VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND SUCCESS TEXAS A&M-CORPUS CHRISTI THE OPPORTUNITY Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (A&M-Corpus Christi) announces a national search for a Vice President for Student Engagement and Success. The University seeks an accomplished individual who can provide visionary leadership for an integrated program of student engagement and success that will lead to exemplary student success measured by high retention and graduation rates. As the chief student affairs and student success officer at A&M-Corpus Christi, the Vice President is responsible for a multi-faceted student engagement and success division while also serving as a key member of the institution s senior administrative team. A commitment to intellectual and professional excellence, a passion for inclusivity and diversity, a responsibility of service to others, a deep and abiding respect for human dignity, and an appreciation for the transformative power of education are hallmarks of the University experience. The new Vice President is expected to assume office on or about July 1, 2012. The Vice President provides executive leadership to all division operations, including career services, disability services, recreational sports, the university center, student activities, judicial affairs, the counseling center, the health center and student housing. The Vice President oversees an operational budget of $7.9 million with 63 full time staff. Reporting directly to President Flavius Killebrew and working in close collaboration with the Provost, Dr. Christopher Markwood and other senior leaders, the Vice President for Student Engagement and Success provides leadership, vision and service to a growing campus with ambitious enrollment and student success goals. KEY ATTRACTIONS OF THE POSITION A&M-Corpus Christi, a relatively young University with a student enrollment of approximately 10,000 and 1,400 faculty and staff, is on a significant growth trajectory in terms of enrollment, undergraduate and graduate program development, educational and research facilities and other infrastructure, and external funding to support major targeted research and programmatic initiatives. Its geographic location on the Gulf of Mexico, combined with the cultural diversity of the region, provide living laboratories that cannot be artificially replicated for pursuing educational and research questions of national and international importance.
The University is located on a 240-acre island campus just eight miles from downtown Corpus Christi. Its modern facilities include over $250 million in new construction within the past five years. Corpus Christi is the largest city south of San Antonio and a coastal city, making A&M-Corpus Christi highly attractive to prospective students from throughout the region and beyond. The combination of regional demographics, the University s physical location, and its growing academic reputation and expanding array of programs bode well for sustained enrollment growth. The University enjoys strong community support, both financial and political. The city has donated land to the University and provides major financial support to the University s business incubator. Business and civic leaders regularly join forces with the region s political delegation to support the interests of the institution. A&M-Corpus Christi has in place the key elements to support its move to the next level among its peers as a major Hispanic-serving doctoral granting research university. The University s Strategic Plan: Momentum 2015 lays out a bold agenda that impacts every facet of the institution and capitalizes on its geographic and cultural location and current strengths. The institution has a history of high quality undergraduate education, and its First Year Learning Communities Program is nationally recognized. It has a highly talented faculty and a current program array of more than 30 graduate degrees, including six doctoral programs. The University has 14 NCAA Division 1 athletic teams and is a member of the Southland Conference. A&M-Corpus Christi is part of one of the nation s premier university systems. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, the institution benefits from a range of centralized resources, increased visibility and political clout, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies. THE CURRENT STRUCTURE AND OPERATION The Vice President for Student Engagement and Success (formerly the Division of Student Affairs), oversees and provides leadership for the Division of Student Engagement and Success. The Vice President will facilitate the development of strategic and operational plans for all functions within the units, institute assessment strategies, manage the budget, and provide direction for programming and services that support the University s mission. The Division of Student Engagement and Success ( Division ) is a well-integrated and highly functioning operation thanks to the superb leadership of the outgoing Vice President, Dr. Eliot Chenaux. Dr. Chenaux is retiring after serving in this role since 1991; prior to assuming the Vice President role, he served as a faculty member at the University from 1976. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Engagement and Success are the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, the Associate Dean of Students, the Director of Assessment and University Housing and the Business Manager. The staff (both professional and support staff) are well-qualified, are knowledgeable in their areas of responsibility, and are committed to serving students and the
University. Several factors account for this strength. Effective communication strategies throughout the Division have created a highly functioning and strongly cohesive team of professionals. For example, the Vice President and his direct reports meet regularly to update the Directors on items of importance from the President s Cabinet, Board of Regents, the State of Texas, University committees and to discuss issues of concern to all. A hallmark of the Division is the commitment to providing excellent staff development and training opportunities. Monthly staff development training programs include topics such as cross cultural communication, emotional intelligence, retention strategies, assistive technology and drug and alcohol prevention strategies. Substance abuse support services along with behavioral intervention services are provided through the institution s behavioral intervention team for students at risk. Although 1,500 (15%) of the current student population of approximately 10,000 students live in privatized residence halls on main campus, there is