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Position Specification

Radford University Radford, VA Vice President for Student Affairs Institutional Background Radford University is a comprehensive public university of more than 9,400 students that has received national recognition for many of its undergraduate and graduate academic programs, as well as its sustainability initiatives. Radford University serves the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation through a wide range of academic, cultural, human service, and research programs. Well known for its strong faculty/student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment, and vibrant student life on a beautiful 204-acre American classical campus, Radford University offers students many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom. The institution now known as Radford University was founded by the Virginia General Assembly in the spring of 1910. The State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Radford grew out of a late 19th-century effort to expand Virginia’s public school system and prepare a sufficient number of teachers. The school was to be located on 33 acres in east Radford known as the Heth Grove. On October 3, 1911, Dr. John Preston McConnell was appointed president of the institution. The Radford campus’ first building, Founder’s Hall, was dedicated in August 1913, just before the September 17 start of the school’s first session. With its copper dome and ornate features, the building was one of the most notable structures between Roanoke and Bristol. The building housed administrative offices, a gymnasium, an auditorium, a library, and classrooms. In 1924, the school’s name was changed to State Teachers College. For several years, the curriculum had been undergoing revisions, high school courses had been dropped, and the state had mandated that Radford focus on preparing teachers for rural school systems. While observing state guidelines, Dr. McConnell insisted that “good teaching required good courses whether it prepares teachers for rural or city schools.” His dedication to equal opportunity for Radford’s students continued throughout his presidency. Radford’s first bachelor of science degrees were awarded in 1921. The student-teaching program had been expanded outside the city of Radford to the surrounding counties and towns. In 1928, Radford built its own training school, McGuffey Hall, now known as Whitt Hall. The 1960s began with a celebration of Radford’s first half-century. The school had seen tremendous growth and expansion, three identity changes, and three presidents. In 1964, due to the immense progress made at Radford, the “marriage” with Virginia Polytechnic Institute—initiated during World War II—was dissolved. Radford was known then simply as Radford College and throughout the 1960s experienced many changes brought about by changing societal expectations. Students pushed for more and more freedoms at Radford, as they did at schools across the United States. One by one, many of the traditions that had defined Radford as a “Southern Gentlewoman’s” school were

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abolished. The final major change that brought Radford into the present was the undergraduate admission of men in the summer of 1972.

Radford University continues to cultivate a thriving university community well into the 21st century. In 2008, The Douglas and Beatrice Covington Center for Visual and Performing Arts opened and became one of the most technologically advanced arts facilities and arts education resources in southwest Virginia. An extraordinary venue that offers patrons throughout the New River Valley concerts, performances, and recitals, the Covington Center features a 350-seat performance hall, rehearsal rooms, teaching studios, a music media center, and an art gallery. Following an extensive renovation in 2009, Young Hall provides Radford University students with modern, flexible study spaces filled with advanced, high-definition technologies. It has become the go-to spot on campus for students thanks to its late-night and weekend hours. In the summer of 2011, Radford University granted its first doctoral degrees. The recipients, DeEtta Compton and Faye Lyons, earned their doctorates in nursing practice (DNP) from the School of Nursing, in the Waldron College of Health and Human Services. Also in the summer of 2011, the doctor of physical therapy program welcomed its first students. In the fall of 2012, Radford University welcomed the largest freshman class in its history—evidence of Radford’s continued growth and appeal to prospective students and their families. In the U.S. News & World Report’s 2010 Guide to America’s Best Colleges, Radford University is listed as one of the nation’s “Top Up-and-Coming Schools.” In addition, the Princeton Review named Radford University to its list of best colleges and universities in the Southeast for a ninth consecutive year. As part of Radford University’s 2010 centennial activities, the university broke ground for a new home for the College of Business and Economics, later named Kyle Hall. The $44 million complex, which opened in August 2012, features laboratories and classrooms equipped with the latest technological and financial research capabilities for Radford’s 1,500 business majors, multipurpose areas available to alumni and the community, and a trading room with running stock quotes and a continual data feed. Radford University has always been committed to educating the whole student, both inside and outside of the classroom. To that end, a 110,000-square-foot recreation and wellness center opened in 2014. The facility provides students with recreational, wellness, and exercise therapies. Construction began in summer 2012 on the Center for the Sciences. The new $49 million complex was dedicated in fall 2016 and encompasses an existing 1930s-era Georgian building and a Modernist 1960s addition to that building. The 115,000-square-foot complex includes faculty and staff offices, teaching and research laboratories, and space for the Museum of the Earth Sciences and the Radford University Planetarium. In the summer of 2014, ground was broken on the new home for the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences (CHBS). The 143,600-square-foot building, opened in 2016, is the largest academic building at Radford University and houses all of the college’s academic units, as well as the dean’s office.

