Dean of the School of Adult Learning North Park University Chicago, IL Click Here To Apply
Dean of the School of Adult Learning North Park University POSITION PROFILE and ANNOUNCEMENT North Park University invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the School of Adult Learning. THE UNIVERSITY North Park University claims a rich and substantial history, one which over many years has shaped the institution that exists today. Students experience a strong and lasting heritage of faith, a tradition of 115 years of education in the city of Chicago, and a diverse population with classroom colleagues from myriad cultures, social traditions, and faith experiences Founded in 1891 North Park University is a medium-size comprehensive university located on the north side of Chicago. Established by the Evangelical Covenant Church, the university s mission and identity is faithaffirming while welcoming students from all or no faith traditions and fosters a commitment to bring faith, learning, and service to bear on its mission to prepare students for lives of significance and service. Total student enrollment is 3300, with 1900 full-time undergraduates. The student composition at all levels is increasingly diverse in culture. Over 25% of first-year undergraduates are Latino and 63% of first-year undergraduates come from within 50 miles of the campus. The University recently completed the largest fundraising campaign in the school s history, surpassing a goal of $57 million to reach total gifts of $63 million. The central focus of the campaign was funding for the $45 million Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, completed in summer 2014. The University draws heavily in all of its academic programs on the resources of its location in the heart of the global city of Chicago. Our aspiration for graduates of North Park identifies this commitment: Founded in faith and guided by Christian mission, North Park University adopts Chicago as classroom to prepare a new generation of global leaders, committed through personal faith and professional expertise to advancing the health and vitality of the world s people and their cities. For more information about North Park University visit www.northpark.edu. 2 Page
School of Adult Learning The School of Adult Learning (SAL) program extends the mission of North Park University to adults by helping them complete their undergraduate or graduate degree with an education in the liberal arts. For over 20 years, the School of Adult Learning has provided a supportive Christian environment that calls forth a lively interest in learning, a sense of personal wholeness, ethical servant leadership in the workplace, and responsible citizenship in the world. Enrollment in the School of Adult Learning is broadly diverse and is increasing in online students. The School of Adult Learning offers the following seven major areas providing a broad range of bachelor degrees. They are: Business Administration Church and Ministry Management Counseling Psychology Criminal Justice Management Information Systems Non Profit Management Organizational Management and Leadership The School of Adult Learning is committed to working together with our students to empower them to achieve their academic and professional goals. We understand the challenges of working adult students and have developed our course curricula, scheduling and formatting to address their needs. The School of Adult Learning significantly impacts the lives of our students. Every graduation is a joyful celebration especially understanding the personal challenges that students have overcome, and it's a reminder of why we love the work that we're doing. The School of Adult Learning is now at an exciting time in its growth. Over the years we have created a strong academic and operational foundation, and we're now looking towards the future and the further development of the School of Adult Learning's great potential. THE LOCATION Located in Chicago, North Park University differentiates itself as being an integral part of the city. Accordingly, North Park assumes an enormous responsibility: to prepare students for lives of significance and service in tomorrow s cities. Very little happens around the globe which is not shaped, most significantly, by urban systems whether economic, political, cultural, financial, social, educational, medical, or religious. Today, more than ever, cities shape the world. 3 Page
North Park University is urban by choice. Located within one of the largest and most thriving metropolitan areas of the world, at North Park we claim that Chicago is our classroom and all Chicagoans are our teachers. We engage Chicago as a dynamic place of learning and service, drawing upon the extraordinary educational assets of a world-class city while preserving our character as a mid-size comprehensive university. Student learning at North Park is enhanced by the University s distinctive partnerships with civic, business, educational, religious, and cultural institutions and organizations throughout the city, inclusive of the city s global and multinational population. UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP Dr. David Parkyn, President President Parkyn s passions for teaching and administration are evidenced by his thirty year career at several colleges and universities. From 1979 to 1981, he was instructor of religion and philosophy and director of religious life at Endicott College (Beverly, Mass.). In 1981, he was named assistant professor of religious studies at Messiah College, where he would remain for 23 years in various roles including associate professor, professor, director of general education and assessment, vice president for planning and executive assistant to the president, and senior vice president. In 2004, he moved to Elizabethtown College (Elizabethtown, Penn.) to assume the position of provost and senior vice president until his call to North Park University in 2006. President Parkyn has dedicated his professional career to teaching undergraduates and leading institutions of higher learning. He earned a bachelor of arts from Messiah College (Grantham, Penn.), a master of divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (South Hamilton, Mass.), and a doctor of philosophy from Boston College (Chestnut Hill, Mass.). He also completed post-graduate study at both Boston College and Harvard University (Cambridge, Mass.). DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF ADULT LEARNING The Dean reports directly to the Provost of the university; leads all aspects of the School of Adult Learning (SAL) in cooperation with the appropriate institutional academic and administrative leaders. The Dean also serves on the Deans Council; represents the school to the senior administration and university faculty; explores and implements new initiatives; develops and encourages the team of staffers who implement the adult learning program and works collaboratively with them. The Dean has Academic Administrative Faculty status. 4 Page
