DRAFDRA Vice President for Kent State System Integration February 2016 Position Profile
Kent State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President for Kent State System Integration. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the Vice President is the senior officer responsible for the oversight of Kent s seven regional campuses and the Regional College. The Vice President for Kent State System Integration serves on the President s Cabinet, enhancing the voice of the regional campuses and ensuring that the perspectives of the regional campuses inform Mission Statement discussions and decision. Kent State University Overview Kent State University is the largest public multi-campus system in Northeast Ohio, with campuses serving nine local communities and a population of more than 41,000 students, 3,989 full-time faculty and staff members and 227,000 alumni worldwide. The Kent State University Regional Campuses advance Northeast Ohio by providing open access to a major university education. The campuses are key intellectual resources for social diversity, cultural enrichment and economic development. The university s Kent Campus has a student body of nearly 29,000 and a thriving residential population of more than 6,600. Its seven regional campuses draw full- and part-time students, now totaling more than 12,000, from across Northeast Ohio: Kent State at Ashtabula; Kent State at East Liverpool; Kent State at Geauga in Burton and the Regional Academic Center in Twinsburg; Kent State at Salem; Kent State at Stark in Canton; Kent State at Trumbull in Warren; and Kent State at Tuscarawas in New Philadelphia. Kent State s College of Podiatric Medicine is located in Independence, near downtown Cleveland. The Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative is the combined home of the urban design graduate program and the public service activities of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design; the center offers architectural and urban design expertise to urban communities, design professionals, and nonprofit and academic partners in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. In addition, Kent State s School of Library and Information Science offers the Master of Library and Information Science degree program to residents of central and southern Ohio at its site in the State Library of Ohio in Columbus. Outside of Ohio, located in the heart of the New York City s Garment District, the Kent State Fashion School s NYC Studio offers a unique academic experience to further students studies in fashion design, fashion merchandising and fashion journalism. The university offers more than 200 global education opportunities at its campuses in Florence, Italy, and Geneva, Switzerland; centers in China and India; as well as partnerships with 60 institutes and universities across the globe from Columbia to Vietnam and Germany to Kenya. Page 2
The Kent Campus is a global education destination in its own right, serving as home to 3,000 students hailing from 111 countries. Kent State is proud of its outstanding faculty and staff, students, collaborative culture, exceptional academic and research orientation, and strong commitment to engagement, academic excellence and diversity. The university offers more than 282 associate and baccalaureate degree programs. Kent State serves the state, the nation and the world through 165 graduate programs. Academic programs are organized into 10 colleges and one independent school: Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology; Architecture and Environmental Design; Arts and Sciences; the Arts; Business Administration; Communication and Information; Education, Health and Human Services; Nursing; Podiatric Medicine; and Public Health, as well as the School of Digital Sciences. Kent State has received two prominent rankings in the new 2016 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report. Kent State is ranked among the top 100 national public schools in the Top Public Schools list, and it holds a coveted spot in the first-tier list of Best National Universities category in the ranking of public, private and for-profit institutions nationwide. And the university is hailed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching among the nation s top 74 public high-research universities. Kent State is the only Ohio university public or private to make this year s list of Great Colleges to Work For by The Chronicle of Higher Education. This is the university s fifth time in six years to receive this designation. As an engine for economic, cultural and workforce development, Kent State generates $1.96 billion annually in added income to the Northeast Ohio economy. Kent State University is an affiliate of the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges and is accredited without reservation, by the North Central Association of Colleges. Committed to the creation and nurturing of a diverse community of individuals through inclusive excellence, the university strives for a culturally diverse student body, faculty, and staff that reflect the multicultural nature of Ohio, the nation, and the world. The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was created in 2009 with a mission is to promote diversity, equity and inclusion across all eight Kent State campuses. Kent State has one of the largest regional systems in the nation, offering programs from computer technology and nursing to arts and humanities. The university s wealth of intellectual, physical and cultural resources makes it a whole that has a far greater impact than the sum of its parts. As one university with multiple campuses, Kent State serves as an economic driver and regional cornerstone in communities throughout Northeast Ohio. Regional campus students gain the advantage of attending a distinguished university in Ohio with the friendly, casual atmosphere of small liberal arts colleges. Students can choose from 40 associate degrees at seven campuses, where they can begin coursework toward any of Kent State s more than 282 Page 3
