Opportunity

Eastern Kentucky University
Associate Vice President and Dean for Enrollment
Richmond, KY

Associate Vice President and Dean for Enrollment
Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University, a regional coeducational public institution located in Richmond, Kentucky, invites inquiries, nominations and applications for the position of Associate Vice President and Dean for Enrollment. Established in 1906, Eastern Kentucky University offers general and liberal arts programs, pre-professional and professional training in education and various other fields at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Undergraduate student enrollment is approximately 11,000 FTE, and graduate student enrollment is approximately 1,200 FTE. The student/faculty ratio is 16:1, and the annual operating budget is $273M.

This newly restructured position is an exciting and important opportunity to be engaged with institutional planning based on EKU’s recent announcement of three institutional goals. Intended to sharpen the focus of the University’s purpose, these three goals are: Student Success; Regional Stewardship; and Quality Enhancement. In accord with these goals, the charge of the office of the Dean for Enrollment is to recruit and admit students who have the best chance of taking full advantage of all that EKU has to offer, a significant number of whom will remain at the institution until they graduate.

Reporting to the Associate Provost and Vice President for Student Affairs, the Associate Vice President and Dean for Enrollment will supervise a staff of three to four direct reports, and a total staff of approximately 38 full time and hourly employees. The Associate Vice President and Dean will oversee the functions of admissions, financial aid, transfer admissions, recruitment and marketing. The Associate Vice President will also be a member of the new Student Success Advisory Council, an institution-wide planning council charged with the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of programs and services in support of the institutional goal of student success. The successful candidate will play a major role in the formation of a definition and goals for student success at EKU and in the design of programs and services that support student success.

The incumbent will have a minimum of ten years of experience in enrollment at a senior level as well as a track record of success in application of best practice and the use of innovative strategies in all aspects of recruitment and admission of students. Experience in leading institutional plans to raise standards for admission is a must. Candidates will demonstrate a strong theoretical background in enrollment, and be aware of advancements in technological support to areas of admissions and financial aid. Proven ability in making decisions informed by application and enrollment trends along with other data is a plus. Experience in strategic planning is essential. The successful candidate will also have excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to relate effectively with many types of individuals, and the ability to write clearly and persuasively. Knowledge of the issues and concerns of a regional institution is critical. The incumbent will also have a track record of success in engaging academic affairs and student affairs staff members in collaborative efforts to fulfill the common goal of student success.

The successful candidate must also be an experienced supervisor who understands how to maximize the strengths of staff members and help individuals address performance deficiencies. He or she should have the ability to gain the respect of others, and to involve staff members in the decisions of the units. Excellence in the area of team building among staff members is critical, and experience and proficiency in the area of performance review and evaluation is essential. A terminal degree is desirable.

Interested individuals should send a letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the position, a resume, and contact information including mailing and email addresses for five references. The packet should be sent electronically (Microsoft Word attachments preferred) to leadership@wspelman.com. The subject line in the email should be AVPEKU. Confidential inquiries will be received at 585.366.4329.

Documents that must be mailed should be sent to William Spelman Executive Search at 667 Midship Circle, Webster, NY 14580. Confidentiality will be maintained, and references will not be contacted without prior knowledge or approval of the candidate. For full consideration, all materials must be submitted by April 27th 2009. The process will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Eastern Kentucky University is an EEO/AA institution that values diversity in its faculty, staff, and student body. In keeping with this commitment, the University welcomes applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity.

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