PRESIDENT

Pacific Lutheran University invites inquiries, nominations and applications for the position of President.

Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) purposefully integrates the liberal arts, professional studies and civic engagement in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. With distinctive international programs and close student-faculty research opportunities, PLU helps its 3,100 students from all faiths and backgrounds discern their life’s vocation through coursework, mentorship and internships at world-class Puget Sound-area businesses and institutions.

Founded in 1890 by Norwegian immigrants, PLU continues its distinctive tradition of Lutheran higher education through its commitment to the advancement of knowledge, thoughtful inquiry and questioning, the preparation of citizens in service to the world and to its ongoing reform. The university offers 44 majors and 54 minors, as well as graduate and professional programs in business administration, creative writing, education, finance, marketing research, marriage and family therapy, and nursing. PLU graduated its first class from the Doctor of Nursing Practice program in 2017.

An honoree on President Obama’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, PLU hosts an Emmy Award-winning MediaLab; a MacArthur Award-winning detachment of Army ROTC; and more than 100 clubs and activities, including 19 varsity athletic teams in the Northwest Conference of NCAA Division III. The university consistently ranks among the top 20 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Universities in the West, and recently was named fourth in the West for Best Colleges for Veterans. It also ranks in the top 4 percent of Master’s universities nationwide by Washington Monthly College Guide. The university has produced 100 Fulbright Scholars since 1975.

The University seeks a visionary, dynamic and entrepreneurial President with a strong commitment to excellence in higher education, demonstrated administrative skills in managing a complex organization, and the ability to work with the Board of Regents to guide the institution to the next level of distinction. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of and commitment to Lutheran Higher Education and an ability to articulate the way in which PLU is unique in how it puts those values into practice through excellent teaching, research/scholarship/creative activities, community service and engagement.

The President of PLU must have a record demonstrating commitment to maintaining a robust system of shared governance, and to advancing diversity in all its forms and attitudes within institutions. An appreciation for the role of the University in the community, willingness to continue developing connections in the region, and the capacity to attract financial support from the public and private sectors will be essential. As the chief representative of the University to a wide variety of external constituencies, the President must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to connect with a variety of groups. The President must be a decisive leader who embodies integrity, is responsive, collaborative, creative, and has a passion for excellence.

The next President will be (or will become) a member of a Lutheran congregation, or of a denomination in full communion with the ELCA: Presbyterian Church [USA], Reformed Church in America, United Church of Christ, The Episcopal Church, The Moravian Church, and The United Methodist Church.

The President must have a record of leadership accomplishments, such as progressive higher education administration or executive leadership experience, and proven management capability.

Candidates from non-academic sectors, who have non-traditional but comparable skill sets, will be fully considered.

Candidates who have an earned doctorate, or terminal degree, with uniquely transferrable experience and a record of scholarly publications are preferred.

Nominations and expressions of interest will continue to be received until a list of candidates is put forward for final consideration.  Priority consideration will be given to application materials received before November 2, 2018. The Search Committee will initiate confidential screening of candidates upon receipt of information.

Applications and nominations should be sent to:

PLU-President@kornferry.com

Paul Chou, Co-Managing Director, and Vickie Antolini, Senior Associate

Global Education Practice, Korn Ferry, Philadelphia, PA

PLU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work/life balance irrespective of, race, national origin, age, genetic or family health history, gender, faith, gender identity and expression as well as sexual orientation.  PLU also encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and veterans.