PRESIDENT
EXECUTIVE SEARCH PROFILE
STILLMAN COLLEGE
PRESIDENT
THE OPPORTUNITY
Moving into its 142nd year of existence while achieving excellence across student and faculty
academic and professional domains, Stillman College of Tuscaloosa, Alabama is searching for
its Seventh President.
The President is the Chief Executive Officer of the College, reporting to the Board of Trustees
with broad delegated responsibilities for all operations of Stillman, including overall leadership
and operations to achieve a sustained growth, high level execution, and fiscal efficiency in its
academic and associated programs. The President evaluates, manages, and promotes
existing programs; identifies new and expanding opportunities to resource and strengthen the
institution for the future; while always mindful of Stillman’s past as well as its fiscal realities.
With outstanding academic programs, modern well-equipped facilities and small class sizes,
Stillman offers an exceptional college experience. Noted for its outstanding programs in
biological sciences, business administration and teacher education, Stillman instituted the Harte
Honors College and pre-professional programs in law and medicine. As a leader in the use of
wireless technology, Stillman utilizes a campus-wide fiber optic network to connect its facilities.
THE COLLEGE
Stillman College, authorized by the General Assembly of
the Presbyterian Church in the United States in 1875, held
its first classes in 1876 and was chartered as a legal
corporation by the State of Alabama in 1895. At that time,
the name was changed from Tuscaloosa Institute to
Stillman Institute. The Institute was a concept initiated by the Reverend Dr. Charles Allen
Stillman, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa. The mandate for the Institution
expanded over the years and it acquired its present campus tract of over 100 acres. A junior
and senior high school was organized and the Institute, under the leadership of its first president
Dr. A.L. Jackson (1929-1947), established a junior college program, which was accredited in
1937. In addition, between 1930 and 1946, it operated a hospital and nurse training school.
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Under the administration of its second president, Dr. Samuel Burney Hay (1948-1965), the
school sought to expand into a senior liberal arts institution and in 1948 the name was officially
changed to Stillman College. The following year, Stillman expanded into a four-year college and
graduated its first baccalaureate class in 1951. The College was accredited by the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools in 1953. Under Dr. Hay, seven new buildings were
constructed: a gymnasium, a library, an administration-classroom building, two women’s
residence halls, a prayer chapel, and a student center.
Harold N. Stinson (1967-1980) was the third president and the
first African American to assume the presidency. Under his
dynamic leadership, new programs designed to improve
educational quality were instituted, and the physical plant was
expanded with the addition of two men’s residence halls, faculty
apartments, a maintenance building, and a mathematics-science
center. Snedecor Hall, Batchelor Building, and Birthright
Auditorium were renovated, and Stillman Management Institute
was changed to Stillman Accelerated Management Program.
Under the leadership of the College’s fourth president, Dr. Cordell
Wynn (1982-1997), the appearance of the campus improved
dramatically; Winsborough and John Knox Halls were renovated;
and the Marie Lundy Wynn Hall and Johnson/Robinson Student
Health Center were erected. The enrollment grew beyond 1,000
students; the endowment increased significantly; and the
educational program was broadened to include the Stillman
Management Institute and a community-service component.
On July 1, 1997, Dr. Ernest McNealey was named the fifth president. Since then, Stillman has
garnered national attention in the areas of technology, athletics and scholarly pursuits. Dr.
McNealey infused new life into the academic component by strengthening the curriculum, and
attracting a highly-qualified faculty (84% hold terminal degrees), improving admissions
standards, and enhancing the value of a Stillman education with the addition of guaranteed
outcome programs. The McNealey administration transformed the campus to create a sense of
place. A stately, iron and brick fence and formal entrances were constructed and all campus
buildings were renovated. Additionally, four new structures were erected (School of Education
building, Wynn Fine Arts Center, Roulhac Residence Hall, and Stillman Stadium with its four
NCAA regulation playing fields, and a regulation track). This sense of place is further manifested
in the construction of the Constance Stinson Activity Center and the Thomas E. Lyle Band
Center.
On July 1, 2014, the Board of Trustees named Dr. Peter Edmund Millet as the College's sixth
president. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Interim President and as the College's
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Millet may be credited with bringing to the
campus three Centers of Excellence in: 1) Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics
(STEAM), 2) Education, and 3) Religion. Additionally, the Millet administration was instrumental
in organizational restructuring, enhancing Stillman's community presence, and forging local and
statewide partnerships.
