OPPORTUNITY PROFILE PROVOST AND VICE PRESIDENT, ACADEMIC REDEEMER UNIVERSITY COLLEGE Ancaster, Ontario, Canada www.redeemer.ca
A CHRONICLE OF GOD S FAITHFULNESS During the 2012-13 academic year, Redeemer University College will celebrate its 30 th Anniversary. Throughout its history, God has blessed Redeemer with faculty, staff, students and a supporting community who are deeply committed to Redeemer s mission of providing Christ-centred university education. That support has allowed it, for thirty years, to prepare students to be followers of Christ that serve Him with wisdom and excellence, and to be agents of grace and transformation in many different professions and callings of life. Redeemer is a privately-funded, publicly regulated institution that offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education degrees in more than forty areas of study in the context of a liberal arts and sciences curriculum. Redeemer s campus is situated on a beautiful and scenic 86- acre campus in Ancaster, Ontario. Redeemer relies on tuition, housing fees, donations and ancillary income to meet its $22 million annual budget, and employs 48 full-time faculty, many part-time instructors, and more than 64 full-time support staff. Rooted in the Protestant Reformation tradition and serving the global body of Christ, Redeemer currently enrolls more than 900 students. Representing more than 50 denominations, Redeemer students this year came from ten Canadian provinces, six US states, and twenty other countries. Redeemer s nearly 4000 alumni work in a wide range of businesses, education and social
service agencies and a host of other ministries in Canada and around the world. Approximately 34% of Redeemer s graduates have gone on to pursue professional or academic studies in more than 70 graduate schools across Canada, the US and beyond. Redeemer University College is ideally located within the town of Ancaster, now part of the amalgamated City of Hamilton. Hamilton is defined by its unique geographical features which include the Niagara Escarpment and the Hamilton Harbour. Once known for its predominantly industrial base, Hamilton is increasingly recognized for outstanding postsecondary education facilities and excellent health care, and as a growing centre for health care research and other innovative enterprises. The City is culturally diverse and offers a wide range of facilities and amenities for the performing arts, sports teams, museums, recreational facilities, parks and conservation areas. Hamilton is centrally located within a larger area known as the Golden Horseshoe that extends from Niagara Falls to the Greater Toronto Area. Proximity to these large urban markets affords families and singles, young and old, an abundance of opportunities and experiences. BUILDING ON A STRONG FOUNDATION Redeemer s Vision, Mission and Statement of Basis and Principles, which are posted at www.redeemer.ca/vpacadsearch, are clear reminders that first and foremost Redeemer was established to serve the Lord. Our commitment to following Christ, to a Biblical worldview and to developing our gifts and learning in service to God and neighbour, are communicated through all aspects of the educational experience at Redeemer. Also central to a Redeemer education is the liberal arts and sciences core that shapes the curriculum. Students note that their Redeemer education is marked by a vibrant Christian discipleship and caring community, a Christcentred, Biblical worldview, excellent teaching, academic rigor, strong research, rich student-faculty interaction, and opportunities for experiential and holistic learning. Redeemer s attention to the relationship of faith, learning and service, its commitment to engaging community and culture, its small class sizes, and an attractive and a functional campus (that includes comfortable and convenient housing for students), complete the enriching educational experience that Redeemer is able to offer.
During its 30 years, Redeemer has earned the respect of the broader academic community, fostering further educational and research experiences for students and faculty. In fact, strong partnerships such as faculty and student exchanges and complementary programs have already been established with both McMaster University and Mohawk College. In recent national surveys, Redeemer s students have consistently ranked it as one of the top universities in Canada for overall student satisfaction. In particular, Redeemer has been noted for providing a nurturing and challenging academic environment and on-campus community. Because of its strong Biblical and academic foundations, Redeemer is well positioned to showcase with confidence and boldness a uniquely Christian postsecondary education and scholarship that is desired by a growing numbers of Christians and others in and beyond Canada. The future learning needs of the broader Christian community will be further met through four Great Goals in Redeemer s newly adopted Strategic Plan: Building International Academic Engagement & Excellence, Cultivating a Liberal Arts & Sciences Program with a Distinctive Worldview, Developing and Equipping the Whole Person and Demonstrating an All-Encompassing Christian Faith.
