Chancellor of the University
Western Carolina University (WCU) invites expressions of interest in, and nominations for, Chancellor of the University.
WCU is one of the fastest growing and most vibrant university campuses in North Carolina. This chancellorship presents a unique opportunity for a distinguished leader to continue to bring distinction to this exciting university.
WCU is a premier regional comprehensive university with nationally and internationally recognized teacher-scholars dedicated to student learning. Located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, 52 miles west of Asheville and adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains, the University is one of 17 constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina System.
The University enjoys a strong relationship with the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians in recognition of their unique history in this region. WCU has a collaborative relationship with the entire Western North Carolina region, and deploys its resources statewide either singly or jointly with other institutions to address needs of the state, nation, and world.
The University offers courses in the arts, sciences, technologies, humanities and professions through degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral levels. WCU offers the advantages of a large university while maintaining its small college atmosphere. The University currently enrolls more than 11,000 students and has an annual budget of $225 million.
As CEO of WCU, the Chancellor reports to the UNC System President and operates in accordance with policies and procedures established by the UNC Board of Governors and the WCU Board of Trustees. The Chancellor works with a wide range of internal and external constituencies to build upon the existing strengths of the University and to provide the personal and professional leadership to chart its future course. The Chancellor is expected to value both the human and financial resources of the University and to advance its standing within the national and international community of higher education.
WCU’s Chancellor must be a person of unquestioned integrity, a visionary who understands and values the academy, and has the experience and skills to reach out to the external and internal community to build relationships, garner and provide resources, and form collaborative, lasting partnerships. Demonstrated personal qualities of integrity and vision are essential, as are sound judgment, dynamic and effective communication skills, humility and a sense of humor, and a commitment to collaboration. The Chancellor must listen openly and objectively and create an environment of diversity, mutual respect, and inclusion.
The Chancellor must endorse and build upon WCU’s student-centered focus and create an atmosphere conducive to a positive student experience. The Chancellor must have a demonstrated commitment to access, affordability, and student success. A commitment to a strong, academically-focused NCAA Division I athletic program is important to student, alumni, and community experience and engagement with the University.
The Chancellor must respect the University’s history, articulate its uniqueness, and appreciate and value its important missions of teaching, research, public service, and regional and economic community development. The Chancellor must have a thorough understanding of, and focus on, the changing nature of public higher education, including its vital role in local, state, national, and global economies. As part of this focus, the Chancellor will champion the UNC System’s strategic plan and its implementation at WCU.
To receive optimal consideration, candidates should submit materials by January 4, 2019.
Nominations, applications, and inquiries of interest may be sent in confidence to the University’s executive recruitment consultants:
Martin M. Baker, Managing Partner
Chelsie Whitelock, Principal
Buffkin/Baker