Southern Illinois University Edwardsville announces its national search for an experienced and visionary leader to serve as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (VCSA).
For a copy of the full Prospectus, click here: SIUE VCSA Search Prospectus
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 10 public regional universities and by Washington Monthly as among the top 40 out of 673 private and public master’s universities nationally. SIUE provides students with a high-quality, affordable education and prepares them for successful careers and lives of purpose to shape a changing world.
A metropolitan university, SIUE serves a diverse student body of more than 12,500. The University has enjoyed several years of record enrollment and increasing retention and is nearing completion of a $300 million infrastructure and building program. The Edwardsville campus encompasses 2,660 acres of woods and rolling hills in the scenic beauty of southwestern Illinois. The University has a center in East St. Louis, including a charter high school; a nursing clinic and a School of Pharmacy; and a School of Dental Medicine in Alton. SIUE competes at the NCAA Division I level in the Ohio Valley Conference and the Mid-American Conference (wrestling). SIUE’s safety record has yielded a “Top 50 Safest College Towns in America” designation for the city of Edwardsville.
SIUE received the 2022 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. SIUE joins a select group of 11 institutions that have earned the distinction for at least nine consecutive years. SIUE is one of 62 university campuses in the world and the only public institution in Illinois to be part of the Sustained Dialogue Campus Network (SDCN), which helps University faculty, staff and students address issues of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability status and other topics that often are not effectively discussed in diverse groups. The non-profit group Campus Pride ranked SIUE in the top 100 among the 2021 Most Affordable LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges and Universities. SIUE’s LGBTQ-Friendly Campus Climate index and Sexual Orientation scores are 4.5 out of 5 stars. SIUE’s Gender Identity/Expression score is 4 out of 5 stars. SIUE is also nationally recognized as a 2022-23 Military Friendly® School and among the Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges.
The University’s new VCSA will partner with the Chancellor to shape the future for a strong and valued Student Affairs program. In support of the vision and mission of the University, the VCSA will lead a team to work effectively with students, both individually and by supporting student government, student organizations and clubs.
The successful candidate will be a talented and visionary individual who can work to develop innovative strategies in collaboration with academic and administrative departments to support and enhance student success. A master’s degree from an accredited institution is required, with a doctoral degree preferred. Also required is a minimum of 7-10 years of relevant and progressive senior-level administrative and leadership experience in higher education. The strongest candidates will also have demonstrated success in carrying out the responsibilities of a higher education administrator including personnel supervision, fiscal management, and external relations.
Reporting directly to the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs is a key leadership position responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight for all aspects of student affairs at the university. This role focuses on enhancing the overall student experience, fostering a supportive and inclusive campus community, and promoting student success and well-being. The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs works collaboratively with various stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and external partners, to develop and implement programs, services, and policies that meet the diverse needs of the student population.
The VCSA provides leadership for a variety of student support departments. The Student Affairs division is responsible for the traditional auxiliary units of a college campus, including University Housing, Dining Services, University Center (containing the bookstore and a textbook rental program), and Campus Recreation. Areas of responsibility for the student development support departments include: Dean of Students Office; Health Service; Counseling Services; Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub; an Early Childhood Center (an accredited daycare facility for children ages 2-5); and Career Development Center.
Poised at a moment of opportunity, the next VCSA will provide innovative, forward-thinking vision that leverages the commitment of student affairs units and university leadership to move SIUE student affairs into alignment with their peers. The VCSA is a member of the chancellor’s cabinet and acts as the bridge between the chancellor and the division. They will provide reliable and trustworthy counsel to the chancellor on all matters related to student affairs, including transparent communication associated with major decisions and important division matters. This position requires a talented and visionary individual who will work to develop innovative strategies in collaboration with academic and administrative departments to support and enhance student success.
Key Responsibilities for the VSCA Include:
- Strategic Planning and Leadership
- Student Development and Support
- Campus Life and Community Engagement
- Student Conduct and Welfare
- Collaboration and External Relations
- Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and anti-racism
Key Traits and Attributes Include:
- A self-starter with a “builder” mentality, bringing a diverse strategy that encompasses inventive student success models.
- Strategic, forward thinking, innovative, and a future-oriented mindset. A visionary, but realistic.
- A transparent leader.
- Accountable.
- Open communication style with excellent interpersonal communication skills. Approachable, engaging, and responsive.
- An energetic, well-grounded, service-oriented personality.
- A unifier. Able to influence and inspire others and get others excited.
- High emotional intelligence.
- Empathetic.
- Student centered with a deep passion for student success and the student experience.
- A highly visible and accessible approach to leadership.
- An appreciation for serving the educational needs of an economically and demographically diverse population.
- A commitment to educational equity and anti-racism.
- An anti-biased educational approach.
- Ability to create an environment of trust and respect.
- Culturally conscious (demonstrative through current or previous work and organizational processes).
- Ethical in word and deed.
- Data informed.
The Search Committee invites letters of interest and nominations to be submitted directly to the search firm, Anthem Executive. Correspondence should include a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest describing relevant experience and interest in the position. Submit materials to Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, JR Wheless, or Florene Stawowy at:
While applications and nominations may be accepted until the position is filled, interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible to assure consideration. Anthem and the university reserve the right to end or extend the application and nomination process. Expressing interest is the first step in receiving consideration and does not make one an applicant for the position.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville nurtures an open, respectful, and welcoming climate that facilitates learning and work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce, we will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, national origin, religion, disability, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation or veteran’s status.