PRESIDENT
EXECUTIVE SEARCH PROFILE THE OPPORTUNITY To lead Lewis University to its next level of financial and academic success through strategic and transformative vision, servant leadership, and the passionate articulation of its mission, vision and core values. THE UNIVERSITY Overview Lewis University is a comprehensive, coeducational, Catholic institution where the traditions of liberal learning, values and preparation for professional work come together with a synergy that gives the university its educational identity and focus. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis serves approximately 6,700 undergraduate and graduate students. Provost Inspired by its and Catholic and vice Lasallian President heritage, Lewis University for is a community academic committed to its affairs mission values of Knowledge, Fidelity, Wisdom, Justice and Association. The University prides itself on its diversity throughout the campus community. To learn more about Lewis University, please visit here. These distinctive values guide the University: Knowledge: The result of a lifelong pursuit of learning fostered through creative and critical interaction in a community of learners. Fidelity: The spirit, which recognizes God as ultimate reality, unifying the diverse forms of knowledge in the pursuit of fullness of truth, while recognizing the diversity of human experience. Wisdom: The result of the integration of reflection and action developed through higher learning throughout all of life. Justice: The affirmation of the equal dignity of every person and the promotion of personal and social responsibility. Association: A commitment to student learning, development, and success accomplished through collaboration, mutual respect, collegiality, and dedicated service in the spirit of our Catholic and Lasallian Mission. 2
MISSION Statement OF EXECUTIVE SEARCH LEWIS University PROFILE Lewis University provides to a diverse student population programs for a liberal and professional education grounded in the interaction of knowledge and fidelity in the search for truth. Lewis promotes the development of the complete person through the pursuit of wisdom and justice. Fundamental to its mission is a spirit of Association, which fosters community in all teaching, learning and service. History Founded in 1932 under the direction of the Chicago Archdiocese, the institution began as the Holy Name Technical School, a boys school with 15 students. From the beginning, Frank J. Lewis, a Chicago philanthropist and industrialist, assisted with the funding of various buildings that became the nucleus of the University. Aviation technology courses were selected as the special emphasis of instruction, becoming the origin of today s highly regarded Department of Aviation and Transportation Studies. By 1940, the newly titled Lewis School of Aeronautics began emphasizing programs of direct utility to the armed forces and, two years later, the campus was given over to the U.S. Navy for its flight instructors program. When regular classes resumed, a reorganization of the school included the addition of a junior college that evolved into a traditional arts and sciences curriculum. In 1949, women were admitted as students. The then-named Lewis College of Science and Technology granted its first baccalaureate degrees in 1952. In 1960, the Most Reverend Martin D. McNamara, Bishop of Joliet, invited the Brothers of the Christian Schools to assume direction of the institution. A congregation devoted exclusively to teaching, the De La Salle Christian Brothers brought to Lewis a new tradition of Lasallian values, based on the teachings of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, their founder and Patron Saint of Educators. The combined efforts of the lay faculty and the first group of Lasallian brothers on campus inaugurated a program of major improvements that led to the institution to become Lewis University in 1973. The Christian Brothers remain a substantive and visible presence on campus, with approximately 20 engaged as faculty, staff or administrators. 3
EXECUTIVE SEARCH PROFILE Sustained Growth & Success Lewis University has achieved significant growth over the last 25 years while earning regional and national recognition for its academic quality, including: Nearly tripling the university s total enrollment, including an upward trajectory from 6,139 (Fall 2010) to 6,689 (Fall 2014). A recent history of multi-million dollar budget surpluses. Promoting and celebrating a very diverse student body 41% of the 2015 freshman class, and 32% of the overall student body come from underrepresented communities. A freshman retention rate of 83% Ongoing construction and renovation projects, including the recently completed Science Center, that have transformed and enhanced the University s campus in Romeoville. The opening of several satellite locations, including Chicago, Hickory Hills, Oak Brook and Tinley Park in Illinois, as well as two sites in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 2011, the University completed the most successful capital campaign in its history: the $30 million Touching Hearts and Minds. Lewis has also substantively enhanced its programmatic offerings, both on campus or online. Academic offerings have expanded significantly, including doctoral programs in education and nursing. In 1999, Lewis offered its first online degree program: a master s degree in nursing case management. Today, numerous undergraduate and graduate programs are offered online. U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Colleges of Distinction and Great Value Colleges have recognized Lewis commitment to student success through quality academic programs and facilities, outstanding faculty, affordable education, and a collaborative atmosphere. 4
