William Woods University invites applications from, and nominations of strategic, visionary, and dynamic professionals for the position of President.
About William Woods University
Established in 1870, William Woods University is a learning community of more than 2,500 students and faculty, representing all 50 US states and 40 countries, with over 750 traditional students on its 225-acre campus in Fulton, Missouri.
A coeducational, independent, professions-oriented institution fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), The Woods offers on-campus, graduate and online degree programs as diverse as an internationally recognized Equestrian Studies program; a four-year American Sign Language program; a criminal justice degree with homeland security emphasis; a Cybersecurity degree, and the Show-Me GOLD program, which prepares graduates to serve as officers in the Missouri Army National Guard.
Growing and thriving in the competitive world of higher education, William Woods welcomed its largest-ever class of new incoming students for the second straight year in 2024 and has added seven new degree programs and seven new intercollegiate sports since just 2022. The Woods is on the move; we seek a leader to serve as the 14th president in the universitys 155-year history, ready to spearhead and execute the next chapter.
Mission
William Woods University promotes a student-centered learning environment valuing inclusion, creativity, and intellectual inquiry. Focused on professions-oriented education, we prepare learners for success.
Vision
The vision of William Woods University is to be recognized as a progressive and growing leader in higher education, fiscally healthy, and achieving quality in all aspects of institutional life, while cultivating highly respected, innovative, unique programs.
Recognition
While third-party honors and recognition have become a staple of how colleges gain attention, William Woods University ultimately measures success by what alumni and their employers report about graduates. Through the hard work of faculty, staff, alumni and benefactors, the following recognition has been earned for William Woods University:
Ranked 23rd among the top 50 most affordable online MBA programs byBest Value MBA.
Ranked among the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest byU.S. News & World Report.
Ranks among the top online programs in the country byU.S. News & World Report
Recognized for its online degree programs for quality and affordability byU.S. News & World Report, including ranking 7thin Missouri and 141stin the U.S. for its online bachelors degree.
Ranked 14thby Affordable Colleges Online (AC Online) among private, non-profit colleges for affordable online degree programs.
Ranked 2ndin Midwest byU.S. News & World Reportfor graduates with the lightest debt load.
Alumni Success
94% of recent William Woods University MBA graduates are working full-time or continuing their education.
83% of recent William Woods University MBA graduates are employed in a position that requires an MBA; nearly 20% earn more than $100,000.
William Woods alumni serve as the Head Coach of the nationally ranked University of Oregon football team; as a Judge on the Missouri Supreme Court; as President of Meredith College in North Carolina; retired President of UPS Global Freight Forwarding; and as General Manager of the Indiana Fever of the WNBA.
William Woods University Signature Programs:
The American Sign Language program is listed among "Best Colleges Offering American Sign Language".
William Woods offers six Doctorates, including a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership.
The Masters/Doctorate in Education alumni include more than 600 school leaders ranging from superintendents and principals, and special education administrators in school districts across the state of Missouri.
The Equestrian Studies graduates lead some of the top facilities in the equine industry. William Woods University has lab facilities on campus that allow undergraduate students to analyze DNA.
The Opportunity
The President
William Woods University seeks a President who will provide strong leadership rooted in a deep understanding of the institutions culture, values, and history. The President will be a visible and engaged leader who fosters relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community. This role requires a commitment to sustaining and growing a unique university through dynamic and personal leadership, strategic financial management, fundraising, and growth strategies while embracing the strengths of a rural institution.
Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership & Community Engagement
Actively engage with students, faculty, staff, and the local community to strengthen relationships and foster a sense of belonging. Uphold and advance the Universitys mission while respecting its traditions and values. Work collaboratively with faculty and trustees to develop initiatives that enhance academic excellence and student success. Provide visionary leadership, thinking long-term while remaining pragmatic about immediate needs. Understand the importance of institutional history and traditions while fostering innovation. Financial Stewardship & Fundraising
Oversee budgeting and financial planning to ensure sustainability and strategic growth. Lead efforts in securing donations and grants to support institutional priorities. Ensure efficient use of resources, balancing immediate financial constraints with long-term institutional goals. Enrollment & Academic Strategy
Drive efforts to enhance student recruitment and retention, ensuring accessibility and academic excellence. Identify opportunities for innovative program development aligned with workforce needs and student interests. Advocate for the benefits of a rural educational environment, including personalized education and strong community ties. Institutional Growth & Resilience
Address challenges unique to a rural institution, such as talent acquisition and facility improvements, with innovative and resourceful solutions. Maintain a student-centered approach, ensuring that policies and initiatives support student success. Foster a culture of professional development among faculty and staff, promoting an environment of growth and empowerment.
Position Requirements
A terminal degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D., or equivalent) preferred; extensive executive leadership experience in higher education or a related field required. Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor relations, and financial management. Strong leadership experience with a track record of strategic planning, institutional growth, and operational excellence. Deep understanding of enrollment strategies, student retention, and academic program development. Commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community. Excellent communication skills and the ability to inspire and engage a broad range of stakeholders.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Ability to navigate challenges associated with a rural university setting. Strong communication skills that balance transparency with inspiration. Visionary mindset with the ability to make pragmatic decisions. A passion for student success and faculty engagement. Understanding of higher education trends and best practices in academic leadership. Compensation and Benefits
William Woods is committed to offering compensation at current market rates. In addition, expect a superb work/life balance and benefits plan that includes Tuition Assistance/Exchange.
The Location
Fulton, Missouri, is a historic city located in Callaway County, known for its rich heritage and small-town charm. Fulton is surrounded by scenic rolling hills and rural landscapes, offering outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The nearby Missouri River and Mark Twain National Forest provide additional natural attractions. The city boasts a vibrant downtown area with historic architecture, local shops, and eateries. Situated about 25 miles northeast of Jefferson City, the state's capital, and approximately 100 miles west of St. Louis, Fulton enjoys proximity to both educational and cultural amenities. Callaway County Tourism
Equal Opportunity
William Woods University does not discriminate in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex or gender, gender identity and/or expression (including a transgender identity), sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Retaliation is also prohibited. William Woods University will comply with federal, state or local laws such as Title IX, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and other similar laws that prohibit discrimination.
Unlawful discrimination has no place at William Woods University and offends the Universitys core values, which include a commitment to equal opportunity and inclusion. All William Woods University employees, faculty members, students and community members are expected to join with and uphold this commitment. Any member of the William Woods University community has the right to raise concerns or make a complaint regarding discrimination under this policy without fear of retaliation.
Application & Nomination Process
CBIZ-EFL Associates (https://eflassociates.cbiz.com), an executive search firm, is assisting William Woods University with its search for this important leadership position. All calls and inquiries should be made through the search firm. Nominations and applications will be held in strict confidence and candidates will remain confidential until the final stage of the search, at which time the express permission of finalists will be obtained before making their candidacy public.
Application Process
STEP 1: Complete a brief online application (2-3 minutes) Click here to completeor Enter link into your browser: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WWUPres
STEP 2: Send us your cover letter, rsum or curriculum vitae in PDF format.
Send to ApplyHigherEd@eflassociates.com
Email subject line should read WWU President Application
Key Dates
Applications close on March 26, 2025.
Semifinalists video interviews are scheduled for April 23-24, 2025.
Finalists on-campus visits are scheduled for May 1, 2, 5, 2025.
Desired start date is June 2025; this is negotiable.
Confidential Inquiries
Steve Waldron, JD,Managing Director, Higher Education Practice,816-945-5423 (direct),swaldron@eflassociates.com