Millikin University seeks a strategic and transformational leader to join a collaborative senior leadership team as the Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) and to reimagine student life at Millikin for a new generation of students.

Founded in 1901, Millikin is an independent, four-year, comprehensive university and has an enrollment of approximately 1,800 students in traditional and non-traditional undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The University is located on an attractive 70-acre campus in Decatur, Illinois, a city of approximately 70,000 residents. Since its founding more than 120 years ago, Millikin has operated under the philosophy of providing an education that combines theory with practice in a model referred to as performance learning. Through immersive experiences such as internships, co-teaching, running a business, presenting research to experts and performing in front of audiences - students find new ways to live out their learning and reap the rewards of their hard work.

Reporting to the President and as a key member of the President’s Council, the VPSA will work in collaboration with partners across the University to create a student experience that aligns with our core values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. The VPSA must be adept at establishing positive working relationships with all members of the University community while maintaining a focus on student advocacy and support. It is critical at this moment in Millikin’s history that the VPSA be an active advocate for supporting individual student identities and interests; prioritizing student mental health and well-being; and creating a sense of belonging at Millikin.

Responsibilities:
The VPSA will be responsible for the development and advancement of student-centered co-curricular experiences using a trauma-informed approach. They will be a collaborative servant leader that will embrace change and take ownership for developing a forward-thinking vision for student life that seeks to create an environment for student success. Primary responsibilities of the position will include but are not limited to the following:

• Supervision, Administration and Budget Management of the Office of Student Affairs Staff Development Compliance and Oversight of the Student Conduct System Oversight of Student Retention Data and Assessment Emergency Response and Crisis Management Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will be an experienced and compassionate leader who uses their internal and external network of stakeholders to find ways to meet the needs of a post-pandemic generation of college students. The successful candidate will possess a master’s degree in higher education administration, student personnel administration or a related field, and a minimum of five years of progressive senior administrative leadership experience in student affairs.

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, a statement describing their leadership style, and contact information of three professional references to millikin.edu/employment. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Employment and first day of work is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Millikin University is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups in this field are encouraged to apply. Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Millikin University is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive. Millikin offers a competitive salary and full benefit package, including eligibility for tuition waiver.