an interest in expanding the residential population among first year and undergraduate student populations to 18%, particularly since students living in housing have a higher GPA. Currently 60% of the residential population is first year students. The Division is in the process of developing a Housing Strategic Plan that will help identify housing priorities and expansion plans. The Vice President serves on the Housing Management Committee which addresses a range of issues such as enrollment, expansion and activities. The Division has created a five year strategic plan (2011 15) that lays out seven key initiatives and goals, and has begun to utilize this plan to guide key program development and budgetary priorities. The Division also periodically assesses the viability and feasibility of current programs and services, while creating new programs and services. The Division received the 2011 Ted K. Miller Award for Excellence from the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) to honor outstanding accomplishments in advancing standards of practice and quality assurance. The operating budget for the Division is $7.9 million. Although it faced numerous budget challenges this past year, it maintained fund balances, met income projections for all fees (Student Services, Recreational Sports, Health Services and the Student Center Complex fee), and all excess funds were deposited into the Student Service Fee Fund Balance, which currently has a healthy balance. A referendum to expand the University center is in motion to allow for a $26 million upgrade project, and the new Vice President is expected to oversee the expansion project. RELATIONSHIP WITH ACADEMIC AFFAIRS The Division has for many years enjoyed a strong partnership with Academic Affairs, thanks to Dr. Chenaux s ability to forge strong relationships with the faculty. The two divisions have successfully developed collaborative programs that have improved student success and retention on campus. This partnership has only strengthened with the appointment of Provost Christopher Markwood a year ago, furthering the goals for integration and leading to a name change for the Division of Student Affairs to the Division of Student Engagement and Success. Evidence of the strength of this partnership is apparent in the commitment to infuse student development initiatives into the first year programs, including the first year seminar; establishing a cocurricular transcript to assist students in understanding the value of life skills attained through
co-curricular activities; developing an academic credit-earning service learning leadership program; and enhancing current as well as developing new programs based on areas of need. A taskforce has been created to develop a comprehensive and integrated retention and student success plan that complements the University s ambitious enrollment management plan (15,000 students by 2015). Although the retention of first to second year students as well as the overall retention rate is higher than most institutions in the A&M System, a proactive and focused approach to strengthen retention and graduation rates will be necessary. Recruitment and persistence-to-degree is seen as a University-wide responsibility, but is in the forefront for both Academic Affairs and Student Engagement and Success. This is evidenced as members of the Provost s Leadership Team serve on the Student Affairs Council, and members of the Student Engagement and Success Team serve on the Provost s Leadership Team, demonstrating a clear commitment to a true partnership. The Division was very involved in the SACS/Quality Enhancement implementation during this past year. The Division partnered with Academic Affairs to plan and implement the First Year Islander (FYI) program the primary mission of this program is to transform the academic experience of first-year students through course redesign, bridge, and convocation, targeting both at-risk and the whole first year student population. A commitment to assessment is also key to the Division s effective functioning, and with the adoption of six student learning outcomes, each department will henceforth work to assess their effectiveness based on these outcomes. AN AGENDA FOR LEADERSHIP The Vice President for Student Engagement and Success must provide leadership that reflects the ideals of A&M-Corpus Christi. The successful candidate should embody those ideals and carry out her/his duties with integrity, compassion, tenacity, humor and an entrepreneurial spirit. Along with the University s significant growth in curricular offerings has come a diversification of the constituencies to be served by the Division. The new Vice President will be charged with crafting a vision for the delivery of student services that addresses the needs of a variety of students: undergraduate and graduate, residential and commuter, full- and part-time, female and male, distance learning students, traditionally college-aged and working adults. With the enrollment of Hispanic students surpassing any other ethnic group, special care and attention must be provided to support the distinctive needs of Hispanic students. In addition, the new Vice President must ensure that the needs of the academically challenged as well as the most gifted are met. While all of these groups may have disparate demands, there are clear points of intersection. A highly functioning and responsive Division can identify the common ground and then develop the systems, policies and programming necessary to meet the needs. A spirit of innovation and collaboration will be key to achieving this goal. Among the priorities for the new Vice President are to:
Manage with Skill and Care With the expanding roles and responsibilities of the Division will come a need for the next Vice President to build and retain a strong group of professional staff members with diverse skill sets and talents. It will be essential for the Vice President to maximize the abilities of the current team members while envisioning the future when opportunities for staff growth may present themselves. Establishing an esprit de corps within the division, delegating responsibility effectively and fostering the professional growth and development of the Division staff will be important. Foster Effective Relationships The Vice President for Student Engagement and Success serves all of A&M-Corpus Christi. As a member of the senior staff working closely with President Killebrew, Provost Markwood and members of the President s Cabinet, the Vice President will bring a valuable perspective to issues that affect the entire institution. Fellow administrators and faculty will welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with