Lewis University EXECUTIVE SEARCH PROFILE PROVOST. Name of University Position, College

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1 Lewis University EXECUTIVE SEARCH PROFILE PROVOST 1 Name of University Position, College

2 The Opportunity Lewis University seeks nominations and applications for an experienced, innovative and collaborative academic leader for the position of Provost. 2

3 Overview Lewis University is a comprehensive, coeducational, Catholic institution where the traditions of liberal learning, values and preparation for professional work come together with a synergy that gives the University its educational identity and focus. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis serves more than 6,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Inspired by its Catholic and Lasallian heritage, Lewis University is a community committed to its mission values of Knowledge, Fidelity, Wisdom, Justice and Association. The University prides itself on its diversity throughout the campus community. To learn more about Lewis University, please visit here. 3

4 LEWIS UNIVERSITY Mission Statement Lewis University, guided by its Catholic and Lasallian heritage, provides to a diverse student population programs for a liberal and professional education grounded in the interaction of knowledge and fidelity in the search for truth. 4

5 LEWIS UNIVERSITY Core Values Lewis promotes the development of the complete person through the pursuit of wisdom and justice. Fundamental to its Mission is a spirit of association, which fosters community in all teaching, learning and service. These distinctive values guide the University: Knowledge The result of a lifelong pursuit of learning fostered through creative and critical interaction in a community of learners. Fidelity The spirit, which recognizes God as ultimate reality, unifying the diverse forms of knowledge in the pursuit of fullness of truth, while recognizing the diversity of human experience. Wisdom The result of the integration of reflection and action developed through higher learning throughout all of life. Justice The affirmation of the equal dignity of every person and the promotion of personal and social responsibility. Association A commitment to student learning, development, and success accomplished through collaboration, mutual respect, collegiality, and dedicated service in the spirit of our Catholic and Lasallian Mission. 5

6 Academics Lewis University s educational identity and mission focus are steeped in the traditions of liberal learning, values and preparation for professional life. The university community, including its approximately 254 regular faculty members, fosters an intimate and student-centered community. Lewis prides itself on a student to teacher ratio of 13:1 and the fact that 90% of classes have fewer than 30 students. With an outstanding liberal arts curriculum at its core, and a strong professional focus, Lewis has built a network of distinctive programs. The University continually modifies its innovative degree programs to match the market s high-demand jobs. A dynamic and vibrant learning community that has grown significantly over the last decade and a half, Lewis offers 88 undergraduate majors and programs of study, 43 graduate programs (including two doctoral programs) and accelerated programs for working adults. New programs to meet market need are added on an ongoing basis, and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy is admitting its first class in fall Lewis academic programs are currently housed within four Colleges Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Nursing & Health Professions and the School for Graduate, Professional and Continuing Education. A restructuring of the colleges, intended to create a stronger program identity for faculty and current/prospective students and to develop new synergies among similar programs leading to enhanced interdisciplinary initiatives and experiential learning opportunities, is currently under way and is expected to be in place in The University has recently adopted a new Strategic Plan. For students balancing work, family and education, the adult undergraduate degree programs offer flexible and accelerated course options in day, evening, online and blended formats. Lewis offers several fully online programs including six bachelor s degree programs, eight master s degree programs and the Doctor of Nursing Practice as well as a variety of individual online classes throughout its undergraduate, adult accelerated undergraduate, and graduate programs. Lewis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, with a number of academic programs holding specialized accreditation The educational experience at Lewis is mission driven and focused on learning and intellectual inquiry. Lewis graduates are sought after by businesses and organizations in the greater Chicago area and beyond and graduates of the doctoral programs in Educational Leadership and Nursing Practice are actively engaged in research, scholarship and publication in their fields. Service learning courses are found across the curriculum and faculty/student research is encouraged in a variety of ways, including SURE (Summer Undergraduate Research Experiences) and the Celebration of Scholarship, a symposium showcasing the research, creative and scholarly endeavors of faculty and students. The Office of Sponsored Programs and the Culture of Inquiry Program, which provides released time and grants for supplies, equipment and course reassignment, support faculty scholarship. Lewis aviation program, the only such program in Illinois with an airport on campus, has been recognized by the airline industry as a leader in the field, and has developed partnerships at both O Hare and Midway airports. The University also prides itself on having the largest bachelor s degree program in Nursing and the second largest undergraduate program in Criminal/Social Justice in Illinois among private institutions. 6

