Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Engagement

Stephen F. Austin State University welcomes applications and nominations for the recently created position of Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Engagement (SVPESE), which is an executive position responsible for developing strategies and overseeing implementation of student success initiatives that promote student well-being, engagement, purpose-finding, and academic achievement.

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges – business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, SFA provides the academic breadth of a comprehensive university with the personalized attention of a liberal arts college. The University offers more than 80 bachelor’s degree programs, more than 40 master’s degrees, and four doctoral degrees, covering more than 120 areas of study.

Nestled in a pine tree sanctuary, the main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 36 academic facilities, nine residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through six gardens. With the inclusion of its off-campus Todd Agricultural Research Center, DeWitt School of Nursing Complex, and aviation program hangars, SFA is spread across 1,210 acres of land in Nacogdoches County. Over 41% of undergraduate students are first generation – being the first in their families to achieve four-year college educations. Within SFA’s student population, 96% are Texas residents and 90% come from within 200 miles of Nacogdoches. SFA serves more than 9,000 undergraduate students, who comprise 87% of the total student population.

The Senior Vice President will oversee a merger of SFA’s current divisions of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. SFA’s Division of Enrollment Management consists of enrollment strategies, undergraduate admissions, financial aid and scholarships, the registrar’s office, the one-stop shop, and academic partnerships. It seeks to identify, recruit, and enroll students who meet the university’s standards for admission and are thus likely to be successful in their degree program. The mission of SFA’s Division of Student Affairs is to holistically develop Lumberjacks who engage, lead, thrive, and succeed. The Student Affairs units are organized within four diverse pillars: Dean of Students; Student Life; Campus Living, Dining, and Auxiliary Enterprises; and Student Development and Access Services.

This newly created and defined position has responsibility for each student from the moment of first contact in the admissions process, through enrollment and fostering an engaged student life, and culminating in a successful graduate. Alongside the Provost, this senior executive position fosters student success and achievement by promoting successful academic performance; identifying barriers to classroom achievement, campus engagement, and leadership development; and providing mechanisms for early warning of student distress. The SVPESE will strategically implement current best practices in identifying, cultivating, and enrolling a student body, including transfer students, for maximum success at SFA. This is an executive position responsible for developing strategies and overseeing implementation of student success initiatives that promote student well-being, engagement, purpose-finding, academic achievement, and graduation. As the chief student enrollment, engagement, and success officer of the university, the SVPESE sets the strategy to cultivate an integrated and comprehensive student experience from first contact, successful enrollment, engagement, and persistence to graduation. The SVPESE is responsible for providing leadership, vision, and oversight of the units within the Enrollment and Student Engagement division. This position serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet. This position serves as the senior executive officer responsible for providing leadership, vision, and oversight of the units within the Enrollment and Student Engagement division. This Senior Vice President will work under minimal supervision, have extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, and report directly to the President.

A master’s degree in a course of study related to the occupational field is required. A Doctoral degree in a related field is strongly preferred. Directly relevant and progressively responsible experience with a proven record of accomplishments is required. Ten years of related experience is strongly preferred. Demonstrated successful management and leadership experience is required. Experience in higher education is preferred. Experience representing a large organization in a high-profile setting is preferred.

More information, including full lists of responsibilities and qualifications, can be found in the institutional profile at https://www.academicsearch.org/open-searches-public/entry/19418/?search=19418.

How to Apply

Applications should consist of a substantial letter of interest, a CV, and a list of five professional references with full contact information and a note indicating the nature of your working relationship with each. No references will be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted electronically, and in confidence, to:

The position is open until filled but only applications received by Monday, September 23, 2024, can be assured full consideration. The University is being assisted by Academic Search. Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting consultants Ann Hasselmo at Ann.Hasselmo@academicsearch.org and Chris Butler at Chris.Butler@academicsearch.org. Further information about Stephen F. Austin State University is available at https://www.sfasu.edu/.

Stephen F. Austin State University, an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and Educator, is committed to excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, creed, color, age, national origin, religion or physical or mental disability as required by law. If, because of an impairment or disability, you need accommodation during any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at 936-468-2304.

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