Search for the President

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville University (“JU” or “the University”)—a private, comprehensive university that combines the personalized experience of a liberal arts institution with a growing portfolio of professional, graduate, and applied programs—seeks a collaborative, strategic, and innovative leader to serve as its next President. Situated on a beautiful 240-acre riverfront campus in Jacksonville, Florida, the University prepares students for lives of leadership, service, and professional success with a focus on career readiness through experiential learning, close faculty mentorship, and meaningful community engagement. Today, JU enrolls nearly 4,000 students, employs 200 faculty and 350 staff, and has earned a reputation for innovation across healthcare, nursing, aviation, marine science, business, law, and the liberal arts.

The University's recent history is characterized by growth and transformation. JU has expanded its academic footprint through the establishment of a law school, the evolution of the nursing school into a standalone unit, and a groundbreaking partnership with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine that recently welcomed its inaugural class. Taken together, the school of nursing, college of healthcare sciences, and new medical school, all located in a city with an economy that is led by healthcare, give the next president something few institutions of JU’s size have: an emerging academic health sciences identity with a direct line to the regional workforce. Having just completed a $175 million comprehensive campaign, JU has significant momentum and opportunity. At the same time, like many tuition-dependent institutions, JU continues to navigate financial realities and a rapidly evolving landscape, creating a compelling opportunity for new leadership to have real impact.

The next President will arrive at a pivotal moment and will have the opportunity to articulate a cohesive vision that clarifies the University's identity and positions it for continued success. Working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees, and community partners, the President will strengthen a culture of shared governance, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhance the student experience with a focus on improving retention and student outcomes. Externally, the President will serve as JU's chief ambassador, elevating the University's visibility and reputation, advancing enrollment growth, developing partnerships throughout the region and beyond, and building on the University's recent fundraising achievements to secure new resources for the institution.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an entrepreneurial and mission-driven leader to guide one of the Southeast's most dynamic private universities. The successful candidate will bring experience leading a complex organization, tested financial acumen, strong communication and relationship-building skills, and a demonstrated ability to unite diverse stakeholders around a shared strategy. The next President will be a visible, transparent, collaborative, and forward-looking leader who embraces the University's distinctive strengths, champions the campus community, and advances an ambitious vision that ensures the institution's vitality and impact.

Jacksonville University has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist with this recruitment. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Applications (including resume/CV and cover letter), inquiries, and nominations should be submitted in confidence to Kate Barry, Keith Mason, and Kaitlin Cruz via the Isaacson, Miller website: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/jacksonville-university/president