As the University’s chief student affairs officer, the Vice President for Student Affairs provides intellectual and administrative leadership, guiding the University’s student affairs services and programs as well as university wide initiatives. Also providing programmatic, assessment and financial leadership for Student Affairs departments, the Vice President serves as an advocate for all students in the University community. Student Affairs departments include: Counseling Center, Dean of Students Office, Housing and Residence Life, Multicultural Center, Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center, Religious Life, Center for Campus Life, and USI Deaconess Clinic. The position reports to the President, is part of President’s Council and Provost’s Council and works closely with faculty, staff, students and community leaders on all matters affecting the student experience.

The Vice President will serve as one of the most visible representatives of the University and, as such, sustain a high level of direct involvement with students, and to be deeply engaged in their campus experiences. As an advocate for students, the Vice President will support the overall planning and development of a seamless cocurricular and curricular experience of students, with particular emphasis on high impact practices, student development, student wellness, and community involvement through leadership education, experiential learning opportunities, student organization involvement, and campus programming.

At present there are seven direct reports to the Vice President and 49 full-and part-time staff in the Student Affairs operation. The Vice President oversees an operational budget of over $17 million. The University is home to four residential halls and forty-three apartment buildings housing over 2,800 residents.

Duties/Responsibilities
These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Advise the President, other University administrators, and faculty on matters concerning student affairs, student services, programs, and activities;
• Supervise the division’s staff members in their work to develop programs and policies that enhance the quality of student life, including essential institutional support services and other opportunities that facilitate the link between formal academic learning and student life experiences;
• Collaborate with the Office of the Provost, Vice President for Finance and Administration, University Division, faculty, and others throughout the University to enhance the culture of learning that extends beyond the classroom walls and into the students’ life experience;
• Communicate effectively with students, family members, the general public, and others to address concerns and facilitate resolutions;
• Foster a culture of evidence-based decision making by advocating and supporting assessment with an emphasis on assessing student experience efforts across campus;
• Actively engage students through involvement with student leaders in Student Government Association, Residential Assistants, Ambassadors, and Amigos;
• Maintain an awareness of the latest findings, trends, understandings, technology, insights and policy conversations in the field of student affairs;
• Maintain strict confidences related to sensitive information and communications;
• Provide sound fiscal stewardship and oversight of financial reporting as well as revenue enhancing and cost-saving initiatives for auxiliaries.

Desired Attributes for the Next Vice President for Student Affairs

Vice President candidates need five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a higher education setting, including supervisory responsibilities, with demonstrated experience and competence in leadership and administration, student affairs theory and practice, and budget management. A master’s degree is required, and a terminal degree is preferred.

The successful candidate will be:

• A leader who can inspire and encourage staff, challenge the status quo, and create buy-in for division and University goals;
• Energized by the opportunity to work with others to develop and implement forward-thinking and creative solutions;
• Able to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner;
• A superb listener and communicator who is at ease in a multitude of settings with multiple constituencies;
• A transparent decision-maker who builds consensus, makes difficult choices when necessary, and communicates decisions with clarity and compassion;
• Interested in making a positive difference in the lives of all students on campus through involvement, connections, and support;
• An evidence-driven planner with experience in assessment and outcomes measurements;
• Experienced with current issues facing college students and universities with special interest around Title IX, Student Conduct and public policy; and
• Able to meet or exceed customer service needs and expectations and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner.

Application Process

To learn more about the position and to apply, please visit: Vice President for Student Affairs - Evansville, Indiana, United States

Confidential inquiries are welcomed and nominations are invited. The review of candidates will begin in January 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Nominations and questions should be forwarded to the search committee chair, Mr. Jon Mark Hall: jmhall@usi.edu 

More information is available on the USI website at: https://www.usi.edu/vpsa-search

EEO Statement
The University of Southern Indiana is an EEO/AA employer. All individuals including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.