the new Vice President on critical issues including student recruitment, retention, sustainability and outcomes assessment. Lead with Accountability The students have endeavored to create a culture of accountability on the campus. Sustaining this sense of accountability and responsibility will be vitally important to the success of the Division s work. Moreover, students will benefit from a relationship with their Vice President built on mutual respect, trust, and shared goals. Positive working relationships will grow from authentic and transparent exchanges and will thrive in a context in which students engagement in learning is paramount. Make Excellence Inclusive The University has a highly diverse student body, faculty and staff. The campus community appreciates the value that this diversity, in its myriad forms, adds to the quality of the University experience, and in turn the value that this experience holds for the Corpus Christi community and beyond. The Vice President s responsibility for fostering an inclusive and equity minded environment, committed to excellence and success of all students, will be integral to the continued development of the campus learning environment. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND SUCCESS The new Vice President will have an unparalleled opportunity to build a vision for an evolving Division within the context of a dynamic and innovative learning community. Establishing a full understanding of A&M Corpus Christi s people and programs while embarking on an agenda for progress will be essential. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Advise the University leadership on matters concerning student affairs, student life policy and procedures, and student services and activities; Work collaboratively with the President and fellow vice presidents in setting and achieving annual strategic goals; Work effectively and creatively with Academic Affairs to identify new programs that strengthen retention and success goals; Serve as the liaison to the student affairs committees of the system wide Board of Regents; represent the Division on University-wide committees as needed; Ensure compliance with federal/state/system regulations and policies; assist with reporting to various state, federal, national and system agencies and organizations; Supervise the Division s staff members in their work to develop innovative and quality programs and policies, including the use of traditional and social media, that enhance student life and facilitate the link between formal academic learning and student life experiences; Collaborate with the academic officers, faculty, and others throughout the Division to enhance the culture of learning that extends beyond the classroom walls and into the students residential experience; Support the University s ongoing commitment to recruit and retain a diverse student body and serve as a champion for inclusive excellence; Facilitate division-wide assessment programs to demonstrate student learning, developmental outcomes, and program review. Actively engage in the University s broader planning and assessment activities; Engage with Student Government in the development of programs, plans and policies; Champion existing Islander traditions and help create new campus-wide as well as organization and division-wide traditions; Provide guidance and support to all student organizations. Work with sororities and fraternities to enrich the growth and positive development of Greek life on campus through programs and leadership opportunities; Assume a leadership role in addressing issues of concern surrounding alcohol use and the institution s educational response; Interpret University, college and division goals, policies, and procedures to various publics; Communicate effectively with students, family members, the general public, and others who contact the Division to address concerns and facilitate resolutions; Coordinate the University s response and assistance to students in crisis situations; Serve as the final appeal for the student judicial process; work effectively with the University legal counsel and Campus Safety Office on a variety of issues affecting student life; Actively recruit and assist in the continued development and implementation of the President s Ambassadors Program; Serve as senior budget officer for the Division oversee budget preparation and monitor expenditure of allocated resources; Provide a coordinating function for the Division s facilities, including renovation of existing facilities, repair and replacement of existing equipment, and program planning for new facilities.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES The successful candidate will have demonstrated a minimum of five years of experience in higher education administration with at least three years of experience at a director level or above in a student affairs-related office. The search committee seeks candidates who are creative and visionary in providing strategic planning, management of fiscal and human resources, assessment of learning outcomes and services, application of student development theory, and effective risk management and conflict resolution. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to a multicultural campus life program and experiential learning, and will exhibit the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. An earned doctorate from a regionally accredited university is required. The Vice President for Student Engagement and Success Search Committee will begin reviewing candidate materials in late March 2012. Although applications will be received until the position is filled, materials should be submitted by March 30 to receive careful consideration. Dr. Christopher Markwood is chair of the search committee, and Ms. Maya Kirkhope of Academic Search, Inc. is assisting with the search. Nominators or prospective candidates should be in contact with Maya Kirkhope via mrk@academic-search.com or (703) 380 9195. Applications should include 1) a letter of interest reflective of A&M-Corpus Christi s aforementioned opportunities for the new Vice President for Student Engagement and Success and list of desired attributes; 2) a statement of leadership philosophy; 3) a complete CV or résumé; 4) copies of transcripts for all graduate degrees; and 5) the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of five references, none of whom will be contacted without the candidate s permission. All applications will be received in full confidence and should be submitted to TAMUCCVP@academic-search.com. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is an equal opportunity employer committed to Excellence