EXECUTIVE SEARCH PROFILE Academics Lewis University s educational identity and mission focus are steeped in the traditions of liberal learning, values and preparation for professional life. The university community, including its 260 full-time faculty members, fosters an intimate and student-centered community. Lewis prides itself on a student to teacher ratio of 13:1 and the fact that 90% of classes have fewer than 30 students. With an esteemed liberal arts curriculum at its core, and a strong professional focus, Lewis has built a network of distinctive programs. The university prides itself on continually modifying its innovative degree programs to match the market s high-demand jobs. A dynamic and vibrant learning community, Lewis offers 82 undergraduate majors and programs of study, 34 graduate programs (including two doctoral programs) and accelerated programs for working adults. Lewis academic programs are housed within four Colleges Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Nursing & Health Professions and the School for Professional and Continuing Education. Lewis is the only university in Illinois that offers an aviation program with an airport on campus and has been selected by the FAA to offer the Air Traffic Control program. The University also prides itself on having the largest bachelor s degree program Provost in Nursing and the second vice largest President undergraduate program in for Criminal/Social academic Justice in Illinois affairs among private institutions, as well as the largest graduate program in School Counseling in Illinois. For students balancing work, family and education, the adult undergraduate degree programs offer flexible and accelerated course options in day, evening, online and blended formats. Lewis offers several fully online programs including six bachelor s degree programs, eight master s degree programs and the Doctoral of Nursing Practice as well as a variety of individual online classes throughout its undergraduate, adult accelerated undergraduate, and graduate programs. Lewis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a number of academic programs have specialized accreditation. Lewis received its last reaffirmation of accreditation by the HLC in 2012. Location Located in the city of Romeoville, a safe and vibrant community of approximately 40,000 residents, Lewis University is approximately 30 minutes southwest of Chicago and all of its cultural offerings. The campus community takes advantage of Romeoville s various restaurants, nature trails, and easy accessibility to neighboring cities such as Bolingbrook, Naperville, Lemont, Lockport, Woodridge, and Joliet. For additional information on the area, please visit here. 5
EXECUTIVE SEARCH PROFILE Campus The Lewis main campus in Romeoville, Illinois, is a picturesque setting on over 400 acres, which houses more than 1,300 students in 12 residence halls, all within walking distance of well-equipped classrooms, the library, the JFK Recreation and Fitness Center, the Student Union, and the Sancta Alberta Chapel. The campus is also home to the recently completed 80,000 sq. ft. Science Center, the Brent and Jean Wadsworth Family Gallery, the Oremus Fine Arts Center, the Brother Paul French, FSC, Learning Resource Center, and the Harold E. White Aviation Building. The Romeoville campus has achieved arboretum status, which is awarded by achieving certain standards of professional practices deemed important for arboretum and botanic gardens. To view the Campus Master Plan, please visit here. Student Life Lewis provides its students with an environment that supports their intellectual, spiritual and social development. The University offers meaningful opportunities for student engagement in service, work, study abroad, extracurricular activities and non-academic experiences. While many of the students are Illinois residents and from the Chicago region, the 2014 2015 academic year also welcomed students from almost every state and 30 countries. Lewis welcomes students of all cultures and religious faiths with a 32% minority population. The University offers more than 100 co-curricular activities, clubs and organizations, giving every student the opportunity to explore his or her interests, among them intramural sports and athletics, the theatre and performing arts, a nationally recognized scholars program, peer ministry and volunteerism. Lewis supports the personal development of every student through well-equipped classrooms, the campus library, the Student Recreation and Fitness