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The state-of-the-art space features a 90-seat tiered classroom, multiple collaborative learning spaces for student use, office space, integrated inquiry environments, and the CHBS Advising Center. It also features a mock trial/moot courtroom, a television studio, a forensic laboratory, and an emergency management center. Radford University is ranked #47 in Regional Universities South. Other notable distinctions include:

#29 (tie) in Best Colleges for Veterans

#16 (tie) in Top Public Schools A Division I member of the NCAA and Big South Athletic Conference, Radford University competes in 16 men’s and women’s varsity athletics. With over 250 clubs and organizations, Radford University offers many opportunities for student engagement, leadership development, and community service. Radford, Virginia Radford University is located in the city of Radford (population 15,859), 36 miles southwest of Roanoke on Route 11 and I-81 in the New River Valley, close to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The city of Radford covers approximately 9.63 square miles and contains commercial, residential, and numerous recreational areas. Downtown Radford is home to a variety of locally owned shops and restaurants. Meanwhile, a retail hub providing a regional mall and major chain stores and restaurants is less than 10 miles from campus. The city of Radford and the surrounding region provide a rich variety of cultural, recreational, and leisure activities. Outdoor enthusiasts will find the university’s location along the New River provides opportunities to hike, kayak, fish, swim, and camp. Dozens of bicycling and hiking trails are accessible within less than a 30-minute drive, including access points to the Appalachian Trail and Jefferson National Forest. There are 14 parks open to the public within the city. Sports enthusiasts can experience the thrill of being a spectator at university, public school, and city athletic events, or participate in the sport of their choice on city ball fields, tennis courts, golf courses, and recreational clubs. Claytor Lake, with its 108 miles of shoreline, is only 15 miles from the city and offers additional swimming, fishing, and water skiing opportunities for area residents. Golf enthusiasts will find nine golf courses at public and private facilities, all within a 30-minute drive. For more information about Radford, visit the Chamber of Commerce at http://www.radfordchamber.com/. Institutional Vision, Mission, and Values Vision Radford University will be among the top 50 master’s universities in the nation and will become increasingly known as a model for student-centered learning, transforming its students into graduates who will be among the most sought after by the nation’s best employers and who will become leaders in

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their communities and chosen careers in the arts, business, education, health and human services, medical professions, the humanities, the sciences, and technology. Mission Radford University serves the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation through a wide range of academic, cultural, human service, and research programs. First and foremost, the university emphasizes teaching and learning and the process of learning in its commitment to the development of mature, responsible, well-educated citizens. RU develops students’ creative and critical-thinking skills, teaches students to analyze problems and implement solutions, helps students discover their leadership styles, and fosters their growth as leaders. Toward these ends, the university is student-focused and promotes a sense of caring and of meaningful interaction among all members of the university community. Research is viewed as a vital corollary to the teaching and learning transaction as it sustains and enhances the ability to teach effectively. Radford University believes in the dynamics of change and has a strong commitment to continual review, evaluation, and improvement in the curriculum and all aspects of the university, so as to meet the changing needs of society. Values The following core values drive the vision and mission of our student-centered community of learners:

academic excellence;

collegial working relationships among students, faculty, administrators, and staff;

diversity and the richness it adds to our university;

