The University of Missouri (“Mizzou” or “MU”) invites nominations, applications, and expressions of interest in its search for the next Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (VCSA).
Founded in 1839, the University of Missouri is a major public, AAU, SEC, land-grant institution with a statewide mandate to achieve excellence and to serve Missourians. The University serves more than 31,000 students and employs almost 17,000 employees, including more than 2,200 faculty members. Its annual operating revenue totals $3.5 billion, and its growing endowment stands at over $1.4 billion. It is home to ten major research centers and the world’s first journalism school. The University is also one of only six public universities in the country with schools or colleges of engineering, medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, arts and science, law, and a powerful research reactor all on one campus. The University of Missouri is a proud member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Mizzou is ranked #7 Best Value among all flagships by U.S. News & World Report and #13 in Time Magazine for the Best Public University for educating leaders.
Notably, Mizzou is experiencing significant and exciting growth in the areas of enrollment, research, and state support—and is poised to kick off its next comprehensive campaign. In 2023, Mizzou achieved historic highs in research expenditures ($462M), graduation rate (76%), retention rate (91%) and state support (~$300M). In 2024, Mizzou expects a 20% increase in its freshmen class year-over-year. In 2025, Mizzou plans to publicly launch a $2 billion comprehensive campaign to deliver even more for Missourians and expand its land-grant mission of teaching, research, and engagement to a new generation. The campaign themes include Educate Future Leaders, Save and Improve Lives, Build a Sustainable World, Strengthen Communities and Develop Champions. Each theme provides donors with a variety of opportunities and projects to support philanthropy ranging from agriculture to medicine, the sciences, student success or athletics. With the Vice Chancellor playing a critical role, the comprehensive campaign will fuel the growth of Mizzou creating real change for Missouri and beyond.
MU’s Division of Student Affairs excels through its comprehensive approach to student development and is unique for the personal and individualized approach to serving all students and campus communities. The next VCSA will have the opportunity to support, engage and further the campus’ energy and plurality, which is a key driver of the greatness. For many of the students, the Mizzou community is the biggest community they will ever be a part of, and Mizzou Student Affairs works diligently to ensure there is a place of support and belonging for every student. Consequently, the next VCSA must demonstrate a deep and authentic commitment to students and a genuine willingness to support their needs and success—and to change their lives for the better.
Serving as the senior student affairs officer at Mizzou and reporting directly to President Mun Choi, the next VCSA will lead the Division of Student Affairs and collaborate with campus leaders to provide vision and leadership for a comprehensive portfolio of programs, services, and strategic initiatives that promote the learning, academic achievement, and personal development of all students (undergraduate, graduate, and professional) and support a rich set of student traditions that enrich both campus and student life experiences at Mizzou. Overseeing an $89 million budget and divisional portfolio that encompasses 220 full-time professional staff, 800 student employees, and numerous volunteers, the VCSA will support the university’s commitment to student success by actively developing, implementing, and maintaining programs and strategies that enrich student learning while building and maintaining a strong sense of community. The VCSA will also promote growth through engagement in the life of the university by working productively with internal and external constituents and encouraging staff to do the same while also being a visible and engaged leader with students. In partnership with students, administration, faculty, and staff, the VCSA will serve as an advocate for student learning in all dimensions of student life and have a strong commitment to building a campus community that values diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
The incoming VCSA will be an energetic professional with the cultural competence, skill set, experience, and knowledge required to lead a dedicated and experienced team of student affairs professionals. Also, the next VCSA will have a successful track record in maximizing student involvement to enhance the quality of student learning; large-scale fiscal-management experience; strong experience in managing talented teams; and will possess deep knowledge about best practices in student affairs. A master’s degree is required with at least 10-12 years of progressive and substantive senior level administrative management and leadership experience in higher education, preferably in the context of large, public research universities.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.
WittKieffer is assisting the University of Missouri in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by August 26, 2024.
Nominations, inquiries, and application materials can be directed to:
Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., and Randi Miller
Mizzou-VCSA@wittkieffer.com
The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo.
