Vice President for Institutional Equity

DePauw University, consistently ranked one of the country's top 50 liberal arts colleges, seeks an exceptional leader for its next Vice President for Institutional Equity (VPIE). A strategic partner to university president Lori S. White, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and trustees, this accomplished professional will be a significant institution-wide leader and a critical member of the president's highly collaborative and collegial Cabinet.

Set in the idyllic town of Greencastle, Indiana (pop. 10,300), DePauw University provides what few American universities can offer: the quintessential college experience. Centered around broad green spaces and populated with both historic buildings reflecting its 183-year history and new structures meeting the needs of today's students and faculty, DePauw offers a close-knit, supportive and intellectually-invigorating experience for students from Indiana and around the world.

Thirty-nine miles from Indianapolis, DePauw is the leading liberal arts college in Indiana, enrolling 1,726 undergraduates on its 655-acre campus that is 99% residential. DePauw has a student-faculty ratio of 8-1 and a $812 million endowment. Providing higher education focused on the future, DePauw has historically attracted future civic, business and cultural leaders in the state, while also drawing national and international enrollment. During the past decade, DePauw has significantly diversified its student body—20% are domestic students of color, 17% are international students, and 19% are first-generation college goers. A high priority of the new strategic plan is to enhance student satisfaction and success, especially for students from historically underrepresented groups.

This is an exciting time at DePauw, in conversations with constituents both on and off campus, there is tremendous enthusiasm for Dr. White, who joined the university as our 21st President on July 1, 2020, her leadership style, and the impact her tenure is certain to make. In conversations with constituents both on and off campus, there is tremendous enthusiasm for President White, her leadership style and the impact her tenure is certain to make as she charts the roadmap towards the future for a university that continues to thrive.

Central to this impact will be the partnership between the president and the next vice president for institutional equity (VPIE). A member of the president’s Cabinet, the VPIE reports directly to the president and will serve as a vibrant, visible and connected campus and community leader who brings experience, purpose and intention to advance equity, diversity and inclusion. The new vice president will build upon the recent accomplishments and momentum around equity and inclusion at DePauw while identifying and implementing strategies to address areas where opportunities for growth exist. The vice president will lead an organization structure that embeds DEI work in every area of the campus and will serve as the university's Title IX coordinator.

In close partnership with the president, the VPIE will skillfully balance and prioritize creating a highly collaborative and supportive campus environment in which students, staff and faculty can thrive. The vice president will also develop and advance an innovative, inclusive and unifying strategic vision for institutional equity in alignment with DePauw's strategic direction. A builder for a culture of collaboration, the VPIE will create opportunities for a broad campus community to live its values as a liberal arts institution as it fully embraces equity, inclusion and diversity.

The successful candidate will be a dynamic, strategic and entrepreneurial leader who is skilled in understanding and utilizing best practices to navigate and assess complex organizational structures. They will be a powerful advocate and spokesperson, a self-starter and an expert who demonstrates a deep commitment to advancing equity and inclusion as a strategic priority. The vice president will possess excellent communication skills, written, oral, and verbal, bring a global perspective, and be a builder and nurturer of collaborative relationships. Further, the vice president will display integrity and transparency in decisions. A Master's degree is required, a doctoral degree and a proven record of broad and progressive senior-level, higher education administrative management and leadership experience in the context of a liberal arts environment is preferred.

WittKieffer is assisting DePauw University in this search. Applications will be accepted through February 21, 2022 or until the position is filled.

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile. Professional references are not requested at this time.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Charlene L. Aguilar, Ed.M., Darrien Davenport, Ed.D., and Greg Duyck at DePauwVPIE@wittkieffer.com.

DePauw University, in affirmation of its commitment to excellence, endeavors to provide equal opportunity for all individuals in its hiring, promotion, compensation and admission procedures. Institutional decisions regarding hiring, promotion, compensation and admission will be based upon a person’s qualifications and/or performance without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, age, gender, gender identity or gender expression, except where religion, gender, or national origin is a bona fide occupational qualification.

DePauw University’s goals and commitments are best served if the institution reflects the diversity of our society; hence, DePauw seeks diversity in all areas and levels of employment and abides by all local, state and federal regulations concerning equal employment opportunities. The university admits, hires and promotes individuals upon their qualities and merits.