ethical behavior of all members of our university community;

fiduciary responsibility by everyone who is part of our university family;

a challenging academic environment;

intellectual and artistic curiosity and creativity;

education as a lifelong pursuit;

academic freedom and debate;

a global perspective in all faculty, staff, and students;

a caring and nurturing faculty and staff;

freedom of thought and expression;

being an active partner in the viability of our region; and

shared governance and participation at all levels within the university community. Strategic Plan The collaborative and in-depth process for shaping the future of Radford University is led by a Strategic Planning Task Force co-chaired by Dr. Jack Call, professor of criminal justice, and Dr. Kenna Colley, dean

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of the College of Education and Human Development. Under the leadership or Drs. Call and Colley, the task force provides guidance and oversight to the strategic planning process, specifically recommendations stemming from the work of the nine subgroups:

Mission, Vision and Core Values

Challenges and Opportunities

Brand Identity

Academic Excellence and Research

Student Success

Strategic Enrollment Growth

Economic Development and Community Partnerships

Philanthropic Giving and Alumni Engagement

Budget

Through guidance and oversight by the Strategic Planning Task Force, the subgroups have been meeting on a regular basis since October 2016 to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to be implemented in January 2018. For a more in-depth look at Radford’s strategic plan, go to http://www.radford.edu/content/strategic-planning/home.html. Leadership Dr. Brian O. Hemphill, President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., joined Radford University as its seventh president on July 1, 2016. He is an unwavering champion for positive change and a true advocate of shared governance. With strong support from students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, the local community, the New River Valley, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, President Hemphill has pledged to lead the Highlander family with a steadfast commitment to excellence, accountability, transparency, and student-centeredness. President Hemphill’s vision is to transform Radford University into an innovative, premier university in the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond with a keen focus on teaching, research, and service. A devoted public servant and steward of Radford University, President Hemphill proudly serves on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees. He faithfully represents Radford University on the national scale with active involvement in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), including the Committee on Policies and Purpose, and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU). President Hemphill’s road to Radford University has taken him from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, a flagship university, where he served as associate vice chancellor and dean of students; to Northern Illinois University, a large, public research university, where he served as vice president for student affairs and enrollment management and associate professor for eight years; to West Virginia State University, a public, land-grant research university, where he served as the 10th president and a professor for four years. President Hemphill earned a Ph.D. in higher education administration and policy studies from the University of Iowa, a master of science degree in journalism and mass communication from Iowa State University of Science and Technology, and a bachelor of arts degree in organizational communication from Saint Augustine’s University.

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President Hemphill is a published author, with writings covering topics related to gun violence and threat preparedness on college campuses; emerging financial concerns affecting the collegiate sphere; STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and economic-related issues pertaining to education; and numerous scholarly perspectives pertinent to the higher education environment. President Hemphill recently co-edited a book, titled College in the Crosshairs: An Administrative Perspective on Prevention of Gun Violence. He is a highly-sought-after keynote speaker, guest presenter, and panelist with frequent appearances across the country. President Hemphill and his family reside on campus in the Tyler House. The president and university first lady, Dr. Marisela Rosas Hemphill, are active on- and off-campus attending a variety of activities and events in support of the Highlander family. The Academic Program and Faculty Radford University is composed of seven colleges:

College of Business and Economics

College of Education and Human Development

Waldron College of Health and Human Services

College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences

Artis College of Science and Technology

College of Visual and Performing Arts

College of Graduate Studies and Research Radford offers 67 degree programs in 38 disciplines and two certificates at the undergraduate level; 22 master’s programs in 17 disciplines, and three doctoral programs at the graduate level; 13 post-baccalaureate certificates, and one post-master’s certificate. The undergraduate University Core (e.g., core curriculum) is a series of four interdisciplinary courses. These courses synthesize skills in critical thinking, oral and written communications, technology and information literacy, and ethical reasoning. The student-faculty ratio at Radford University is 16:1, and the school has 31.1 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. Biology, criminal justice, education, exercise science, information technology, management, nursing, psychology, and social work are among the most popular majors. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 76 percent. Radford University faculty members are student-focused and believe in engaging students in their learning. Eighty-two percent of faculty hold doctorates or terminal degrees in their fields. Fewer than 3 percent of classes are taught by graduate assistants. The university employs 455 full-time and 273 part-time faculty members.

