VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

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1 VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Colorado Mesa University (CMU) invites applications and nominations for its chief academic officer, Vice President of Academic Affairs. The VPAA will assume office in July 2016 or as soon thereafter as feasible. ABOUT COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY Founded in 1925, Colorado Mesa University is a comprehensive regional public higher education institution offering liberal arts, professional, and technical programs at the doctoral, master, bachelor, associate, and certificate levels. CMU takes great pride in providing educational opportunities and tools that help students succeed in today's complex and interconnected world. The focus is on providing rigorous academic programs, built on a strong liberal arts core that support students' interests and regional employment needs, as well as technical programs that respond to workforce demands. CMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

2 Students Colorado Mesa University served more than 10,660 students in the academic year with more than 13 percent of the university's student body coming from outside Colorado. The current student population is 53.5 percent female, 46.5 percent male, and 28.6 percent from traditionally underrepresented groups. The vast majority of students, 78.8 percent, are traditional-aged students and 80 percent of all students are enrolled in full-time study. Many students attend college while also working and caring for families, and Colorado Mesa is proud to offer evening, online and distance education classes that enable non-traditional and working students the opportunity to further their educational attainment and advance in their professions. Academic Programs The core of the university is the 295 full-time academic and technical faculty members and a team of more than 180 carefully selected part-time scholars and professionals from thirteen departments, including: Art and Design Biological Sciences Business Computer Science, Math and Statistics Health Sciences Kinesiology Languages, Literature and Mass Communication Mechanical Engineering Music Physical and Environmental Sciences Social and Behavioral Sciences Teacher Education Theatre Arts The faculty create an environment designed to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas. In addition to teaching, professors serve as academic advisors and collaborate with hundreds of students each year in challenging undergraduate research programs, an experience often found only in graduate programs. Campuses Colorado Mesa's main campus encompasses 86 acres in the heart of Grand Junction, Colorado. Nestled between mountains and high-desert canyons, the area is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the country and enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year. The Tilman M. Bishop Campus is the result of a partnership of the University, Mesa County Valley School District 51, and area businesses and is the main site of Colorado Mesa s vocational and technical programs at its two-year division, Western Colorado Community College. The programs at the Bishop Campus serve the technical education needs of both college and area high school students. 2

3 Located at the base of the beautiful San Juan Mountains, the Montrose Campus of Colorado Mesa provides access to a variety of associate and bachelor degree programs in a scenic, smaller community campus setting. Athletics Colorado Mesa University has a strong winning tradition as a member of the NCAA Division II and Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The Mavericks have more than 80 conference and regional titles. Currently 24 Colorado Mesa teams compete in intercollegiate varsity sports. CMU offers more than 660 student-athletes the opportunity to earn a degree while competing at a top Division II institution. CMU boasts some of the finest facilities in the conference in its recently renovated athletic offices, field house, practice fields, and El Pomar Natatorium. Institutional Mission Statement Committed to a personal approach, Colorado Mesa University is a dynamic learning environment that offers abundant opportunities for students and the larger community to grow intellectually, professionally, and personally. By celebrating exceptional teaching, academic excellence, scholarly and creative activities, and by encouraging diversity, critical thinking and social responsibility, CMU advances the common good of Colorado and beyond. Statutory Role and Mission Colorado Mesa University serves the citizens of Colorado, in general, with a specific emphasis on increasing the level of educational attainment of residents in western Colorado. Colorado Mesa University s mission, established by the Colorado Legislature, is contained in Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) : "There is hereby established a college in Grand Junction, to be known as Colorado Mesa University, which shall be a general baccalaureate and graduate institution with selective admission standards. Colorado Mesa University shall offer liberal arts and sciences, professional and technical degree programs and a limited number of graduate programs. Colorado Mesa University shall also maintain a community college role and mission, including career and technical education programs. Colorado Mesa University shall receive resident credit for two-year course offerings in its commission-approved service area. Colorado Mesa University shall also serve as a regional education provider." In accomplishing its mission, the commission-approved (CDHE) service areas are: For its role as a baccalaureate and graduate institution the entire State of Colorado. For its role as a community college Mesa, Delta, Montrose, San Miguel, and Ouray Counties. (The University cooperates with Adams State College in providing two-year programs for Gunnison and Hinsdale Counties.) For its role providing vocational programs - Mesa County. 3

4 ABOUT THE COMMUNITY AND REGION Located in the beautiful high-desert country of western Colorado at the base of the world s largest flattop mountain, Colorado Mesa University is surrounded by areas that provide unmatched opportunity for exploration. Outdoor recreational activities range from mountain biking to whitewater rafting to alpine skiing-and much more. With mountains on one side and high-desert canyons on the other, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Grand Junction is more than just an outdoor paradise. With an area population exceeding 145,000, one may enjoy the amenities of a big city without the hassles of heavy traffic, crowded streets or hectic airports. The city and valley have a strong sense of community and provide numerous forms of entertainment. Throughout the year there are a wide range of festivals to celebrate life in western Colorado. From orchards and vineyards to an active downtown lifestyle to outdoor adventures, life in the Grand Valley only enhances Colorado Mesa University s work-hard play-hard attitude. LEADERSHIP AGENDA FOR A NEW VPAA Reporting directly to the president and serving as a key member of the president s cabinet, the VPAA is the chief academic officer of the university with responsibility for the development, growth, and quality of all academic programs and related support functions. The VPAA is responsible for the articulation of an academic vision, leadership in academic strategic planning, the development and administration of academic budgets, and the advancement of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. CMU has developed the following agenda that will capitalize on decisive, creative, and insightful academic leadership: Promoting a Strong Academic Program CMU seeks a dynamic, approachable, and visionary leader committed to the strategic direction of its academic programs. The VPAA will play a pivotal role in engaging a passionate university 4

