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Profile(reviewed(by(search(committee(and(finalized(by(Chair(Diederich(and(Interim(Chancellor(Skogen(–(June(6,(2014(
PRESIDENT
VALLEY CITY STATE UNIVERSITY
Valley City, North Dakota
The State Board of Higher Education invites nominations and applications for the President of
Valley City State University. Valley City State University is one of eleven public colleges and
universities (five community colleges, four regional universities, and two research universities)
comprising the North Dakota University System. It is a university characterized by innovation,
collaboration, and collegiality.
The President is the chief executive officer of the university and reports to the Chancellor. The
successful candidate will be an individual who joins in the university’s vision to be nationally
recognized for advancing important collaboration, fostering innovative engagement, and promoting
noteworthy transformation. She or he will succeed Dr. Steven W. Shirley, who has served with
distinction as president since 2008.
Founded in 1890, Valley City State University begins a yearlong recognition of its 125th anniversary
this fall. The student population of approximately 1,350 is guided by about 200 full-time faculty and
staff, pursuing studies among 80 undergraduate degree programs and an online M. Ed. program in
education. Valley City State University has been ranked by U. S. News and World Report among its
“Best Colleges” for 16 consecutive years. The University is committed to providing exceptional
learning opportunities.
Valley City, the “City of Bridges,” is less than an hour’s drive from Fargo, the state’s largest city. The
city’s population is about 6,600.
EXPECTATIONS
Valley City State University seeks a dynamic, politically astute, and purpose-driven president who has
knowledge of national higher education issues, along with understanding the complexities of
accreditation and state/federal compliance. The president must have a bold vision for the
university’s future, along with a strategic and respectful understanding of how to advance Valley City
State University in conjunction with the State Board of Higher Education policies and the
university’s own mission. The university community expects a thoughtful, congenial leader who will
pursue a change agenda with vigor and invite the participation of the entire campus community in its
delivery. She or he is expected to build partnerships and collaborate statewide for the well-being of
North Dakota.
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CHARACTERISTICS
The successful candidate should possess the following characteristics:
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record of success in senior level higher education experience, preferably in a small to
medium-sized university setting;
proven abilities in planning, developing, implementing, and assessing quality academic
programs;
success in fiscal management, development, budgeting, funding, and fundraising;
understanding of online education, along with campus-based teaching and learning;
commitment to a student-centered focus for student support, services, and intercollegiate
athletics, and recognizing the impact of policy decisions on students and the campus
community;
experience in institutionalizing diversity and a culture of inclusiveness;
understanding and support of the public university’s access and affordability mission;
supporter of economic and workforce development enhanced by partnerships with area
industries, businesses, and public schools;
ability to work with the State Board of Higher Education and interact effectively with many
constituencies, including the state legislature, the university foundation, businesses,
community leaders, and residents from all parts of the state;
a commitment to collaborative efforts with other higher education institutions, particularly
those in the NDUS;
appreciation for and ability to engage with alumni;
excellent interpersonal skills, written and spoken, with an ability to practice an open
communication style; and
an earned doctorate from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning (preferred) or
demonstrated leadership in regional or national affairs, the professions, or business
management.
The candidate should have a demonstrated ability to make complex decisions and utilize problemsolving skills; recognize the importance of shared governance; manage diverse relationships; build
consensus; and practice unquestionable integrity.
NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS
Valley City State University offers the next President a special opportunity to inspire and to be a part
of a unique higher education community. Salary considerations will be competitive.
To assure best consideration, applications should be received by August 25, 2014. The application
should include a letter of interest specifically addressing the applicant’s background in relationship to
qualifications described (not more than three pages); a current résumé (or curriculum vitae); and the
names of at least five professional references with each person’s position, office or home address, email address, and telephone numbers. References will not be contacted without prior authorization
from the applicant. The new President will assume office on or about January 1, 2015, or sooner if
available. Veterans’ preference is not applicable to this position.
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The North Dakota University System and Valley City State University Presidential Search
Committee are being assisted by James H. McCormick, Senior Consultant, AGB Search.
Nominations and applications should be sent electronically (MS Word or PDF Format) to
[email protected]. Additional university information may be found at www.vcsu.edu. The
consultant may be contacted at 651-238-5188 or [email protected].
Names of all candidates or nominees for the position are a matter of public record as the search process complies with
the open meetings-open records statutes and policies of the State of North Dakota.
As employers, the State of North Dakota and political subdivisions prohibit smoking in all places of state and political
subdivision employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, national origin, sex, genetics, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services, and
complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.
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