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The Student Body Total enrollment: 9,401

Undergraduate enrollment: 8,453;

Graduate enrollment: 948;

59 percent female, 41 percent male;

39 states (including Washington, D.C.), 60 foreign countries;

41 percent of new freshmen are first-generation college students;

33.5 percent of new freshmen are from ethnically diverse backgrounds;

Radford’s student body is the most diverse student body of any public institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia;

Average freshman class size: 30 students.

Approximately 3,100 students live in one of the university’s 15 residence halls; 100 students occupy leased residential facilities; and the remainder of the student population reside in private accommodations within walking distance of the university. This lends a distinctively residential vibe to the campus.

An Overview of the Division of Student Affairs The Division of Student Affairs at Radford University encompasses accessibility services, housing and residential life, student conduct, dean of students office, diversity and inclusion, recreation and wellness, student support services, student success and retention, substance abuse and violence intervention, student activities, student and fraternal organizations, student government, counseling, and health services. Vision, Mission, and Strategic Goals

Student Affairs Vision: Preparing students for lives of meaning and purpose.

Student Affairs Mission: Student affairs is guided by a set of shared values that are reflected in our conduct, programs, services, facilities, activities, and organizations. We pursue our mission and vision by keeping these values at the forefront in all that we do.

Student Affairs Goals (2012–2018):

Student affairs staff participated in a comprehensive long-range planning effort to identify immediate, mid-term, and longer-term programmatic initiatives to advance the mission and strategic priorities of Radford University. During summer 2015, the Student Affairs Management Team developed the vision statement, core values, and revised the department’s mission, goals, and objectives. These priorities were translated into a Student Affairs Strategic Budget Plan with seven-year projections to facilitate division and university fiscal planning and to identify the range and scope

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of investment opportunities. The plan addresses the following four division-wide goals as strategic priorities: Provide a Diverse and Distinctive Radford Student Experience; Promote Student Development, Retention, Graduation, and Success; Provide Safe, Accessible, and Inviting Student-Focused Facilities that Enhance Student Life; Strengthen Staff Retention and Excellence. For a detailed review of the division’s strategic goals for 2012–2018, please visit the following webpage: http://radford.edu/content/dsa/home/mission.html.

The next vice president for student affairs will arrive at an opportune time as the university implements its new strategic plan beginning in January 2018. This will afford the new vice president an opportunity to work with his/her team across the division and university to shape the future strategic direction for student affairs. Organizational Structure of the Division The current organizational structure of the Division of Student Affairs is composed of approximately 71 individuals divided into three leadership units, each led by a member of the senior leadership team reporting directly to the vice president for student affairs:

AVP/dean of students (total of 25 staff in this unit, including one assistant to the AVP/dean of students and one intake coordinator)

o Student Standards and Conduct (4 staff)

o Center for Accessibility Services (6 staff)

o Substance Abuse and Violence Education Services (SAVES) (5 staff) o Student Counseling Services (2 staff*) o Student Health Center (1 staff/employee of Radford; additional professional staff are

provided through an outsourced/contracted agreement with the nearby Carilion Clinic) o Student Success and Retention (4 staff)

Director of housing and residence life (total of 13 full-time staff in this unit, including administrative assistant to the director)

o Assignments and Technology (2 staff) o Residential Life (9 staff)

AVP for student life (total of 30 staff in this unit, including one assistant to the AVP and one account manager)

o Engagement and Intercultural Development (5 staff) o Recreation and Wellness (11 staff, inclusive of wellness/fitness, sports clubs and

recreational programming, facilities/operations, outdoor recreation, and intramurals) o Student Center (7 staff, inclusive of operations, event planning, education and training,

game room, and production services) Also reporting directly to the vice president for student affairs are one executive assistant and one senior director of budget and administration. *Counseling services is transitioning during summer 2017 from an outsourced/contracted model to an in-house service. A director and health educator are already in place. Additional staffing will be hired and on-boarded prior to the start of the fall 2017 semester.

