Vice President of Student Affairs

Vice President of Student Affairs

Grand Valley State University (Grand Valley or GVSU) invites applications, expressions of interest, and nominations of candidates in its search for its Vice President of Student Affairs (VPSA). This inaugural VPSA position will report directly to the President and elevate the students’ voice among the senior leadership team.  As the landscape of student learners shifts, Grand Valley seeks an experienced practitioner of student affairs who can address all student learners within a multi-campus environment. The next VPSA will be proactive, creative and devise strategies to facilitate strong bonds among students, divisional leaders, and faculty across the University's campuses.

Grand Valley State University is a strong and vibrant public university with a clear, deeply-held, unwavering commitment to students and the community. U.S. News & World Report ranks it the #1 regional university in Michigan and among the strongest in the Midwest. Grand Valley provides the opportunities of a large, complex university while retaining the personal atmosphere of a small, liberal arts college. Grand Valley was founded in 1960 and has continued a trajectory of growth to become a comprehensive university with over 23,000 students and nearly 131,000 alumni, and 1,528 full- and part-time faculty members. In addition to its main campus in suburban Allendale, the University has campuses in nearby Grand Rapids as well as regional centers in Holland, Detroit, Muskegon, Traverse City, and the Battle Creek Regional Outreach Center.

The VPSA is responsible for stewarding a diverse and vibrant Division of Student Affairs while also serving as a key member of Grand Valley’s senior administrative team. The VPSA will provide leadership and advocacy for student life and campus events; student conduct and conflict resolution; recreation and wellness; health, counseling, and drug and alcohol services; housing and residential life; and childcare and support services. The VPSA will foster the ongoing development of an increasingly diverse community, wherein students are encouraged to be responsible citizen leaders, facilitators, and active participants in campus life. The VPSA will oversee a division of 87 full- and 36 part-time staff in the Student Affairs division and an operational budget of $6 million.

The ideal candidate will possess an advanced degree and have deep experience with implementing state-of-the-art student affairs strategies and initiatives. They should be experienced in leading an organization through a time of change and committed to anti-racism and to ensuring inclusivity and equity for all community members through both their personal and professional conduct.

The search committee for the Grand Valley’s Vice President Student Affairs will begin accepting nominations and reviewing applications immediately. Requested application materials include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and a professional reference list. References will not be called without explicit permission. Although applications will be welcomed until the VPSA is selected, for best consideration, all candidates should submit materials by October 13th 2021, to GVSUVPSA@storbecksearch.com

The full position profile is available here.

For more information about Grand Valley State University, please visit https://www.gvsu.edu/.

R. Thomas Fitch, Managing Director

Julie E Tea, Managing Director

Amanda Bennett, Senior Associate

Storbeck Search

GVSUVPSA@storbecksearch.com

Grand Valley State University is guided by values for inclusiveness and community which are integral to our mission to educate students to shape their lives, their professions, and their societies, and to enrich the community through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and public service. The University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution. It encourages diversity and provides equal opportunity in education, employment, all of its programs, and the use of its facilities. Members of the University community, including candidates for employment or admissions, and visitors or guests have the right to be free from acts of harassment and discrimination, including sexual misconduct, which are prohibited if they discriminate or harass on the basis of age, color, disability, familial status, height, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex/gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, veteran or active duty military status or weight. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. [Include the following for job advertisements:] TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).