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MISSION
Stillman is a liberal arts institution, committed to fostering academic excellence and to providing
high quality educational opportunities for diverse populations with disparate levels of academic
preparation. Primarily a teaching institution, Stillman has a proud
and evolving tradition of preparing students for leadership and
service in society.
Stillman has a historical and covenantal affiliation with the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), whose Reformed tradition and
commitment to the cultivation of the mind correspond well with
the mission of the College, causing it to have a decidedly
Christian ethos. The College, via its constituents, is committed
to service for the common good. The entire academic
enterprise, under girded with the principles of faith and ethical
integrity, manifests constructive compassion as it confidently
pursues the best in scholarly inquiry and creative endeavors.
The College’s purpose is to provide a student-centered, fulfilling, technologically enriched
educational experience that will among other outcomes, produce graduates who will:
 Think carefully and logically about and express with clarity their observations, experiences,
and findings concerning the world they live in via written and spoken forms;
 Exhibit competence in their disciplines, character in their work with others, and compassion
toward all people consistent with an education in a Christian environment;
 Qualify for admission to and success in graduate and professional schools or for entry into
selected careers;
 Manifest the ability to do independent research, demonstrate objective scholarship, and
exhibit creative production/performance appropriate to their disciplines.
GOVERNANCE
The Board of Trustees of Stillman College is a self-perpetuating entity that reflects the diversity
of professionals and individuals essential to providing relevant and effective governance to the
College.
UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND (UNCF)
Stillman College is an institutional member of the United Negro College Fund. UNCF is the
nation's largest and most effective minority education organization, supporting students'
education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthening its 37
member colleges and universities, and advocating for the importance of minority education and
college readiness. Its institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly
effective, awarding 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. Today, UNCF
supports more than 65,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. Its
logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, "A
mind is a terrible thing to waste."
Stillman College holds an annual United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Super Viewing Party. The
Viewing Party attracts Stillman stakeholders including donor, alumni and College friends who
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contribute to scholarships to assist students with completing their collegiate education. In 2014,
the event exceeded the projected fundraising goal of $35,000.
LOCATION
The College is located in Tuscaloosa, AL, the seat of
Tuscaloosa County in west central Alabama (in the
southeastern United States).[4] Located on the Black
Warrior River, it is the fifth-largest city in Alabama, with
an estimated population of 95,334 in 2013. Founded in
1819, the city was named after Tuskaloosa, the
chieftain of a Muskogean-speaking people who battled
and was defeated by Hernando de Soto in 1540 in the
Battle of Mabila,[5] and served as Alabama's capital city
from 1826 to 1846. Tuscaloosa is the regional center of industry, commerce, healthcare, and
education for the area of west-central Alabama known as West Alabama. It is the principal city
of the Tuscaloosa Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Tuscaloosa, Hale and Pickens
counties and has an estimated metro population in 2013 of 235,628. Tuscaloosa is also the
home of The University of Alabama, Stillman College and Shelton State Community College.
While the city attracted international attention when Mercedes-Benz announced it would build its
first automotive assembly plant in North America in Tuscaloosa County, the University of
Alabama remains the dominant economic and cultural engine in the city. Tuscaloosa has been
traditionally known as the "Druid City" because of the numerous water oaks planted in its
downtown streets since the 1840s,[6] and "The City of Champions" after the Alabama Crimson
Tide football team won the BCS National Championship game in 2010, 2012, and again in 2013
and 2015. In 2008, the City of Tuscaloosa hosted the USA Olympic Triathlon trials for the
Beijing Games.[7] In recent years, Tuscaloosa has been named the "Most Livable City in
America," one of Americas "100 Best Communities for Young People," one of the "50 Best
College Towns," and one of the "Best Places to Launch a Small Business." [8][9][10][11] (Source of
information: Wikipedia)
ACADEMICS
Stillman College offers its academic programs through two Divisions
under one management program. The B.A. and B.S. degrees are offered
in 17 content areas. Minors are offered in 13 areas of concentration. The
Division of Arts and Sciences is composed of the Departments of English,
Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Psychology, Religion and
Theology, and Social Sciences. The Division of Professional Education
is composed of the Departments of Business, Education, and Health and
Physical Education. The Stillman Accelerated Management Program is designed to meet the
educational needs of adult learners with transferable credit. These students are typically
working full/part-time and interested in completing their degree in the evening while continuing
to work. The opportunity to attend weekly sessions or online on a year-round basis allows an
earlier completion of the degree.
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THE STILLMAN MAN & THE STILLMAN WOMAN
The current student headcount is approximately
700. Highly qualified scholars are attracted to
the College, which fosters an intellectually
stimulating environment that encourages and
supports spiritual, ethical and moral
development, an appreciation for the arts, global
awareness and concern for the common good in
the context of a global society.