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History of the Position

Mark Shanley held the vice president for student affairs’ position for six years, from August 2010 through July 2016. Shanley began his student affairs career in 1973 and spent the next 40-plus years serving the profession and college-age students at a variety of institutions. He was named a NASPA “Pillar of the Profession” in 2014. With Shanley’s retirement, Radford University’s new president, Dr. Brian Hemphill, appointed an interim vice president from within the division’s leadership, ensuring continuity of vision while also providing an opportunity to assess the division’s longer term needs. Excellent progress was made during the 2016–2017 academic year in opening lines of communication with students and reinforcing a student-first approach to leadership. A search for a permanent vice president began in spring 2017; however, that process was halted in May as the university decided to partner with Spelman Johnson. As the search for the next vice president for student affairs progresses with the support of Spelman Johnson, Susan Trageser will serve as the interim division leader. Prior to this interim appointment, Trageser briefly served as the interim associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students. Trageser has been a valued member of the Division of Student Affairs at Radford since June 2012, when she joined the university as associate dean of students with responsibilities for student advocacy, conflict resolution, crisis management, and policy and procedural navigation. Responsibilities of the Position The vice president for student affairs reports directly to the president and is responsible for bringing the energy, innovation, and leadership necessary for shaping the future of the Radford University student experience. As a student-centered leader, the vice president will initiate, develop, maintain, and provide oversight for programs and services that support students in their academic pursuits, campus life, and civic and social responsibilities. The vice president will engage directly with students and provide strategic leadership and programmatic, budget, and operational oversight for the following areas: disability resource; diversity and inclusion; housing and residence life; recreation and student wellness; retention and student success; student counseling services; student health center; student life; student standards and conducts; and services related to substance abuse and violence education. The vice president is responsible for strategic planning and implementation of division goals and priorities in line with institutional objectives. Additionally, the vice president will provide pivotal leadership in times of crisis. A collaborative and collegial approach in working with all campus constituents is essential. Engaging in highly visibility ways with students through one-on-one interaction and support to student clubs and organizations will be key to success. The vice president shall engage in positive interactions with parents and alumni, as well as with business and community leaders and other external entities.

As an essential member of the university’s senior leadership team, the vice president plays an integral role in fulfilling the university’s mission and strategic plan, including enhancing student retention and success, as well as strengthening living-learning communities and supporting the integration of high-impact practices throughout the undergraduate experience. The vice president is expected to invest in new ideas, as well as build upon effective programs and services and the many existing strengths of the university. The vice president must be able to recognize and act upon the unique characteristics of Radford

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University and its region, environment, and student populations. Further, the vice president must have a deep understanding of, and passion for, higher education, the ability to inspire teamwork and cooperation, and the capacity to be innovative. Characteristics of the Successful Candidate Candidates for the vice president’s position must have an advanced degree in higher education, student affairs, learning theory, or related discipline, or equivalent education, training, and work experience. A doctoral degree is preferred. Among a broad array of desired qualities, the successful candidate will also

demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of current national trends and best practices in the arena of

student affairs and retention initiatives; a transparent leadership style; excellent communication skills; sensitivity and skill to work with diverse student and employee populations; and an ability to effectively collaborate with students, student organizations, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and community members. Experience with, and understanding of, budgeting, financial, and human resource management will also be important considerations in the selection of the vice president for student affairs. Additionally, stakeholders identified the following essential characteristics and attributes when considering the position of vice president for student affairs:

Must possess a passion for working with, and on behalf of, students and a keen desire to serve those who have traditionally been underserved;

Have an in-depth understanding of student success and the importance of creating a seamless experience for students that integrates academic learning, high-impact practices, leadership development, and co-curricular engagement;

Be a connector who is capable of building bridges to divisions, departments, faculty, and the community to facilitate open discussions;

Exhibit an energetic and hands-on leadership style that thrives on high visibility and engagement and readily inspires and excites others to fully support the mission and objectives of student affairs;

Be a strong relationship builder who engenders trust and respect across many constituencies and individuals of diverse experience and perspectives;

Actively demonstrate an ability to be a team player who will challenge and support at all administrative levels;

Possess a track record of performance that has contributed to the building of positive school spirit, pride, and affinity.

