Vice President for Student Affairs

Millersville University—a top-ranked public University recognized by INSIGHT Into Diversity for outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion—welcomes applications and nominations for its Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA). This position is part of the Cabinet and will report directly to Millersville University’s President, Dr. Daniel A. Wubah. The programs and services within student affairs contribute to student enrollment and retention as well as provide meaningful experiences for students in support of the University’s mission of ensuring high-quality education at an exceptional value.

The Position: Serving as the Chief Student Affairs Officer, the Vice President for Student Affairs has primary responsibility for the leadership, management, strategic direction, policy development, and administrative oversight of University Housing and Conference Services, Campus Life, Health Services, Campus Recreation, Center for Health Education and Promotion, Student Access and Support Services, Center for Counseling and Human Development, Student Memorial Center, Student Conduct and Community Standards, and the Title IX Office. The Vice President for Student Affairs will provide strong visionary leadership for the division to ensure effective collaboration with departments across the University, while advancing the University’s mission. Through visionary leadership, the Vice President for Student Affairs will promote an environment that is conducive to learning, that provides a sense of community, and that offers equal opportunities for and encourages all students to live up to their full potential. The VPSA serves as a role model of the University’s EPPIIC values and supports division leaders in building a culture based on being EPPIIC; ensures the equity and inclusion of opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds in student housing and programming as well as supports and enhances the University’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and develops, implements, assesses, and revises, as needed, a strategic plan for the division which aligns with the University’s strategic plan. The VPSA collaborates with the Provost and other cabinet members on initiatives that contribute to student enrollment and student success; determines services appropriate to meet current student needs, evaluates the quality and effectiveness of services provided, and implements changes as needed; works closely with the Student Government Association (SGA) and student advisory boards to develop leadership skills of SGA members; and ensures operational and fiscal compliance of all departmental activities and budgets. Additionally, the VPSA participates in collaborative efforts with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and its universities and other institutions of higher learning, when appropriate, and will work to enhance the external presence and image of the University by serving on boards of directors and in community and national groups.

The Institution: Located on 250 beautiful acres in southeastern Pennsylvania, Millersville University serves approximately 7,500 students in 70 baccalaureate, 21 master’s, and three doctoral programs of study and is one of 14 universities within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The University offers a high quality, affordable, and comprehensive University experience through nationally recognized programs that embrace the liberal arts and sciences. Millersville’s wide range of academic opportunities are supported by outstanding faculty who are accomplished scholars and practitioners, and the University’s commitment to excellence and to providing transformative educational experiences for students has been acknowledged by national publications and organizations. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Millersville University among the top 30 public universities and colleges in the North, and the University has consistently been recognized by the Corporation for National and Community Service for outstanding service to its community. Millersville’s commitment to sustainability has been highlighted by The Princeton Review, which designated the University as a Green College, as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which certified the University’s first Zero Energy Building, the Lombardo Welcome Center, as a Green Power Partner. Additionally, Millersville’s success in cultivating diversity and inclusion has led to it receiving INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine’s HEED Award for ten consecutive years in a row, and the University is home to more than a dozen diversity-focused student organizations, including the Alliance for Social Change, the Color of Teaching Mentoring Program, the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, and the NAACP at Millersville University. Since 1988, the University has also been part of the Lancaster Partnership Program, a unique partnership dedicated to brightening the educational future of socioeconomically disadvantaged students in the region. Further reflecting Millersville’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is the addition of “Inclusion” into its core values, a decision endorsed by the University’s Council of Trustees in December of 2018. For more information about the University and the exciting initiatives underway, please visit www.millersville.edu/about and www.millersville.edu/president.

Location: Millersville is located in beautiful southeastern Pennsylvania, just three miles from the thriving city of Lancaster. The area offers a wealth of cultural and recreational amenities, including numerous unique theaters and museums, an eclectic array of restaurants, significant historical points of interest, and opportunities for biking, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. Affordable living opportunities abound in flourishing urban and suburban settings as well as bucolic rural communities. The state capital of Harrisburg is nearby, Philadelphia is approximately an hour commute by train, and Washington, D.C., and New York City are within three hours’ drive, making for easy day trips into each city. For more information about all that the region has to offer, please visit www.discoverlancaster.com.

Application: For a confidential discussion about this opportunity or to make a nomination, please contact Dana John Cohick, President, or Kira Heath, Search Manager, at MillersvilleVPSA@rpainc.org. The review of candidates will begin on March 4, 2022, and first round interviews will commence thereafter.

At Millersville University, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning and work environment. Being an inclusive community, committed to our EPPIIC University’s values, is the essential foundation of our institution. Millersville University is an equal opportunity employer and, in compliance with federal and state laws and university policy, is committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, ability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Qualifications: The successful candidate will possess a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion, five years of progressive executive experience in student affairs administration particularly in the area of student life, demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of innovative and vibrant student programs that increase student retention and contribute to positive University-wide student learning outcomes, and demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of programs which build and enhance an inclusive community. They will have experience managing multiple complex budgets as well as experience with strategic planning and implementation for a student affairs division. The VPSA will have the ability to function effectively in a team-oriented, collective bargaining environment of distributed leadership as a University and State System leader and to assume a University-wide perspective. The VPSA must have oral and written communication skills. They will be able to encourage the development and maintenance of collaborative relationships with other college constituencies, students, and the broader community; bring strong organizational skills; and contribute toward a vibrant student-centered environment and maintain a positive atmosphere of cooperation. Experience addressing diversity issues and providing programs that enhance the college experience for a diverse student body is also needed. A doctorate is required.

A doctorate in student development or higher education administration is preferred.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity or to make a nomination, please contact Dana John Cohick, President, or Kira Heath, Search Manager, at MillersvilleVPSA@rpainc.org.