A PROVOST / VICE PRESIDENT, ACADEMIC FOR REDEEMER S FUTURE Redeemer s next Provost and Vice President, Academic will succeed Dr. Jacob Ellens, and will continue to assist the President in developing and implementing a bold and dynamic vision of Redeemer s educational mission. Reporting to the President, and serving as Vice Chair of the Senate, the Provost and VP, Academic is the chief officer of the university s educational programs and has primary responsibility for leading the faculty and for visioning, planning, administering, and assessing the educational programs of the university. Responsibilities include: - oversight of academic programs and policies; - supervision of deans, departments, faculty, and registrar; - hiring and promotion of faculty; - development and assessment of academic programs; - faculty development and academic research; - continuing education; - financial matters relating to the Academic division; and - leading collaboration with Student Development personnel to achieve a holistic educational vision. A member of the Executive Team and President s Council, the Provost and VP, Academic serves as the chief administrative officer as directed by the President in his/her absence. S/he is appointed for a five-year renewable term. The next Provost and VP, Academic will bring to the role a deep-seated personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and a thoughtful, articulate commitment to the Statement of Basis and Principles and to the Vision, Mission and Purpose of Redeemer University College (http://www.redeemer. ca/about/whoweare/mission). S/he must have a clear and inspiring vision for how Redeemer s Vision and Mission relate to its educational programs, for a comprehensive postsecondary education that advances Redeemer s strengths, and for the future of Christian higher education in the Reformed theological tradition.
S/he will know and embrace Redeemer s history and its distinctive place in post-secondary education, and have the ability and enthusiasm both to tell Redeemer s story and to expand its impact. S/he will have the commitment and ability to forge new connections between curricular programs and experiential learning, continuing education, Student Life programs and partnerships in our wider community. At a minimum, the successful candidate must possess an earned PhD or equivalent. Redeemer is seeking a candidate that has: - experience in academic teaching and/or scholarship and/or academic administration; - experience in successfully supervising and developing faculty; - experience in development, assessment, and accreditation of academic programs; - a proven record of building a learning community characterized by care, collaboration, service and academic excellence; - strong executive leadership skills (strategic thinking / planning, administering complex budgets, communication, delegation and supervision); - the ability to communicate effectively with both internal and external community members, inspiring trust and teamwork. Familiarity with current issues and trends in post-secondary education, and experience with developing and assessing teaching and scholarship, are desirable qualities. The next Provost and VP, Academic will be both an academic leader and a gifted communicator who is able to represent Redeemer to a wide variety of audiences including academics, students, staff, external academic colleagues and assessment teams, government officials, potential partners, churches and other Christian institutions. S/he also will have the interpersonal skills to relate well with others at all levels. Those who work with the Provost and VP, Academic must know that s/ he values and respects them, listens well, wants their input, and encourages their growth and contribution to Redeemer s mission. At the same time, they must know that thoughtful and prayerful consideration will be given to making the right decisions for Redeemer University College. These people-skills relate to the fundamental character of the next Provost and VP, Academic: openness, humility, a servant-leadership style and a commitment to valuing each person. His/her integrity and collegiality will be evidenced by a record of outstanding personal conduct and solid leadership accomplishments.
THE SEARCH AND SELECTION PROCESS A Search Committee comprised of representatives from various Redeemer constituencies has been appointed to solicit candidates for the position of Provost and VP, Academic. Mr. Brian Verheul, an independent consultant with experience in the search and selection process, and who is very familiar with the operation of Redeemer University College, has been retained to assist the Committee. Candidates will be actively sought through both advertising and nominations. Each candidate will be thoroughly reviewed and screened using background information, telephone interviews, and, when appropriate and with permission, through reference checks. Candidates reaching the final stages of the process will be interviewed by the Search Committee. Strict confidentiality will be maintained until the preferred candidate is selected. The preferred candidate will be selected by the President, in consultation with the Board of Governors. Though the starting date is negotiable, ideally the new Provost and VP, Academic will assume the office between January 1, 2013 and July 1, 2013.
Applications Applications for the position should include a letter of interest and Curriculum Vitae. Kindly direct applications and nominations in confidence to: VP, Academic Search Committee Mrs. Magda Beukes, Executive Assistant to the President Redeemer University College 777 Garner Road E Ancaster, ON L9K 1J4 or vpacadsearch@redeemer.ca Other questions and inquiries may be directed to: Mr. Brian Verheul (647) 808-7355 verheulandassociates@cogeco.ca