President

Western Colorado University invites applications and nominations for the position of President.  Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the President of Western Colorado University (Western) serves as the University’s chief executive officer, providing leadership to support the institution’s mission to promote intellectual maturity, critical thinking, and personal growth in its students and prepare them to assume constructive roles in local, national, and global communities. Western’s distinctive character emerges from unity among academic and professional disciplines, high standards of scholarship, individualized learning, and a unique environment in the Rocky Mountains of western Colorado.

 

The successful applicant will possess a demonstrated record of effective leadership with significant management experience at an institution or organization of comparable size, scope, and complexity. Candidates must demonstrate the highest integrity and ethical standards with strong interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills, and are expected to be a significant presence on campus, within the regional community, and the State of Colorado. With the skills and experience to be the chief advocate for Western, the president will work with state and federal elected leaders to enhance the financial sustainability of Western. They should be a proven fundraiser who will engage with donors, alumni, and community leaders in development activities.

 

The candidate will have the capacity to build on Western’s innovative partnerships, like the one with the University of Colorado Boulder. This will strengthen Western’s academic enterprise by building creative partnerships to grow enrollment, and leverage the energy created by a successful NCAA Division II athletics program and mountain sports programming. They will embrace Western’s distinctive location in the Gunnison Valley of the Rocky Mountains to increase success for Western as an educational and transformative destination for all students. With an operating budget of roughly $73 million, Western enrolls approximately 3,700 students across over 100 areas of study, including graduate and post-baccalaureate students. For more information, visit Western’s website at: https://western.edu/.

 

For further information about the position and its requirements, please review the position profile here: https://www.agbsearch.com/searches/president-western-colorado-university

Compensation Package

Total Annual Compensation Range: $250,000 - $340,000. Total compensation may include base salary plus performance based bonus. Historically, the University has provided housing and vehicle, or an optional vehicle allowance. Full employee benefits package including shared contribution medical and dental insurance, defined contribution retirement plan, employer paid life and long term disability insurance, voluntary insurance plans, and undergraduate tuition remission for dependents (after one year of service.)

Nominations and Applications

Candidates should provide a letter of interest stating how their experience and qualifications connect with the required/preferred characteristics and priorities expressed in the presidential profile, a curriculum vitae, a statement of contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion, as well the names and contact information of five professional references. References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the applicant.

For full consideration, applications should be received by January 10, 2022. The search committee will continue its work until an appointment is made.

Application materials and nominations should be sent electronically to: WesternPresident@agbsearch.com.

AGB Search is assisting Western Colorado University with this important search. Please direct nominations and inquiries to the AGB Search Consultants:

Ms. Monica Burton, Principal, Monica.Burton@agbsearch.com / (917) 825-2961

Dr. Margaret “Peggy” Plympton, Principal, Margaret.Plympton@agbsearch.com / (484) 554-4542

Mr. Andrew Bowen, Executive Search Associateandrew.bowen@agbsearch.com / (802) 345-1279 

 

It is the ongoing policy and practice of Western Colorado University to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants. No person shall be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local law. Read the full EEO statement here.