The University of Northern Colorado invites nominations and applications for the leadership position of Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA). The next VPSA will join UNC at a pivotal moment in its history and will work to establish a learning and inclusive and equity-minded Division of Student Affairs to realize the institution's "Students First" commitment.
Founded as a teacher's college in 1889, the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) has graduated generations of educators, more than any other Colorado university. While UNC's roots remain strong as a leader in preparing teachers and school administrators, the university has diversified its academic portfolio to include programs that prepare students to be leaders in a variety of fields, including health sciences, business, the humanities, and performing and visual arts. Today, the university is a public, doctoral research and educational institution that is home to approximately 9,000 students and more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs housed across five colleges: Education and Behavioral Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Monfort College of Business, Natural and Health Sciences, and Performing and Visual Arts. In response to a current and growing need for new doctors, the university is also pursuing the creation of a sixth college that is on track to welcome its first class as early as 2026: the University of Northern Colorado College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Recognized as a top university for social mobility, UNC is committed to supporting its students and providing them with a high-quality education and a community where they can thrive. The university's expert faculty and tradition of research and hands-on learning give students exceptional opportunities and a personalized education. UNC is proud to be Colorado's newest Hispanic Serving Institution and to be recognized by the Colorado Department of Higher Education as a First Generation-Serving Institution. The university's 260-acre main campus is located in the city of Greeley, a vibrant town of nearly 115,000 in the heart of northern Colorado. According to 2020 census data, Greeley is one of the fastest-growing locations in the country ranking the first fastest in Colorado and the fourth fastest in the nation. Through the university's Extended Campus, students also have access to a UNC education online or at off-campus centers located in Denver and Loveland.
Reporting directly to President Feinstein and serving as a member of the President's Cabinet, the VPSA will join UNC at an exciting time as President Feinstein launched in July 2024 the next phase of theRowing, Not Drifting 2030strategic plan, which articulates a comprehensive vision and desired outcomes for the university's future. At its core are five vision elements, each of which describes an institutional priority: Students First, Empower Inclusivity, Enhance & Invest, Innovate & Create, and Connect & Celebrate. The university seeks an innovative leader to join in partnership with President Feinstein, the senior leadership team, and all members of the university community to continue to make progress toward these strategic priorities.
The VPSA will be an action-oriented and innovative leader who will bring to the university a deep knowledge of best practices and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of student affairs. The VPSA will have served in progressively responsible supervisory and administrative positions. They will understand the culture of student life on a campus that includes both residential and commuting students, traditional-age students, and adult learners all with a wide array of academic and personal interests and ambitions which inform the work of the division and the university. The VPSA will support the professional development of a talented staff and work well in a culture that values the appropriate use of data to inform decision making.
The Division of Student Affairs is a forward-thinking student success operation committed to its role as custodian of the student experience at UNC. The division grounds its work as an organization in a curricular model with well-articulated learning outcomes associated with its programs and services. Under the leadership of the VPSA, all staff members within the division are expected to positively contribute to the shared commitment of supporting students in the co-curricular environment and to providing an experience that inspires students academically, intellectually, personally, and emotionally.
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 available atwww.wittkieffer.com.
WittKieffer is assisting the University of Northern Colorado in this search, which will remain open until an appointment is made.
Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer'scandidate portal.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:
Mercedes Chacn Vance and Jenna Brumleve
UNCoVPSA@wittkieffer.com
Compensation and Benefit Information
Compensation range: $225,000 - $245,000
Benefits: The University of Northern Colorado provides a wide range of benefits for its employees. Information on University benefits programs, including eligibility, is available athttps://www.unco.edu/human-resources/employee-resources/benefits/
UNC 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, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, marital status, or political affiliation for employees in all aspects of employment and for students in academic programs and activities. Please visithttps://www.unco.edu/institutional-equity-compliance/to learn more.
Commitment to Job Application Fairness: Applicants are not required to provide age or age-related information and may redact information related to age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution from any submissions during the initial application process.