Center, the Student Union, and Sancta Alberta Chapel. Approximately 85 percent of students receive some form of financial aid through scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs. Last year, more than 20 million dollars of institutional dollars were awarded based on need, financial merit, or academic achievement. Athletics Members of the Great Lakes Valley Conference, the Lewis Flyers total 20 intercollegiate NCAA Division II athletic teams, including men s baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis and track and field. The men s volleyball team is an NCAA Division I team and is sponsored by the Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association. Women s sports include basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. Facilities include an indoor track and field house, an eight-lane collegiate size swimming pool, softball, baseball and soccer fields, tennis courts, and a new outdoor, NCAA-certified nine-lane track. 6
EXECUTIVE SEARCH PROFILE THE POSITION Current Leadership After nearly three decades of dynamic leadership, Brother James Gaffney, FSC, has announced his plans to retire as president of Lewis University, effective June 30, 2016. He has served as the University s chief executive officer since 1988. Before becoming President, Brother James served on the University s Board of Trustees for 11 years, including 10 as Chair. A former faculty member in Theology, he also had extensive administrative experience as Provincial of the Christian Brothers of the Midwest. Board of Trustees Strongly committed to the mission of Lewis University, the Board of Trustees is comprised of over 35 very competent men and women who bring to the University a wide range of experience in diverse fields, including corporate leadership, law, higher education, volunteer work, healthcare, finance, government and industry. Board membership includes eight members of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, sponsors of Lewis University. Currently, 22 Trustees are alumni of Lewis University. The Board meets three times per year to focus on key strategic issues, with much of the detailed work performed at the Committee level and integrated with the Senior Administrative staff. To learn more about the Board of Trustees, please visit here. Organization The President of Lewis University is the Chief Executive Officer of the College and reports directly to the Board of Trustees. The President is an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees, commencing when s/he begins to hold the office and ending when s/he ceases to hold the office. The direct reports to the President are: the Provost, Senior Vice President & CFO and Vice President for University Advancement. The Office of the President is also home to the Executive Assistant to the President, two Special Assistants, the Coordinator of Special Projects, the Administrative Assistant to the President, and two Administrative Secretaries. 7
EXECUTIVE SEARCH PROFILE OPPORTUNITIES The significant opportunities for the next President of Lewis University include: Building upon the university s significant growth and success through strategic and forward-thinking leadership; guiding that growth through holistic management and the prioritization of objectives. Promoting and enhancing transparent and inclusive decision-making through open dialogue, a strong commitment to shared governance and the spirit of Association. Anticipating the emerging trends in the changing landscape of higher education and leveraging Lewis strengths and mission values to capitalize on them. Accelerating the trajectory of external resource development and fundraising by broadening Lewis network of potential donors and supporters; preparing for, and executing, a comprehensive capital campaign. Provost Being an outstanding and ambassador vice for, and President face of, Lewis University for and the academic campus community to all affairs constituencies; modeling and effectively articulating the story of Lewis University, its many successes, and its Catholic and Lasallian mission and values both externally and internally. Serve as a partner to the Board of Trustees, providing leadership, support, communications, materials, reports and assistance; work closely with the Board Chair and Committee Chairs to support the University s governance function. Celebrating and continuing the university s organizational and systemic commitment to diversity, particularly in its student body; working to make sure that diversity is reflected in the faculty and staff. With the substantial increase of faculty and staff, developing the breadth and depth of talent necessary to meet the university s current and future needs; cultivating in those talented individuals the desire to live the mission of the Lewis Community. Further the University's long-term visioning and planning beyond the current 2017 Strategic Plan by leading the campus community through an inclusive, holistic strategic planning process. Balancing the important contributions of the university s many constituencies, including the liberal arts and professional programs; undergraduate and graduate students; residential and commuter students; on campus, online and blended learning modalities; and full-time, part-time and adjunct faculty. 8