bachelor s degrees. Small class sizes, affordable tuition and one-on-one advising are just a few reasons why more than 12,000 students attend Kent State s regional campuses. The Kent State regional campuses are: Kent State at Ashtabula Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Kent State University at Ashtabula is the only institution of higher learning in Ashtabula County, and is conveniently located between Cleveland, Erie and Youngstown. The northernmost campus of Kent State University offers a variety of courses and both bachelor s and associate degree programs for over 2,500 students. Kent State Ashtabula added a new Health and Science Building to the Main Hall, Library and Technology Building to keep pace with ever-growing educational demands. The Robert S. Morrison Health and Science Building is teeming with technology in beautifully appointed laboratories and classrooms. Opened in the summer of 2009, it showcases the health professions curriculum on the Ashtabula Campus. All students taking a lab science benefit from the new facility that includes the only cadaver lab along the shoreline from Cleveland to Erie. The new building is home to the following academic programs: Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology, Radiologic Technology, and Respiratory Therapy. Kent State Columbiana County Campuses Kent State serves students in Columbiana County by offering classes at two convenient locations: Kent State at East Liverpool The campus is situated just off state Route 11 with stunning views of the Ohio River. The campus is a main focal point in an active and developing Downtown University District. Kent State East Liverpool is composed of the Main Building located at 400 E. Fourth St. and the Mary Patterson Building, located at 213 E. Fourth St. Combined with its sister campus, Kent State University at Salem, offering more than 20 degrees, including 12 bachelor s degrees. The two campuses serve more than 3,500 students annually. Kent State at Salem The campus is located just south of the city at 2491 state Page 4
Route 45 south. Situated on 100-acres, featuring a lake and nature trails, the campus recently added a multimillion dollar Health and Science Wing, complete with centralized classrooms and new nursing and radiologic and imagining sciences laboratories. Kent State Salem s second building, the City Center, is located in the heart of downtown Salem at 230 N. Lincoln Ave. It is the site of the former Salem High School and Junior High. Combined with its sister campus, Kent State University at East Liverpool, more than 20 degrees are offered, including 12 bachelor s degrees. The two campuses serve more than 3,500 students annually. Kent State at Geauga and the Regional Academic Center The Geauga campus was founded in 1964 and is located in the heart of maple syrup county: Burton, Ohio. Kent State Geauga is the only institution of higher learning in one of the fastest growing counties in the state. Serving over 2,500 students, the campus provides quality academic instruction relevant to the changing economy. Both traditional and non-traditional students can pursue Associate, Baccalaureate and Master s level coursework during class hours conveniently scheduled to accommodate their work and family obligations. Courses are provided in a newly renovated 33,500 square foot facility. In the early 1990's, Geauga Campus administration initiated the reach of education into Twinsburg. Its steady growth resulted in the construction of the Regional Academic Center, a LEED certified, state-of-the-art facility that opened its doors in 2012. Kent State Geauga and the Regional Academic Center serve their surrounding communities as well as the south and eastern portions of Cuyahoga County. The Geauga Campus and the Regional Academic Center share staff, faculty and their website. Kent State at Stark Kent State University at Stark is the largest regional campus of Kent State University, serving more than 11,000 students each year comprised of 6,600 enrolled in academic coursework and 4,500 enrolled in professional development courses. Kent State Stark offers bachelor s, master s and associate degrees, as well as the opportunity to begin coursework in 282 bachelor s degree programs at Kent State University. The only public university in Stark County, Kent State Stark is nestled on a beautiful, 200-acre campus in Jackson Township. The Conference Center, which houses The Corporate University and the Small Business Development Center, is accredited under the stringent guidelines of the Page 5
International Association of Conference Centers. Combining a top-quality major university in Ohio with a community-oriented college, Kent State Stark serves the region as a key intellectual resource, providing access to academic, economic and cultural advancement through excellence in teaching and learning. Kent State at Trumbull Kent State University at Trumbull, located just north of the Route 5 bypass on State Route 45 in Warren, OH, offers programs at the freshman and sophomore level in 170 majors, along with 18 certificates and 15 associate degree programs. The campus also offers junior/senior level coursework for baccalaureate degree completion in nursing, justice studies, technology, business management and English, as well as general studies and psychology degrees. The campus' Technology Building supports a variety of technology degree programs, including computer technology education. The Workforce Development and Continuing Studies Center's program offerings include certification for professionals. Kent State at Tuscarawas Located on 170 acres in New Philadelphia, Kent State University at Tuscarawas boasts a vibrant and friendly Ohio college atmosphere with an enrollment of more than 2800 students served through credit programming and another 3,200 individuals served through noncredit courses offered by the Office of Business and Community Services. Students can complete associate and bachelor s degrees, as well as certificate programs. A few of the largest majors include nursing, business, computer design, animation and game design, and veterinary technology, which is one of only seven AVMA accredited programs in Ohio. Students can participate in numerous activities, cultural events, organizations and clubs to enhance their educational experience. Academic support and enrichment are available through academic advising, free tutoring services, state-of-the-art technology labs and a challenging Honors Program. Campus facilities include Founders Hall, a high-tech Science and Advanced Technology Center and a new Performing Arts Center that features a 1,100-seat theatre for Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances and lectures. Regional College The Regional College serves as the academic unit for certificates and academic programs unique to the regional campuses, including Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Technical Studies, and multiple Bachelor s degree programs. Page 6
