Associate Vice President of Student Engagement and Wellness/Dean of Students

Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) seeks a strategic, innovative and equity-focused leader to serve as their next Associate Vice President of Student Engagement and Wellness and Dean of Students (AVP/DOS).

Since 1965, MSU Denver has offered tailored degree programs to keep up with students' real lives, providing a high-quality, accessible, enriching education that prepares students for successful careers, post-graduate education and lifelong learning in a multicultural, global and technological society. Located in the heart of downtown Denver and less than an hour from the Rocky Mountains, the Auraria campus is a launch pad for all that Colorado has to offer. A national model of institutional partnerships, MSU Denver shares a campus and some resources with the University of Colorado at Denver and the Community College of Denver – all supported by the Auraria Higher Education Center.

As a leader in social mobility and Hispanic-Serving Institution, MSU Denver has one of the most diverse student bodies in Colorado – 57.7% of undergraduates are first-gen students and 50.3% are students of color. The 16,396 undergraduate and 1,170 graduate students choose from over 90 majors, 90 minors, 10 graduate programs and 40 certificate programs. MSU Denver has been recognized as the Top Transfer Destination in Colorado, a Top College for Diversity, recognized as Best for Vets in 2021, the No. 3 Most Innovative University in the West and a Most Civically Engaged Student Body.

MSU Denver's Student Affairs team is committed to ensuring that every Roadrunner has the resources and opportunity they need to succeed. As a community of students and staff, the four pillars of Student Affairs – career success, student engagement, equity and inclusion, and access – guide the team's work as they strive to create diverse programming that elevates student voices and affirms students' identities and experiences.

As the chief student experience officer, the associate vice president of student engagement and wellness and dean of students (AVP/DOS) will cultivate a holistic student experience rooted in wellness, leading student engagement efforts through a lens of social justice that enhances students' sense of belonging at MSU Denver. The AVP/DOS will enjoy collaborative partnerships with students, an exceptional student affairs team and campus constituents to advance student care, engagement and wellness efforts for all students.

MSU Denver seeks an AVP/DOS with extraordinary commitment to the student experience in the context of a student-centered community, who is dedicated to continuing to create a more diverse and inclusive environment. They will possess deep knowledge of behavior intervention and student conduct systems and policies, looking at these elements through the lens of equity and justice. A master's degree in higher education or a related field is required.

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 profile on WittKieffer.com.

WittKieffer is assisting Metropolitan State University of Denver in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by October 24. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:
Darrien Davenport, Ed.D., Lauren Bruce-Stets and Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D.
MSUDenver-AVPDOS@wittkieffer.com

The hiring range for the AVP/DOS is $130,000-$170,000. Metropolitan State University of Denver offers excellent benefits including medical, vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, retirement, life insurance and a wellness program. Additional benefits include 12 paid holidays, paid time off, multiple forms of leave (6-weeks Parental Leave, Bereavement Leave, etc.), an undergraduate tuition benefit and discounts.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 50% first generation students and over 45% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.

MSU Denver is committed to creating and fostering a work environment and culture of belonging; we are proud of the work our employee affinity groups contribute to our culture. For more information on our employee affinity groups please visit this link.