT score over 1300 and an average ACT score at nearly 30, the composition of Wheaton s freshmen classes places it within the top 25 of all liberal arts colleges and significantly above the averages of the next-highest CCCU institution. Wheaton students come from all 50 states and more than 50 other countries with only 21% residing in Illinois at the time of admission. One quarter of the 2014 entering class of undergraduate and graduate students were international or non-white U.S. nationals.

4 Wheaton students tend to thrive in Wheaton s curricular and co-curricular programs and to succeed post-graduation. Wheaton s freshman-to-sophomore retention rate of 94-95% and a six-year graduation rate of 86-90% place Wheaton among the strongest colleges and universities in the country. Wheaton graduates also maintain exemplary records of postbaccalaureate employment and success in pursuing graduate and professional education and in long-term professional outcomes. As an example, Wheaton ranks in the top 20 of all schools nationally in the percentage of alumni who earn doctorates in academic disciplines, while 65% of Wheaton alumni report pursuing graduate-level study within 10 years of graduation. For the past three years, Wheaton s PsyD students have had a 100% placement rate in their professional internships, far beyond the national average for comparable programs. Similarly, Wheaton s PhD graduates in Biblical and Theological Studies have had remarkable success publishing their dissertations and obtaining academic and ministry positions worldwide upon graduation. Distinguished Faculty: Wheaton attracts an exceptional faculty and maintains an 11.3/1 student-faculty ratio. Over 80% of all student credit hours are taught by permanent faculty. Of Wheaton s 205 full-time faculty members, 97% hold doctorates and/or the terminal degree within their discipline, and nearly 10% are in endowed or distinguished chairs. Wheaton faculty members maintain a commitment to teach and mentor their students as the core of their professional life. At the same time, they are productive scholars and active institutional citizens. Most take leadership positions within their churches and professional organizations and endeavor to serve the church and society through their service as teacherscholars. A strong majority of Wheaton faculty members retire having served at least several decades at the College.

5 Financial Assets: With an endowment in excess of $400 million dollars, a healthy balance sheet, consistently full undergraduate enrollment and loyal donor support, the College has routinely had balanced budgets with strong operating margins. While Wheaton has not been immune to the financial stresses common in higher education today, its conservative financial management has enabled it to retain an Aa3 bond rating that is significantly stronger than comparable Christian liberal arts colleges. Wheaton is well positioned to continue to strengthen its academic programs while retaining a high level of affordability. Wheaton s constituents support the College faithfully with contributions to the annual Wheaton Fund and involvement in two successful capital campaigns in recent years: the $157 million New Century Challenge and the $260 million Promise of Wheaton. It is notable that Wheaton s current $175 million capital campaign, From the Heart, For the Kingdom, represents four strategic funding priorities ( Strategic-Priorities) that are almost entirely directed toward Wheaton s academic mission: Globalize a Wheaton Education Deepen Ethnic Diversity Promote Liberal Arts Excellence Enhance Music and the Performing Arts As a result of Wheaton s strong resources and its firm commitment to its mission, the College has received commendations in numerous national rankings of colleges and universities, typically at the very top of CCCU institutions included within those rankings. Wheaton places 56 th in U.S. News and World Report rankings of national liberal arts colleges, 26th in Kiplinger s Best Values in Liberal Arts Colleges, and 75 th of 650 in the Princeton Review or Forbes. More importantly, Wheaton students overwhelmingly report in surveys such as NSSE and Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory that if they had to do it over, they would choose to enroll at Wheaton. Excellent Facilities: In 2010 the Meyer Science Center was completed and granted LEED gold status, with state of the art facilities. Currently, a new lecture hall for the Wade Center is being built in addition to three new townhouses, which will be home to 48 upperclassmen. In the past decade significant renovations have been made to several campus buildings, including

6 Adams Hall, home of the Art Department; Edman Chapel, which now houses 5,000 square feet of rehearsal space; and the fifth floor of the Billy Graham Center, now home to the Biblical and Theological Studies Department. All 114 regularly scheduled classrooms and labs have Smart technologies installed, as well as all auditoriums and most public meeting rooms. Three classrooms provide fully interactive teleconferencing and lecture-capture support for remote locations. Wheaton s FUTURE At the same time that Wheaton is committed to maintain its historical identity as a residential Christian liberal arts college, it is also challenged by new concerns that will provide leadership opportunities for a new Provost and his or her administrative team. Three central challenges have emerged. General Education Reform: Wheaton is implementing a new general education curriculum, Christ at the Core ( in Fall The result of over five years of effort, the curriculum passed with near-unanimous faculty support and the pledge of significant institutional resources. Christ at the Core strengthens Wheaton s unwavering commitment to the liberal arts and provides a compelling curricular vision for students and faculty. Key features of the new curriculum are: Developmental approach to the integration of faith and learning Deeper emphasis on vocation in the curriculum Flexibility for students and faculty, which fosters innovation More opportunities for interdisciplinary and team-taught courses The curriculum combines a shared core of courses with an outcomes-oriented set of thematic courses that replace Wheaton s previous distribution requirements. Over the next three years the faculty will implement innovative course options capturing the vision of Christ at the Core. Graduate Education: As a Carnegie Baccalaureate Arts & Sciences institution, Wheaton historically has focused on undergraduate education. Since 1937, however, Wheaton has also been committed to graduate education that supports the church and the mission of the College. Currently, Wheaton has 15 programs at the MA level and two doctoral programs. In recent years, the College has faced increasing pressure on graduate enrollments and is taking steps to address the need for more flexible delivery methods and a curriculum that addresses the needs of the contemporary church. In addition, Wheaton has created a new graduate mission statement, a new administrative and faculty governance structure, and a comprehensive planning initiative. One of the challenges will be to creatively and effectively incorporate online technologies with Wheaton s continuing focus on face-to-face instruction.

