President

PRESIDENT The Board of Trustees for the University of West Alabama (UWA) is searching for a dynamic, effective, and forward-thinking leader to serve as its next president. As the universitys chief executive officer, the President is responsible for the overall management and oversight of the Universitys vision, strategy, and operations. The President reports directly to the Board and works closely with them to develop strategy, key initiatives, programs, and policies. The President delegates and monitors administrative and operational functions to the executive leadership team. The President is not only the leader of the campus community, but also the visible representative of UWA in the local community, organizations of higher education, and the face of the organization for alumni, parents, and friends of the University. The President conveys the voice of UWA and its mission, raising its profile in the community, state, and nation to enhance recruitment and continue financial support necessary to sustain and build the future of the University. With this profound and unique opportunity, the next President must bring and demonstrate the leadership skills necessary to advance the mission, vision for UWA, and in concert with others, create a bright and vibrant future for the University and the students it serves. A supportive Board and resilient campus community will ensure the President is well-positioned to successfully lead UWA as it thoughtfully navigates the challenges of higher education while furthering efforts to grow enrollment and innovate for sustainability. The President is responsible for providing transformative leadership, focus, and strategic vision. The primary duties and responsibilities of the President position include the following: Oversees the development, administration, and coordination of all operations and programs of the institution. Establishes a clear vision for the institution and outlines appropriate strategic objectives and priorities, as well as the means to successfully achieve goals. Serves as an academic leader for UWA, with support from the universitys provost, to ensure that UWA provides a high-quality educational curriculum and talented faculty for the benefit of its students and teaching mission. Develops and implements plans and policies to ensure that UWA remains in compliance with any accreditation requirements appropriate to the university. Provides leadership in growing the universitys student enrollment while maintaining excellence in teaching and advancing creative scholarship. Champions innovative student learning and student success across the academic enterprise and university experience, including making meaningful, engaging connections with students. Fosters a sense of belonging through a commitment to a diverse student body, faculty, and staff. Actively works to ensure that the institution acquires the necessary public and private resources for successful achievement of the universitys goals and objectives. Drives fundraising activities by cultivating and stewarding donors that increase the universitys philanthropic support and address the needs of UWAs colleges and programs. Works closely and fosters relationships with internal and external stakeholders including students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors, community leaders, and regional partners. Understands the importance of the governmental process and possesses the skills to ensure that legislative goals on the local, state, and federal levels are identified and met. Carries out other leadership duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Board of Trustees. The Next President Should Possess: A record of successfully leading a complex organization through change. Demonstrated exceptional leadership and integrity in an academic and/or service environment. An established record of forward-thinking vision and innovation with proven record of growth and success. A record of generating resources through means such as enrollment growth, creation of innovative programs, and fundraising. A record of creating organizational distinctiveness and sustainability - evidence of creative problem solving, successful entrepreneurial activities and initiatives. High emotional intelligence, and strong interpersonal skills, with an inclusive, transparent communication style, both written and spoken. The ability to build deep and lasting relationships with donors, the philanthropic community, and business and industry, articulating the case for supporting UWA with enthusiasm. A commitment to a proven record of community partnership and interprofessional collaboration. An earned doctorate, a comparable terminal degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Traits and Attributes Key to the Success of the President Unquestioned integrity, high energy, and demonstrated leadership and administrative abilities to can shape, articulate, and implement the dynamic mission of UWA. Understands, embraces, and can represent the unique and ideal culture of UWA and the community. Compelling and energetic personality with a demonstrated history of strategizing, charting a vision, engaging multiple stakeholders, setting appropriate and reasonable fundraising goals, and meeting those objectives with personal integrity and sound financial management. An outstanding reputation for executive-level management with documented ability to administer and coordinate all operations and programs of the institution and to lead and manage change and growth. The University of West Alabama was chartered in 1835 and has functioned under several names over the years. The training of teachers has been a major emphasis for many years, and professional education programs continue to be a significant part of the curriculum, but the changes in nameto Livingston University in 1967 and to the University of West Alabama twenty-eight years latersignify the broadening of the mission and role of the institution in recent years. This broader mission as a regional university, serving the postsecondary educational needs of all the citizens of the area, has motivated the recent development of the institution. Currently, UWA offers associates, bachelors, masters, education specialist and doctoral degrees. This year marks the 189 years of proud tradition and educational excellence with more than 38,000 graduates. Mission : Enriching lives through education, service, and outreach. Vision : To offer quality education and effective services while establishing a model for leadership in our region and beyond. UWA has developed a five-year strategic plan that supports its mission and values. The key pillars of the plan are promoting high-quality, relevant academic programs and faculty that ensure student transitions to career or graduate school; growing enrollment; increasing retention and persistence to graduation; pursuing an institutional identity that exemplifies effective communication, inclusiveness, collaboration, and outreach; and increasing operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility. The Universitys strategic plan is steered by input from throughout campus to serve not simply as a road map but as a compass, so that UWA may not only be guided in its efforts, but that UWA may continually be responsive to the needs of those it serves. Academic areas include the College of Business, The Julia Tutwiler College of Education, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the Division of Engineering and Technology, the Division of Nursing, and the School of Graduate Studies . UWA maintains numerous degrees and certificates through the University of West Alabama Online as well as International Programs ranging in duration from two weeks to one semester at one of UWAs partnership institutions. At UWA there are over 60 student clubs and organizations, providing opportunities for students of every interest. A college education starts in the classroom, but the opportunities students seek out their spare time can balance their academics, serve as a means for connecting with other students, provide leadership development and opportunities, encourage civic engagement, and enhance the college experience. UWA campus activities strives to provide meaningful experiences through programs and services to the campus community. From group fitness classes and outdoor adventures and aquatics to intramural sports, theres something for every student no matter their level of ability or expertise. Students are encouraged to invest in themselves, and take advantage of what campus recreation offers. Sumter County lies in the heart of Alabamas Black Belt, at the intersection of history, culture, and a future as bright as the chalky limestone bluffs on the nearby Tombigbee River. The warmth of its people trumps the warmth of the weather. It is a place that you instantly connect with upon arrival. You feel at home. Livingston is halfway between Atlanta and New Orleans, Jackson and Birmingham, and Dallas and Charlotte. Four of the Souths key auto manufacturers lie within a two-hour drive: Mercedes-Benz (Vance, Alabama), Toyota (Tupelo, Mississippi), Hyundai (Montgomery, Alabama), and Nissan (Canton, Mississippi). Over 5 million people live within a two-hour radius of Livingston. The Search Committee invites letters of interest and nominations to be submitted directly to the search firm, Anthem Executive. Correspondence should include a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest describing relevant experience and interest in the position. Submit materials to Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, JR Wheless, or Florene Stawowy at: UWAPresident@AnthemExecutive.com While applications and nominations will be accepted until a president is selected, interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible to assure consideration. Expressing interest is the first step in receiving consideration and does not make one an applicant for the position. UWA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or any other as required by law. recblid z0uy3669ncpnfy8qghz4oz8a59quoe #J-18808-Ljbffr