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES In providing leadership for the School of Adult Learning, the Dean will: Collaborate with administrators and other deans to advance the university s mission; Develop and implement program goals and strategic plans; Supervise and evaluate faculty and staff members in the SAL and oversee their professional development; Act as liaison to other campus offices on behalf of SAL students; Recruit faculty and staff for SAL in cooperation with appropriate faculty, staff, and administrators, including the provost; Supervise the revision and expansion of the curriculum in cooperation with the appropriate faculty, including the addition of new major programs and teaching sites; Oversee planning of scheduled course offerings; Supervise the evaluation of the curriculum and instruction, including face-to-face and online courses, and prior learning assessment, assuring quality control and academic rigor; Prepare and manage the school budget; Take leadership role for SAL marketing; work together with Marketing office to secure advertising, develop marketing strategy to enhance recruitment and enrollment of SAL students; Represent and advocate for the mission of the SAL as an integral part of the university, with administration and university faculty; Build strategic relationships with community, civic, and industry groups outside of the university; and Oversee all accreditation and approval processes for degrees and programs within SAL. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS Strong candidates for this position will demonstrate a deep commitment to the particular mission of North Park University; be an articulate spokesperson for the University s special interests in how faith, location, and people make a difference in student learning; and ascribe to and champion the University s aspiration for her graduates to advance the health and vitality of the world s people and their cities, with attention specifically focused on adult learners. 5 Page
Essential qualifications and experiences include: Appreciation for, commitment to, and ability to effectively articulate the institutional mission and philosophy of Christian higher education; Christian in faith and action; Terminal degree from an accredited university; Scholarly activity commensurate with appointment as Associate Professor or Professor; Evidence of successful teaching, scholarship, and service (to academia and to the profession); Experience in teaching adult/nontraditional students and conversant with experiential learning theory; Skills in organizational management, communication, and program promotion, as well as evidence of goal-oriented performance; Record of innovative program development; Excellent interpersonal and team skills; Demonstrated ability in program and curriculum design and evaluation; understanding of online and blended delivery modes; Experience with accreditation processes; Membership and participation in organizations consonant with professional responsibilities; Participatory and consensus building management style balanced with decisiveness; Visionary, self-starter with a high energy level and proactive approach; Consistent record of truthfulness, fulfilling commitments, meeting deadlines, and maintaining confidences appropriately; Handles personnel affairs in an effective and professional manner, treats others fairly and is diversity sensitive; Viewed by others as a good listener, mentor, and team builder; and Technological competency. 6 Page
OPPORTUNITIES There are myriad career opportunities that cross the path of experienced professionals in higher education. The Dean of the School of Adult Learning at North Park University falls into that selective number of distinctive and highly desirable positions that offer growth, challenges, and opportunities inside a vibrant and dynamic setting. Consider the following: Be part of a university with a distinctive urban identity, rooted in faith and guided by Christian mission. Contribute actively to charting the University s future as part of the academic leadership team. Collaborate with and lead a dynamic faculty, holding a common commitment to educating students to advance the health and vitality of the world s people and their cities. Work in a growth environment with a track record of success and accomplishment. Live in the global city of Chicago. COMPENSATION Compensation will correspond to the experience and credentials of the candidate, and will reflect the senior leadership responsibilities of the position. Reasonable relocation assistance to the Chicago area will be provided. 7 Page
NOMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS EFL Associates, an executive search firm, is assisting the North Park University with its search for this important position. All calls, nominations, and inquiries should be made through the search firm. Applications should include: A letter of introduction outlining the applicant s background, and qualifications for the position. (This letter should specifically address the leadership attributes and professional competencies for this position.) Curriculum vitae/résumé. Contact information (e-mail addresses are required) for five professional references, at least one of which is a person who has reported directly to you, a second who is a colleague, and a third who is an individual to whom the applicant has reported directly. All documents should be submitted electronically in PDF format to: https://highereddecisions.com/efl/current_vacancies.asp Confidential Inquiries and Nominations can be directed to: Jan M. Asnicar Senior Vice President/Managing Director Higher Education Practice EFL Associates Office: 913-234-1561 Cell: 913-339-8928 jasnicar@eflassociates.com www.eflassociates.com/highered North Park University is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, or status a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran. http://www.northpark.edu/ 8 Page