Likely Opportunities, Priorities, and Challenges of the Position

The next vice president for student affairs must possess a broad and deep understanding of national best practice with regard to the work of student affairs, be an experienced leader capable of managing crisis and complex situations, and be equipped to contribute at both a strategic and tactical level to the work of a collaborative, collegial cabinet. Several challenges and opportunities to exercise vision and lead change await the next vice president for student affairs. These include:

Review of Division’s Organizational Structure: An initial assessment of the organizational and reporting structure will be needed to help the vice president gain perspective on the work of the division and talents of staff, as well as how this aligns with developing institutional priorities.

Build a Strong, Resilient Team: Two AVP positions are currently being filled on an interim basis with experienced student affairs professionals. As these positions shift to permanent assignment—either through search or appointment—the vice president will be afforded the opportunity to shape their leadership team, as well as positions downstream. Communicating a clear vision will be instrumental in building a high-functioning leadership team and developing

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division-wide buy-in needed to support innovation, infuse best practices, and achieve excellence in all departments.

Retention: This is an institutional priority and the vice president of student affairs is tasked with providing leadership for a campus-wide, collaborative effort focused on increasing student retention and persistence to degree completion. A review of current initiatives and a gap analysis will be needed. Understanding current investments and efforts will be critical before implementing strategic change. The vice president will serve on the Enrollment Management Data Council, contributing information that will support improved predictive analysis and student success strategies. Retention efforts must go beyond simple programming and/or advising that are already largely in place. Utilizing the full potential of Starfish (a retention solutions program by Hobsons) and developing an intrusive campaign to identify struggling students and provide them with timely support and resources needed to successfully navigate challenges must be a key focus for the vice president. Over the next five years, the vice president must work with a sense of urgency to fulfill the university’s goal of improving first-year retention by one or two percentage points each year through 2023—moving the current retention rate from 76 to 85 percent.

Sustain Student-Centered Approach and Build School Spirit: During the 2016–2017 year, a concerted effort was made to raise the visibility of the division, its mission, and the approachability of senior leaders. An increasingly diverse student body (now approximately 40 percent first-generation and 35 percent students of underrepresented groups) has responded very favorably to this, and the new vice president will find a positive relationship with student leaders to be firmly in place. Cultivating and sustaining this student-centered approach is of paramount importance both in terms of supporting institutional retention goals, as well as anticipating and effectively addressing evolving issues directly impacting students’ lives and success. Additionally, there is a desire expressed equally among students and administrators to increase school spirit and affinity throughout the university. The vice president will be challenged to identify opportunities to build tradition, student engagement, and pride in being a Radford University student. This might be accomplished through several channels, including service initiatives (including the established MLK Day of Service), support to sports teams, and signature events/programs (e.g., Homecoming, Winter Weekend, and new events) that will come to define the Radford experience. Certainly, the vice president must model a high degree of energy, engagement, and visibility across the campus as she or he will be a chief ambassador promoting student success, engagement, and spirit.

Build Strong Relationships with Faculty: The vice president must hold a deep appreciation for the shared governance model in place at Radford and work intentionally on collaborative efforts with faculty and academic leaders designed to strengthen the student-learning experience, including living-learning communities, integration of high-impact practices, and the effective use of Starfish retention technology and requisite follow through.