7 National Recognition Lewis is committed to student success and strives to make sure students receive a quality educational experience. That commitment has resulted in nationally-recognized success, including: In U.S. News & World Report s 2017 Best Colleges rankings, Lewis University placed 24th among Midwest Regional Universities. The Princeton Review named Lewis as a Best in the Midwest and as a Green College in Lewis was nationally recognized, for the eighth consecutive year, as a College of Distinction. Lewis also earned recognition as an Illinois College of Distinction and a Catholic College of Distinction. In its inaugural list in 2015, STEM JOBS magazine named Lewis a STEM JOBS Approved College. It is the first list of its kind to rate universities, colleges, community colleges and trade schools on their responsiveness and relevance to high-demand, highgrowth STEM occupations. Great Value Colleges named Lewis a Top 5 Best Private College Value in the Midwest. Lewis was ranked the top private college in Illinois as a Best for Vets school by Military Times. In addition, U.S. Veterans Magazine named Lewis a 2016 Best of the Best Top Veteran-Friendly School. 7

8 Location Location Located in the village of Romeoville, a safe and vibrant community of approximately 40,000 residents, Lewis University is approximately 30 minutes southwest of Chicago and all of its cultural offerings. The campus community takes advantage of Romeoville s various restaurants, nature trails, and easy accessibility to neighboring cities such as Bolingbrook, Naperville, Lemont, Lockport, Woodridge, and Joliet. Will County, home to Romeoville, is one of the fastest growing counties in the United States, and a producer for global markets. For additional information on the area, please visit here. Campus The Lewis main campus in Romeoville, Illinois, a picturesque setting on over 400 acres, houses more than 1,100 students in 12 residence halls, all within walking distance of well-equipped classrooms, the library, the JFK Recreation and Fitness Center, the Student Union, and the Sancta Alberta Chapel. The campus is also home to the Brent and Jean Wadsworth Family Gallery, the Oremus Fine Arts Center, the Brother Paul French, FSC, Learning Resource Center, the Harold E. White Aviation Building, and the recently completed 80,000 sq. ft. Science Center, The Romeoville campus has achieved arboretum status, which is awarded by achieving certain standards of professional practices deemed important for arboretum and botanic gardens. To view the Campus Master Plan, please visit here. Lewis University Chicago 8

9 Leadership The President The Provost Dr. David J. Livingston took office as Lewis University s tenth President on July 1, With more than 15 years of academic and leadership experience, his knowledge of the operational functions of a university and the needs of its various student populations will guide the institution to new heights. Since assuming office, Dr. Livingston has already achieved a number of collaborative successes, including: A new Strategic Plan, entitled Soaring to New Heights Construction of a new $13.5 million student center Completion of a successful $35 million capital campaign The establishment of a new endowed professorship Previously, Dr. Livingston served as President of Lourdes University ( ). Prior to that, he served Mercyhurst University for 16 years in various diverse capacities, including President of the Faculty Senate and Vice President for Advancement. A native of Dundee, he received his B.A. in Chemistry from Augustana College; his M.A. in Theology from Loyola University, and his Ph.D. in Theology from Vanderbilt University. Dr. Livingston s scholarship focuses on the theological and ethical aspects of forgiveness and reconciliation. His primary concentration is interpreting religious and cultural responses to domestic violence. Dr. Stephany Schlachter, who has served as Provost for eighteen years, is retiring from that position in June She will serve as Special Assistant to the President until June In previous years, she served as Lewis University s Vice President for Mission and Planning and Vice President for Mission and Development. Under Dr. Schlachter s leadership, Lewis University has achieved substantive growth and academic success. Academic offerings and departments have significantly expanded, the University has developed its first two doctoral degree programs, the Office of Sponsored Programs has been established to further faculty scholarship, and the University Faculty Senate has been created. Dr. Schlachter has led the development of a new core curriculum, and has overseen the groundwork to prepare the University for its 2019 reaccreditation visit. In a time of constantly changing federal and state guidelines and budget challenges in the State of Illinois, Dr. Schlachter has continued to focus on putting students first, developing academic programs in high demand areas while advancing students personal and spiritual growth. Dr. Schlachter was affiliated to the Institute of the De La Salle Christian Brothers in