QUALIFICATIONS The Board of Trustees and Lewis University community seek an experienced, visionary and innovative leader who embraces the University s Lasallian and Catholic mission values and who: Has a proven record of success in senior management and leadership experience, either in higher education and/or in a complex organization; Has demonstrated ability in building and effectively managing a successful senior leadership team and of working collaboratively and transparently with faculty and staff. Exhibits a knowledge of, and strong commitment to, hands-on fundraising and friend raising experience, including success with major donors, foundations and corporate entities. Has strong financial acumen, fiscal control experience and a track record of positive financial results; is strategic in annual and long-term budgeting and financial planning; understands the challenges and complexities of a growing, tuition-driven institution. Has experience with visioning, developing, and implementing a strategic plan through a process that is inclusive, forward-thinking, and collegial; Models servant leadership, inclusion, transparency and collaboration while being intently focused on the key priorities for success; has the desire and ability to build personal and lasting relationships with all constituencies. Displays strong interpersonal communications skills; demonstrates engagement, charisma and energy; is ethical, moral and personable. Knowledge of, and ability to work with, individuals in the political system at the local, regional and state level particularly as it impacts higher education; demonstrated ability to function in a politically astute way with cultural sensitivity. Exhibits key leadership qualities including: listening to all ideas and perspectives; is open-minded; can bring consensus to differing opinions and resolution to challenging issues; is emotionally intelligent and intuitive; is a critical thinker and creative problem-solver; anticipates, and is proactive in the resolution of, problems or issues. Has strong affinity for, and preferably a historical understanding of, the Lasallian values. EXECUTIVE SEARCH PROFILE Preferably holds a terminal degree from an accredited institution of higher education. Is a practicing Roman Catholic, with a lived faith experience. 9
LEWIS UNIVERSITY KEY INDICATORS 2015 EXECUTIVE SEARCH PROFILE Investment in Plant, less depreciation: $ 122,598,317 Plant Replacement Insured Value: $ 231,295,360 Cost of Operating Physical Plant: Deferred Maintenance: $ 7,311,615 $ 0 Endowment & Invested Funds: $ 52,561,305 Budget: $ 162,900,000 Tuition Income: $ 122,746,346 Student Enrollment: Tuition Discount Rate: 6,689 30% Average ACT Score: 22.7 High School Rankings Top 10% = 18% Top 25% = 44% Top 50% = 83% Freshman Retention Rate: 83% Graduation Rate: 62% Living Alumni: 38,192 Provost and Number vice of Full-time President Faculty: 260 for academic affairs Tenured: 42.7% Average Faculty Salaries: Professor:... $ 103,540 Associate Professor:... $ 84,713 Assistant Professor:... $ 69,255 Full-Time Instructors:... $ 59,393 Student/Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Degrees Awarded: A.S., B.A., B.E.S., B.S., B.S.N., M.A., M.B.A., M.Ed., M.S., M.S.N., C.A.S., Ed.D., and D.N.P. Library Volumes: Print books:... 150,105 Ebooks:... 180,425 Athletics: NCAA Division II Great Lakes Valley Conference NCAA Division I Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association [men s volleyball] 10
APPLICATION PROCEDURES To ensure full consideration, applications are due by November 2 nd, 2015. Candidates should e-mail, as Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat attachments, the following: 1) a cover letter that addresses the position responsibilities and qualifications listed above; 2) a current resume or CV; and 3) the contact information for three professional references to: LewisPresident@rhperry.com. EXECUTIVE SEARCH PROFILE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: MATTHEW J. KILCOYNE, V.P. & Senior Consultant (202) 253-9846 or ROGER H. MARTIN, PH.D., Senior Consultant (914) 777-1644 R. H. PERRY & ASSOCIATES 2607 31st Street, NW Washington, DC 20008 www.rhperry.com POLICY R. H. Perry & Associates is committed to the highest standards of professionalism in all dealings with candidates, sources, and references. We fully respect the need for confidentiality and assure interested parties that their background and interests will not be discussed without consent of the applicant prior to her or his becoming a candidate. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT Lewis University is an equal opportunity employer. Decisions regarding hiring, promotion, termination, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, training, discipline, and all other decisions regarding the terms and conditions of employment will be made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state or local laws which is unrelated to the ability to perform the job or which can be reasonably accommodated. www.lewisu.edu 11