Support Transition of In-House Delivery of Counseling Services: The 2017–2018 academic year will mark the first year that all counseling services will be delivered through Radford University employees, as opposed to contracted professionals. While this move is prompted by the university’s desire to be more responsive to the 24/7 needs of students and is anticipated to be quite seamless, there will be a new director assuming leadership for both counseling services and Substance Abuse and Violence Education Support (SAVES). With the co-location of these units and new organizational model, support for policy development, awareness campaigns, etc. may be needed.

Engage Parents as Partners: Engaging parents to support their student’s success while simultaneously cultivating parents’ support—as donors and possibly for in-kind services related

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to a yet-to-be-established parents program—for division-wide, student out-of-classroom initiatives will also be a priority of the incoming vice president.

Additional priorities and challenges include:

Be proactive in supporting free speech on campus and working directly with students to help them find productive ways in which to express their concerns and address issues of importance;

Maintain the small campus feel that exists at Radford. Even as the institution strives to serve nearly 10,000 students, it is important to treat students as individuals and to build genuine relationships with them;

Promote and implement creative ways to leverage the unique resources of the university and its location in southwest Virginia;

Support strong town/gown relationships through active participation in monthly joint commission meetings and other opportunities to build positive lines of communication and shared objectives;

Advance Radford University’s brand identity;

Continually evaluate student needs and scan the horizon for trends and challenges that the Division of Student Affairs and the university must anticipate and address with creativity and determination to ensure all students thrive.

Measures of Success for the Position The vice president for student affairs’ success in the first year of employment will, in large part, be defined by the following measures:

There has been a genuine and sincere effort invested in reaching out to and connecting with students. The vice president for student affairs maintains a highly visible presence on campus and is well-regarded and well-known by students as being both approachable and interested in their success.

With a clear sense of urgency, the vice president has made progress on a tactical plan for enhancing student retention. This is a key area in which the vice president must demonstrate vision, leadership, and responsibility. With the establishment of an intentional, intrusive campaign that extends far beyond the role of academic advising, the vice president for student affairs has mobilized division staff and other campus partners to strengthen student success and retention, moving the needle for first-year retention from approximately 76 percent toward 85 percent.

An assessment of the entire division is underway, designed to maximize existing strengths and identify opportunities for enhancement. This will include a review and assessment of the organizational structure, with a goal of aligning the organization and reporting lines to support strategic objectives. Care has been invested in building an understanding of the current culture, programs, services, and initiatives throughout the division in an effort to preserve and honor those aspects that significantly contribute to a positive student experience while infusing new ideas and approaches that uniquely address emerging priorities.

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Key leadership positions within the division are filled with highly talented, energetic, and innovative professionals—either drawing from among the capabilities of current staff and/or conducting national searches as deemed appropriate.

Positive working relationships with faculty are evident and expanding. The vice president for student affairs has demonstrated an understanding of, and respect for, the shared governance model that exists as Radford and regards faculty as key campus partners.

Benefits Overview Radford University offers a comprehensive benefits package. Highlights include:

Retirement Plans

Health Care Plans

Flexible Spending Program

Employee Assistance Program

Group Life Insurance

Long-Term Care Insurance

Liability Insurance

Tuition Waiver (for employee)

Deferred Compensation Plan

Cash Match Plan (for employees who make a contribution to an eligible 403B tax deferred annuity or 457 deferred compensation plan)

For complete benefits information, please see the benefits website at http://www.radford.edu/content/human-resources/home/current-employees/ap-benefits.html. Application and Nomination Applications, including a position-specific cover letter and resume, may be submitted online at http://www.spelmanandjohnson.com/open-positions/. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Valerie Szymkowicz at vbs@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895.

Spelman Johnson Vice President for Student Affairs – Radford University

Valerie Szymkowicz, Senior Associate

Visit the Radford University website at http://radford.edu/

Radford University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to diversity. This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation

prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans, and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.

Spelman Johnson has prepared this document based on personal interviews and information copied, compiled, or

quoted in part from source documents obtained from our client institution, and as such the contents of this document are believed to be reliable. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information,

the original source documents and factual situations govern, and the material presented here should be relied upon for informational purposes only.