7 Capital Campaign From the Heart, For the Kingdom: A significant amount of academic and administrative planning is focused on the programmatic implications of the capital campaign. The Conservatory of Music has long needed new studio and performance facilities, making the current efforts a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The implications of a more globalized curriculum and the budgetary implications of the new core curriculum also provide creative opportunities for the college and its administrative team.

8 The Opportunity Wheaton College seeks an exceptional academic leader who will champion and advance its academic mission of providing excellent liberal arts and graduate education in the evangelical Protestant tradition. The Provost is a Vice Presidential level position, reporting to the President. The Provost oversees all aspects of the academic division of the college, which in addition to the faculty currently includes admissions, the Billy Graham Center for Evangelism, global and experiential learning, institutional research and academic support (including ROTC), and library and archives. Characteristics The ideal candidate will be: A Mature Christian who Demonstrates a vibrant Christian faith rooted in the evangelical Protestant movement, expressed in his or her character, personal life, church involvement, and in scholarly and professional activity. Affirms a full and unwavering commitment to and enthusiasm for Wheaton s Statement of Faith ( Purpose), its Preamble, and the Community Covenant ( Wheaton/Community-Covenant). Astutely engages with the theological issues of the day; comfortable with nuance and complexity while holding fast to essentials of the evangelical expression of the Protestant faith. Relates with humble confidence to the global evangelical spectrum, to those of other theological traditions, and to those of other faiths or secular beliefs. A Visionary Academic Leader who Fully embraces the ethos and identity of the College; is willing and able to serve effectively as one of its primary representatives to both internal and external constituencies--through effective speaking and excellent writing.

9 Engages creatively with the changing environment of higher education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, cultivating forward thinking in all academic programs and promoting excellence in general education. Fosters institutional engagement with global issues and an aptitude for shaping academic programs that develop students in their responsibilities as local and global citizens. Creates and sustains, in collaboration with others, a strategic academic vision that establishes direction, aligns people, and motivates and inspires them to achieve excellence. Demonstrates strong insight and experience in the integration of faith, life, and learning, not only in his or her own academic field but also in relation to the full spectrum of humanities, arts, and sciences. Possesses an earned doctorate in a liberal arts discipline from a respected academic institution. Demonstrates academic accomplishments worthy of tenure as a full professor in an appropriate academic department, and a record of vital engagement in and energetic dedication to the life of the mind. A Skilled Administrator who Has a clear record of administrative experience and success, preferably in a liberal arts setting, exemplifying the ideal of an empathetic, servant leader to faculty, staff, and students. Is committed to and has successful experience in recruiting, retaining, and supporting an excellent and diverse faculty. Encourages collaborative and collegial working relationships among faculty and among staff; relates easily to a broad spectrum of people and values a diverse workplace. Skillfully handles conflict by being scrupulously fair, hearing all sides before making a decision, and is able to accept and respond to criticism with graciousness and without defensiveness. Is experienced in budgetary procedures, in securing and allocating resources, in long range planning, and in program evaluation.

10 Is experienced in making difficult decisions and implementing them with sensitivity toward those involved. Is highly dedicated to the role, demonstrating a capacity for hard work. Responsibilities & Duties Responsible to the President as the Chief Academic Officer of Wheaton College, the Provost is the leader and advocate for Wheaton s academic mission and represents that mission to the College s various publics. The Provost will be expected to: Administer the academic programs and personnel of the College through the Deans of Natural and Social Sciences; Arts, Media and Communication; Humanities and Theological Studies; Global and Experiential Learning; and the Graduate School; and through the Directors of Institutional Research and Academic Support (including ROTC); the Billy Graham Center for Evangelism; the Library and Archives; Undergraduate Admissions; Faith & Learning; and Core Curriculum Studies. Advocate for and allocate academic resources to achieve the institutional mission and divisional goals. Develop, implement, and evaluate policies on the hiring, compensation, evaluation, assignment, promotion, tenure, discipline or dismissal, retirement, and general welfare of all academic personnel. Directly or by delegation, develop, implement, and evaluate academic plans, programs, policies, curricula, and budgets to foster excellence in all academic programs and personnel. Serve on the Senior Administrative Cabinet and meet with faculty committees as appropriate. Provide to the President and Trustees an Annual Report on academic affairs, as well as other reports and studies as may be requested and appropriate. Provide information to other groups or agencies on the academic affairs of the College.

11 Represent the College effectively to its various publics and constituencies. Chair Faculty Business Meetings as the designee of the President. Call and chair regularly scheduled meetings of academic administrators. At the direction of the President, support the Board of Trustees and its relevant committees. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Ph.D. in an academic discipline. Experience in academic administration. Teaching experience and scholarly reputation. Proven leadership, administrative, and managerial skills. Applications & Nominations Applications and expressions of interest will be accepted and held confidentially until the position is filled, but those received by October 1, 2015 will be given full consideration. Inquiries, applications and nominations for the position should be directed to CarterBaldwin Executive Search. Applicants must submit a letter of interest and curriculum vitae to: WheatonCollegeProvost@carterbaldwin.com or CONTACT: Price Harding Partner pharding@carterbaldwin.com Debby White, Ph.D. Consultant dwhite@carterbaldwin.com