The University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma invites applications and nominations immediately for the position of President, which will begin no later than Summer 2023.
As the institution’s chief executive officer, the president provides strategic leadership, leading the overall operations and administration of the university, reporting to the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma Regents (“Board”), and performing all duties required by law, policies, rules, regulations, and directives from the Board. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) serves as the coordinating Board of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.
About the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
Founded in 1908, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma is the state's sole public liberal arts college, nationally ranked for its quality and value and recognized as a leader and innovator in interdisciplinary studies.
USAO’ mission is to provide a distinctive education in the liberal arts and sciences, supporting both its interdisciplinary core curriculum and major fields of study with superior teaching. Through an inclusive learning environment, it fosters diversity of thought and practice to help students realize meaningful, purposeful and productive lives as global citizens in a rapidly changing world.
Located on a historic 75-acre campus in Chickasha, USAO offers its 849 students (all undergraduates) 28 majors and 29 minors across five schools: School of Education and Speech-Language Pathology, School of Humanities and Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Science and Physical Education, School of Social Sciences and Business, and School of Visual and Performing Arts.
applications & nominations
Higher Education Leadership Search has been retained to assist with this search. Candidates for this position will be considered now through April 28, 2023.
Application for USAO President
Nominate Someone for the Position
Bill Meehan, Ed.D. and Alan Medders, Ph.D. will be assisting University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma with the search. If you have questions or would like to have a confidential conversation about the position, call 256-239-2305 or e-mail billmeehan@highereducationleadershipsearch.com or alanmedders@highereducationleadershipsearch.com.
about the position
As the institution’s chief executive officer, the president provides strategic leadership, leading the overall operations and administration of the university, reporting to the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma Regents (“Board”), and performing all duties required by law, policies, rules, regulations, and directives from the Board. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) serves as the coordinating Board of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.
required qualifications
- Ability to work constructively and collaboratively with the Board to develop a vision and plan for USAO
- Ability to work collaboratively with and partner beneficially with other Oklahoma higher education institutions
- Dynamic written communication and verbal presentation skills
- Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with the OSRHE, elected officials, and governmental bodies, in addition to students and parents, various constituencies of USAO, alumni, donors, media, Oklahoma higher education institutions and the community at large
- Ability to establish and nurture relationships with, and connections, to community and state leaders to maximize opportunities for partnerships and support to USAO
- Proven ability to raise external financial support through the cultivation of alumni and friends, private foundations, various constituency groups throughout the state, state and federal grants, and public/private partnerships
- Work collaboratively with the USAO Foundation Board and leadership to develop fundraising priorities and strategies to enhance all areas of USAO
- Proven ability to hire, develop, maintain, and advance an effective administrative team, to include effective delegation and empowerment
- Proven ability to identify opportunities and to convert challenges into innovative solutions and programs that will advance the future of the institution
- Ability to promote a shared vision and purpose of liberal arts education to address challenges and create opportunities, especially in the areas of student recruitment and retention through graduation, employee excellence, and finances with ongoing attention to facilities and technology in support of student success
- Ability to articulate opportunities and needs to external audiences, sharing the value of supporting USAO
- Ability to improve processes with an eye towards increased efficiency and accountability while maintaining small school agility
- Strong, proven leadership skills in strategic planning; organizational improvement and accountability; fiscal planning and responsibility
- Earned Doctorate preferred
about chickasha, oklahoma
Founded in 1892, Chickasha, Oklahoma is a beautiful historic town that offers its nearly 17,000 residents big-city amenities permeated with small-town charm.
Located 30 minutes southwest of the Oklahoma City metro area, Chickasha boasts low cost of living, an array of businesses and major employers, and a great health care system with some of the most advanced technology in America. Additionally, it is a commercial hub for two counties and home to the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, which hosts a variety of award-winning performers and speakers, art exhibits, student performances and sporting events for residents to enjoy.
Learn More About Chickasha, Oklahoma
The University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and specifically invites applications from women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities.