Search for the President
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) invites nominations and applications for an exceptional leader to serve as its next President.

UNC is a public doctoral research university serving approximately 8,500 students with a deeply rooted commitment to student success, access, and social mobility. With a long-standing reputation for preparing educators, a robust portfolio of programs in the health sciences, business, and the arts, an educational ethos that fosters an educational experience that is both personalized and impactful, and a location at the center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions, UNC combines a proud history with a forward-looking trajectory.

UNC stands at a pivotal moment in its development. In recent years, the University has taken meaningful steps to advance its academic profile, strengthen student success outcomes, and position itself for future growth, including progress on key strategic initiatives and record-high student persistence and retention rates. This work is reflected in recent institutional milestones, including UNC's 2025 reattainment of Carnegie R2 designation and its 2024 federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. A defining feature of this moment is the launch of the College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM), a transformative initiative that is already elevating the University's profile and creating opportunities for academic innovation, strategic partnerships, and workforce development.

The University's progress has been accompanied by significant changes shaped by broader shifts in higher education, including demographic pressures related to the "enrollment cliff," evolving student expectations, and a constrained public funding environment. Against this backdrop, UNC seeks a President who can lead effectively in a complex and changing landscape. This role requires both strategic vision and strong financial and operational leadership, including the ability to strengthen financial sustainability, advance enrollment growth, align academic priorities, and make informed, disciplined decisions that support the institution's long-term success. At the same time, the University's culture and spirit demand a President who is relational, authentic, and highly visible, able to build trust, foster collaboration, and unite diverse constituencies while engaging meaningfully with the campus and broader community. The next President will have a rare opportunity to shape the future of a university where leadership impact is both immediate and enduring. By aligning strategy, resources, and community engagement, the President will guide UNC into its next chapter, defined by stronger enrollment and financial performance, clarified institutional positioning, and expanded impact within Colorado and beyond. This work will include partnering closely with the senior leadership team to ensure coherence across academic priorities, programmatic offerings, and resource allocation. The President will also serve as the University's principal external representative, advancing UNC's priorities with state policymakers, alumni, donors, and community partners, while strengthening institutional visibility and support. In a constrained public funding environment, sustained engagement with the Colorado legislature and effective advocacy will be essential.

The University seeks a President who is visible, accessible, and deeply engaged in the life of the campus and the Greeley community. Success in the role will require authenticity, trust-building, collaboration, and a willingness to engage directly with diverse constituencies, alongside the capacity to make difficult decisions and guide the institution through change with clarity and resolve. The next President will be expected to address a focused set of key opportunities and challenges central to UNC's future, as outlined below:

• Steward Financial Sustainability and Resource Alignment with Sharp Financial Acumen
• Shape a Coherent Institutional and Academic Strategy that Reflects Mission, Demand, and Opportunity
• Engage Community, Strengthen Partnerships, and Advance UNC's External Impact
• Sustain a Deep Commitment to Students, Access, and Social Mobility
• Leverage the College of Osteopathic Medicine to Advance Growth, Partnerships, and Reputation
• Strengthen Leadership Capacity and Institutional Effectiveness

The anticipated salary range for this position is $500,000-$550,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition to base compensation, the selected candidate will be eligible for a range of benefits and incentives, including housing support and standard executive benefits. Performance-based incentives may also be considered, aligned with achievement of key institutional priorities. Further, UNC offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-northern-colorado/president. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a cover letter addressing the key themes outlined in this profile. For best consideration, please submit materials no later than August 31, 2026.

Cati Mitchell-Crossley, Managing Partner
Joe Kralick, Partner
Evan Layne, Managing Associate
Rachel Banderob, Senior Search Coordinator
Isaacson, Miller

The University of Northern Colorado is an equal opportunity/affirmative action/Title IX employer committed to a culturally diverse staff, faculty, and student body. In accordance with established laws, the University prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military service, or political affiliation for employees in all aspects of employment and for students in academic programs and activities.





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