10 THE POSITION The Provost s portfolio is wide ranging, encompassing all areas of the University that have direct responsibility for the educational experience of students. Direct reports to the Provost include the Senior Vice President for Student Services; Interim Associate Provost for Academic Affairs; Associate Provost for Academic Administration and Accreditation; Academic Associate to the Provost; Director of Faculty Development; Deans of Graduate, Professional and Continuing Education and of the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Nursing and Health Professions; and the Executive Director of the Albuquerque Campus. The Provost s office is staffed by the Academic Affairs Coordinator, an Administrative Assistant and a Secretary. As Lewis University s Chief Academic Officer, the Provost fosters the advancement, recognition, development and evaluation of the faculty, facilitates faculty access to resources, develops initiatives to advance research and scholarship across the University, and furthers strategic enrollment growth through the introduction of new academic programs. The Provost provides leadership to advance Lewis educational infrastructure, oversees the administration and allocation of funding in support of the educational mission of the University, and provides academic direction for online and distance learning programs. The Provost is responsible for enriching the intellectual, physical, social and spiritual learning environment of students, enhancing the quality of student life, and developing initiatives to advance student retention and graduation. In addition, the Provost has important interaction with external constituencies, serving as the chief accreditation officer of the University, coordinating all education and institutional accreditation processes, and overseeing the preparation of self-studies and required reports. The Provost connects the University s academic mission to the needs of the local community and region, facilitating the development of partnerships and strategic initiatives, and ensures that Lewis University s policies and procedures comply with county, state, and federal regulations. A special responsibility inherent to the role is the advancement of the University s Catholic and Lasallian Mission. The Provost collaborates with the Vice Presidents to advance the vision, Mission, and Strategic Plan of the University. 10

11 Opportunities The Provost will join the Lewis community at an exciting time in the University s history. The University is financially strong and wellmanaged, and the current Provost has laid the groundwork for ongoing success in fulfilling the educational mission of the University. A new core curriculum is in place, work for the Higher Learning Commission reaccreditation visit in spring 2019 is progressing well, the restructuring of the colleges is under way, and the recently-created Faculty Senate is functioning effectively. That will provide the new Provost unusual opportunities to focus on initiatives and activities that move the University forward strategically. In addition to the normal duties associated with the Provost position, Lewis University s new Provost will have the opportunity to: Lead the University in adapting to the changing dynamics of an institution that has grown significantly in size and complexity by Strengthening, supporting and celebrating the balance that exists between liberal arts and professional programs, both individually and for the synergies they produce, and encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to teaching; Recognizing and addressing the needs of all of Lewis student populations traditional undergraduate, adult degree completers, graduate, professional, on-site and on-line; Ensuring that Lewis University remains true to its social justice mission of access to higher education; Developing policies and procedures appropriate to the current and future realities at Lewis; and Developing relationships and fostering a culture of responsiveness and inclusion in the context of a complex portfolio. Implement the restructuring of the colleges to be adopted in 2018 and Oversee searches and choose Deans to lead at least two of the colleges; Assess the organization of the Office of the Provost and recommend to the President a staffing model that supports the reorganization and facilitates the management of a large and very complex office in a way that enables the Provost to focus on the big picture while fulfilling the bright line expectations of the positon; and Continue to support and collaborate with the Faculty Senate in its role in University governance. Collaborate with the President, the Vice Presidents, the Deans and the faculty to implement the Strategic Plan, Soaring to New Heights, taking a leadership role in Imagining the future of higher education, articulating the needs of prospective students and employers, and ensuring that Lewis University remains innovative and responsive to society s needs; Strategically developing new niche programs in health care, STEM, business and transportation, and supporting innovation in classroom design, interdisciplinary programs, and instructional technology to address current and future demand; Supporting faculty in teaching, scholarship, advising, program development and the use of innovative pedagogies; Advancing transformative life experiences and experiential educational opportunities that lead to student success including undergraduate research and study abroad; Focusing on external constituencies in the greater Chicago region and beyond to strengthen partnerships and enhance the public perception of Lewis University s brand as a leading regional Catholic University; and Deepening student and employee understanding of the University s Catholic identity and the integration of the Catholic intellectual tradition in its curriculum and student life. Advance, articulate, and live Lewis mission, vision, and values, including its Catholic and Lasallian tradition, and drive the academic life of the University to bend the arc of society toward justice. 11