The Dean of the Regional College oversees nearly 100 faculty and staff within the Applied Business, Health Occupations, and Engineering Technology and Professional Studies units. The college functions as an academic unit in the reappointment, tenure, and promotion processes. The Position Kent State thrives by combining diverse missions within one university and is seeking a leader who is comfortable with leading multiple campuses with differing cultures and missions. As a recommendation of President Warren s One University Commission, the Vice President for Kent State Integration will be charged with assessing the administrative structure of the regional campus system. The successful candidate will be someone who can develop clusters of activity and resource sharing among the Kent State campuses to facilitate program collaboration, costsaving measures, and more effective use of resources. This includes ensuring curricular integration across all campuses and academic colleges to ensure a common foundation for all students as they proceed with their major programs. The ideal candidate will be able to engage the communities where the campuses are located to foster partnerships and economic development. Duties and Functions Oversee the general operations of the regional campuses related to budget development and approval; oversee regional campus leadership (deans). Responsible for enrollment and effective administration of the regional campus system. Provide leadership and advocacy for the development of long- and short-term goals for the regional campuses. Maintain general coordination among campuses related to organizational structure, student fees, and general operating procedures. Provide overall leadership for, and in collaboration with, offices responsible for establishing and maintaining effective university relations with external constituencies including students, parents, local communities and government. Assist in formulating, administering, and ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures. Serve as a senior officer of the university by participating in strategy development, fostering positive employee relations, actively engaging in diversity initiatives, and participating in key university events. Utilize the university s expertise to serve the educational and economic development needs of the communities served by the regional campuses; encourage development and collaboration of entrepreneurial academic offerings. Strengthen regional communication and build partnerships through town meetings, community events and advisory boards; ensure effective delivery of programs and Page 7
services through multi-campus and business partnerships. Conduct regular meetings with regional deans, assistant deans, and the Regional Campus Faculty Advisory Council to address common regional issues and share information. Preside over regional student appeals of campus decisions. Participate in and supervise regional program reviews. Represent regional campuses/regional deans at various campus, division, and university committees; serve as a member of the President s Cabinet; represent the regional campuses on appropriate university bodies, committees, and councils. Participate in Board of Trustees meetings and work with Board committees. Fulfill responsibilities of human resource management including equal opportunity, affirmative action and employee development. Perform related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications The preferred candidate will hold a terminal degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution; eight to nine years progressively responsible experience in a similarly sized university or comparable institution, including three or more years of senior level administrative experience. If applicable, the individual may be appointed to a faculty appointment congruent to their academic record. Must possess a broad institutional perspective and have excellent budgeting/finance and planning skills, as well as a proactive style of leadership that encourages teamwork and interaction. Salary The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Applicant Review Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. How to Apply A complete application will include a letter describing relevant experiences and interest in the position; current curriculum vitae; and the names of five references with titles, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses. Individuals who wish to nominate a candidate should submit a letter of nomination, including the name, position, address, telephone number, and email address of the nominee. Greenwood/Asher & Associates, an executive search firm, is assisting Kent State University in the search. Page 8
Applications and letters of nominations should be submitted to: Jan Greenwood or Betty Turner Asher Shelley Sullivan Feather, Executive Search Consultant Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc. 42 Business Centre Drive, Suite 206 Miramar Beach, Florida 32550 Phone: 850-650-2277 / Fax: 850-650-2272 Email: jangreenwood@greenwoodsearch.com Email: bettyasher@greenwoodsearch.com Email: shelleyfeather@greenwoodsearch.com For more information about Kent State University, please visit the website: http://www.kent.edu/ Kent State University is committed to the creation and nurturing of a diverse community of individuals through inclusive excellence. Diversity involves recognizing the value of differences and the inclusion of all members of the community including those that experience discrimination or under representation. This is a core value of the organization as we strive for a culturally diverse student body, faculty and staff that reflect the multicultural nature of Ohio, the nation, and our world and bring unique strengths and abilities which contribute to our pursuit of Excellence in Action. Page 9