5 community. The person must be able to understand and apply data analysis to make strategic decisions, increase student success, improve the quality of the institution, and adapt to a changing environment. The VPAA should engage in transparent leadership that fosters a strong sense of trust and respect from faculty, staff, administration, and students, cultivating and empowering leadership at the department level. He or she will engage the academic community on a wide range of educational issues, including recent curricular changes in the context of Essential Learning (general education reform), a challenging graduation rate of 32%, and the enhancement and support of international programs. The VPAA will also develop and support online learning and distance education, articulate the relationship between the community college and the mission and structure of CMU, support the teacher-scholar model, and promote and encourage interdisciplinary cooperation across programs. The VPAA serves as a bridge between faculty and all other CMU constituencies, advocating for the centrality of the academic program while working to further integrate all campus communities. Meeting the Challenges of Rapid Growth Colorado Mesa has experienced tremendous growth under the leadership of the current administration over the last decade. While many institutions would envy the issues that come with increasing student enrollment, the VPAA will be asked to manage that growth in the face of stagnant, if not declining state support. The VPAA will grapple with providing sufficient academic resources to support the increased enrollment while maintaining high standards and to bolster staff and faculty morale in an environment where they are asked to do more with less. Leading in an Innovative and Fast Paced Environment CMU is characterized by an environment that rewards innovation and data-driven risk taking. Once decisions are made, the institution moves quickly to the implementation stage. The flat organizational structure, without a layer of deans, enables fast-paced change, and the VPAA will play a key role in leading this process. He or she will have the opportunity to foster change while weighing the gains and limitations of proposals, whether ideas come from the top down or the bottom up. Practicing Good Management Just as important as providing strong vision and leadership for the academic programs is instituting sound management practices around the office of the VPAA. He or she will operate in an environment where thirteen department heads directly report to the VPAA. In addition, there are ten directors representing a diverse group of entities such as the library, assessment, registrar, sponsored programs, distance learning, institutional research, and academic advising. While these programs require resources and management, the actual office of the VPAA is relatively small, consisting of two Assistant Vice Presidents and a small office staff. 5

6 Desired Attributes for the Next VPAA The successful VPAA will be: QUALIFICATIONS A quick study who is at his or her best leading in a fast-paced environment; A transparent and confident data-driven decision maker who builds consensus, makes difficult choices, and communicates decisions with clarity and care; A person of proven leadership who inspires trust and confidence within the university community; An individual who provides visionary strategic thinking and planning skills; A student of higher education, knowledgeable about key issues affecting public universities and liberal education nationally; A politically savvy leader who is adept at navigating complex situations; A person who has an enthusiastic campus presence and engages actively in a living-learning community of faculty, students and staff; Someone with an understanding and appreciation of interdisciplinary and integrative collaboration in teaching, research, and creative activities; A leader who strongly values faculty teaching and scholarship and seeks new and creative ways to continue to attract, support, and retain high quality faculty; A person of financial acumen who aids the university in matching aspirations with finite resources while thinking creatively about alternative revenue streams; A strong manager and superb administrator who fosters collaboration and seeks the best from an evolving leadership team; A person of global perspective with demonstrated success in championing diversity in its many forms; A superb listener and communicator, at ease in a multitude of settings with multiple constituencies, and possessing a genuine affection for the academy. Minimum Requirements In addition to the aforementioned desired attributes, the successful candidate will possess an earned terminal degree and significant and progressive experience in academic administration. APPLICATION AND NOMINATION PROCESS The search is being assisted by Academic Search, Inc. For a confidential discussion of this position prior to applying or nominating, contact Dr. Tom Fitch at rtf@academic-search.com. The position will remain open until filled, but only applications received by midnight (Eastern Time) on December 1, 2015, can be assured full consideration. The new VPAA will ideally assume this position in July Application materials should consist of a curriculum vitae or resume, a substantive cover letter addressing qualifications listed above, and a list of at least five references with contact information, 6

7 none of whom will be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate. All application materials must be submitted electronically to Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff, and student body. For more than three decades, Academic Search has offered executive search services exclusively to institutions of higher education. Academic Search was founded on the principle of strengthening higher education leadership through professional search services. We are the only search firm in the nation with a formal relationship to a premier leadership development program. As the subsidiary of the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI), Academic Search provides substantial financial support to a number of leadership identification, development, and support programs across all sectors of public and private higher education. For more information, visit 7