12 Opportunities Qualifications The President and the Search Committee seek in the next Provost of Lewis University an experienced and visionary academic leader who: Possesses an earned doctorate and has risen through the faculty ranks. Has successful leadership experience at an institution similar in complexity to Lewis and the ability to balance that complexity with the needs of the various constituencies and programs on campus. Understands and has experience with institutional and program specific accreditation processes. Is an entrepreneurial and agile servant leader who understands the national higher education environment, successfully identifies strategic opportunities for program growth and investment, and manages transformational change humanely. Makes decisions in a courageous and timely fashion based on data, an understanding of the human element, and the University s best interests. Has financial acumen, the ability to manage complex budgets and to advocate effectively for the institution s academic priorities. Has excellent listening and communication skills, is collaborative and transparent, builds relationships and values all members of the university community. Works effectively externally, building partnerships and promoting Lewis reputation as a leading regional Catholic university. Understands the needs of first-generation college students and develops programs and services that encourage their success. Mentors and nurtures faculty and staff and encourages interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and scholarship. Has high energy, passion for leadership, humility, a sense of humor, tolerance of ambiguity and ability to thrive in a highly dynamic and changing environment. Understands, has strong affinity for, and is able to advance Lewis mission, vision, and values, including its Catholic and Lasallian identity. 12

13 Key Indicators Investment in Plant, less depreciation $140,420,755 Plant Replacement Insured Value $236,690,000 Cost of Operating Plant $7,726,000 Endowment & Invested Funds $69,020,676 Budget $174,477,000 Tuition Income $136,714,436 Student Enrollment 6,506 Average ACT Score 23.3 High School Rankings (Class entering F2016) First-Year Retention Rate 80.4% Graduation Rate 66.6% Living Alumni 41,896 Top 10% = 20% Top 25% = 49% Top 50% = 77% Number of Regular Faculty Tenured Average Faculty Salaries Student : Teacher Ratio 13:1 254 (226 FT and 28 HT) 93 Professor:... $104,055 Associate Professor:... $86,544 Assistant Professor:... $70,627 Instructor:... $60,089 Degrees Awarded Library Volumes Athletics 88 undergraduate programs; 43 graduate programs; 2 doctoral programs More than 120,000 physical volumes plus an expanding collection of electronic resources (journals, books, etc.) NCAA Division II (Great Lakes Valley Conference): Baseball, Basketball (Men s & Women s), Cross Country (Men s & Women s), Golf (Men s & Women s), Soccer (Men s & Women s), Softball, Swimming (Men s & Women s), Tennis (Men s & Women s), Track & Field (Men s & Women s), Volleyball (Men s DI) & Women s) 13

14 APPLICATION PROCESS Applications are due by January 22nd, To ensure full consideration, you will be required to submit: 1. a current resume or CV; 2. a cover letter addressing the position s opportunities and qualifications; and 3. the contact information for three professional references. Submit your application securely through our website by clicking here, or at the address listed below. The anticipated start date for this position is by July 1, For Further Information: Matthew J. Kilcoyne MANAGING PARTNER (202) LewisProvost@rhperry.com Dr. Jean A. Scott SENIOR CONSULTANT (757) LewisProvost@rhperry.com RH PERRY & ASSOCIATES 206 East Chestnut Street Asheville, NC RH Perry Policy R. H. Perry & Associates is committed to the highest standards of professionalism in all dealings with candidates, sources and references. We fully respect the need for confidentiality and assure interested parties that their background and interests will not be discussed without consent of the applicant prior to her or his becoming a candidate. Lewis University Policy Lewis University is an equal opportunity employer. Decisions regarding hiring, promotion, termination, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, training, discipline, and all other decisions regarding the terms and conditions of employment will be made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state or local laws which is unrelated to the ability to perform the job or which can be reasonably accommodated.