VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Misericordia University, a Catholic, comprehensive, liberal-arts university in Dallas, Pennsylvania, invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs.  The new VPAA will join Misericordia during a period of significant forward momentum.  Under the leadership of President Tom Botzman, the University has enjoyed excellent financial health and strong enrollments.  The University’s accreditation was reaffirmed in 2014; in 2015, the Board of Trustees approved a new mission and values statement; and in 2016, they approved a new five-year strategic plan.  What is more, Misericordia has recently added 25 new full-time faculty positions and is in the development stage of a new $38 million science building. 

Founded in 1924 by the Religious Sisters of Mercy, the University provides a quality education through programs and services shaped by the founding Sisters’ values of mercy, service, justice, and hospitality.  Though a Catholic institution, Misericordia welcomes students, faculty, and staff from all faith backgrounds.

Composed of the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, and the College of Health Sciences and Education, the University offers some 35 baccalaureate majors, a host of minor and certificate programs, eight masters degrees, and applied doctorates in nursing practice, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. It currently enrolls some 2,200 undergraduates and 684 graduate students.  It has 136 full-time faculty.  With a student/faculty ratio of 12:1 and an average class size of 16, the University is ranked in the top tier of the U.S. News Best Regional Universities in the North and is recognized by the Princeton Review as one of the Best in the Northeast. 

Located in a beautiful section of northeastern Pennsylvania, the 124-acre main campus and expanding lower campus just a short walk away feature two dozen well-maintained buildings and athletic facilities supporting 25 men’s and women’s NCAA Division III varsity sports.  A part of the greater Wilkes-Barre and Scranton region, MU is about a two-hour drive from New York City and Philadelphia.

The new VPAA will be expected to provide creative and collegial leadership to the faculty and work collaboratively with President Botzman and his cabinet. The agenda for the new VPAA will include developing the policies and programs commensurate with Misericordia’s identity as a high-quality comprehensive university in the Mercy tradition.  With the framework of the strategic plan already in place, the new VPAA will be expected to help refine and prioritize the objectives of the plan and work with the chief financial officer to connect budgeting with planning.  The new VPAA will be expected to play a major role in the planning and fundraising for the new science building.  In addition to working with those in academic affairs, the new VPAA is expected to be an active and visible member of the University community and, working with the President, increase good community relations in the region. 

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished teacher/scholar who works well with faculty and who is also a seasoned administrator with experience at the level of dean or higher.   Though not required to be a Catholic, the new VPAA will understand and appreciate the Catholic tradition in higher education and exemplify Mercy values.   The new VPAA will also exemplify a high degree of integrity and transparency and have a strong and genuine interest in the life of the University and the wider community.   

For further information and instructions to applicants, please visit:

www.agbsearch.com/searches/vice-president-academic-affairs-misericordia-university

For fullest consideration, applications should be received by April 3, 2017

Nominations and inquiries are welcomed and should be directed to:

Robert Holyer, Ph.D.

Senior Consultant

AGB Search

rkh@agbsearch.com

(804) 359-9370

(804) 402-6736 (c)

 

Melinda Leonardo, Ph.D.

Consultant

AGB Search

mml@agbsearch.com

(919) 280-4901

 

Misericordia University is committed to student, faculty, and staff diversity and values the educational benefit this brings to campus.