The Stillman Man and The Stillman Woman are committed to tackling the demands of academia
with confidence and character. The Stillman student faces the inevitable and the unexpected
with equal aplomb.
The administration believes strongly in the “sense of place” that Stillman provides. “The College
provides an environment that delivers the pursuit of intellectual excellence, the development of
personal honor, and a commitment to the common good. This is ‘The Stillman Way’. At the end
of the day, it is about being the best, doing the best and having the best.”
For more than 142 years, Stillman has prepared students for the challenges of a continuously
evolving world. Ranked among the top tier of Comprehensive colleges in the South offering
Bachelor’s degrees and one of the "15 Most Wired College Campuses" by U.S. News & World
Report, the Stillman spirit remains vibrant in the face of remarkable social change, global
terrorism, economic strife and adversity. The beacon light that is Stillman College will shine forth
unsullied for generations to come as it remains “a private college with a public mission”.
FACULTY
Stillman faculty are committed to excellence in teaching, advising, scholarship and service—
providing a challenging curriculum, administered in an atmosphere of academic freedom that
prepares graduates for work, professional or graduate studies and viable careers in selected
fields. Stillman has 60 full time faculty, 84% of whom hold the terminal degree in their areas.
ACCREDITATION
Stillman College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools to award the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degrees. The
College was reaffirmed in 2012, with its next reaffirmation scheduled for 2020.
ATHLETICS
The College is a member of the National
Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
Conference and offers four sports: Men’s
Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Softball,
and Baseball.
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QUALIFICATIONS
Stillman brings a private college’s sense of purpose to bear on its historic mission. Stillman is
committed to shared governance, fiscal soundness and exemplary stewardship of its resources.
The College utilizes innovative techniques and strategic planning in all its administrative
processes, and employs modern pedagogy and innovative technology in the delivery of services
to its clientele. Stillman’s next leader must demonstrate progressive administrative and
management experiences to successfully lead a complex organization.
The President’s responsibilities include:
● Developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising and fiscal management plan
in support of mission accomplishment.
● Team and partnership building with, among others, Stillman’s Alumni base and the
Presbyterian Church to lead Stillman constituents in developing and implementing a
shared strategic vision for the future of the College.
● Providing high-level guidance and support to the faculty to facilitate their development of
bold and innovative programs consistent with Stillman’s mission.
● Energizing alumni and rallying community support; community presence and forging
local and statewide partnerships.
● Balancing the College’s strategic goals, investment needs, and financial realities.
● Reporting semi-annually to the Board of Trustees on the state of the College.
● Overseeing the College’s enrollment strategy and championing diversity and inclusion
in all aspects of the College.
● Leading a new capital campaign.
● Boosting enrollment.
● Building partnerships with community colleges.
● Developing and implementing a strategic vision.
● Serving as an ex officio member of the Board, except where prohibited in the bylaws.
The desired qualities and characteristics include:
● Seasoned, top-level leader with high moral character.
● A visionary and transformational leader.
● A recognized leader in his/her professional community.
● Collaborative leader with humility, integrity, optimism, energy, and genuine
warmth.
● A distinguished record of senior leadership experience and professional
achievement in higher education or an equivalent level of responsibility in
business, government, or nonprofit enterprise.
● A polished, professional demeanor, respected by a wide range of constituents.
● Has a passion for providing higher education for diverse populations with disparate
levels of academic preparation.
● Has an appreciation for the financial and enrollment challenges facing HBCUs.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
The Presidential Search Committee will accept confidential applications and nominations until
the position is filled. Screening of candidates will begin immediately. For best consideration,
applications and nominations should be provided by February 24, 2017. An application should
include a letter describing relevant experiences and interest in the position; a resume; and the
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names of three references, with titles, addresses, business and home telephone numbers, and
e-mail addresses. Submission of materials as an MS Word attachment is strongly encouraged.
Individuals wishing to place names in nomination should submit a letter of nomination, including
the name, position, address and telephone number of the nominee. Greenwood/Asher &
Associates, Inc., an executive search firm, is assisting the University in the search.
Applications and letters of nominations should be submitted to:
Jan Greenwood or Marion Frenche
Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc.
42 Business Center Drive, Suite 206
Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Phone: 850 650-2277
Fax: 850 650-2272
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Stillman College is an affirmative action - equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are
encouraged to apply.
Stillman College is an institutional member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). UNCF is the
nation's largest and most effective minority education organization.
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