President

The University of Lynchburg seeks its next president, effective August 1, 2020, to serve a campus that enjoys both a tradition of academic excellence and a strong foundation on which to build further success. Lynchburg's 11th president will succeed Dr. Kenneth Garren who will be retiring after 18 years of presidential leadership.

 

Founded in 1903, the University of Lynchburg is a private coeducational institution in Lynchburg, Virginia and is home to nearly 3,100 students. The University is associated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), offering undergraduate and graduate programs that reflect its commitment to teaching and learning, scholarship, and service to the broader community. In 2018, its name was changed from Lynchburg College to the University of Lynchburg to reflect the range of both the undergraduate and graduate programs and to expand the market reach of the institution both in the United States and globally.

 

While the university has seen tremendous expansion in the last several years, the incoming president will have the opportunity to shape the school in its next phase of growth and development, lending the campus greater visibility and an increase in philanthropic support. The next five to ten years will be critically formative and equally transformational as the last decade. The president will have the opportunity to define and distinguish the University's unique identity from its competition, raise the institution’s profile, and position the school for future success.

 

Like most private institutions, the University faces pressing issues that require a strong, collaborative, and intelligent leader to galvanize its community behind a shared vision for its future and to create the strategic pathway to realize that vision. Thus, the University also seeks a leader who can articulate that vision and execute that plan in ways to further motivate its many constituencies and provide the support necessary for success.

 

Chief among the responsibilities of the new president will be to cultivate strong partnerships with external constituents including current and future donors, alumni, friends, community members, government agencies and industry. The president will serve as the University’s ambassador and principal fundraiser, representing the institution in the local, national and global community. A continued focus on enrollment and efficiently delivering programs will be critical to achieving financial goals and success. Outreach beyond Virginia including the northeast will be vitally important to the future economic success of the institution. Differentiating the campus among its peers and regional institutions will be instrumental to attract and retain students. The president should also prioritize the cultivation, support and development of faculty, staff, and the administration while operating with transparency and collaboration.

 

While leadership experience, specifically in higher education, is preferred rather than required, candidates with personal experience with undergraduate, graduate, and professional education will be decidedly advantaged, including those with a personal history of teaching, scholarly research and faculty governance. An advanced degree is required; a terminal degree is preferred.

 

Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed via e-mail to the University's consultants, Ann Yates and Jessica Herrington at LynchburgPresident@wittkieffer.com. Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae and a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the Leadership Profile, available at www.wittkieffer.com. All inquiries will be treated in confidence. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by September 6, 2019.

 

The University of Lynchburg is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The University of Lynchburg strives for a diverse and inclusive community; under-represented groups are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to candidates with experience working with a multicultural and diverse student body.  University of Lynchburg is an equal opportunity employer.