Duquesne University seeks an innovative, forward-thinking, and inclusive leader to serve as its next Senior Vice President for Student Life (SVPSL). A member of the President’s Cabinet and an officer of the University, the SVPSL will lead a division committed to creating a positive, inclusive, and safe co-curricular learning environment at one of the nation’s leading Catholic research universities. The SVPSL will lead the division as it strengthens and innovates its various programs and initiatives to meet the mission of Duquesne University: to serve God by serving students, so that they, in turn, may serve others.The University’s current strategic plan stresses that “students are the polestar of the University’s decision making,” thereby making the work of the Division of Student Life a top priority. Working in conjunction with Academic Affairs, the Division helps ensure positive student progress and outcomes, and the SVPSL will honor Duquesne’s unique Spiritan Catholic identity and mission while appreciating and expanding its application in a forward-thinking manner. The SVPSL is an essential leader in supporting student life for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students across the institution and plays a crucial role in developing and executing programs that result in an exceptional student experience at a research institution located in the bustling heart of a city at the vanguard of healthcare, technological innovation, education, and cultural industries.This is an exceptional opportunity for an innovative and collaborative leader to lead and strengthen a student life division. The SVPSL will be charged with assessing current practices and culture and articulating a vision for student life consistent with the University’s strategic plan, mission, and ambitious future. The new SVPSL will arrive at a time when Duquesne will open its new College of Osteopathic Medicine, launch new engineering programs, implement a transformational $50 million commitment to the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University, and work toward the conclusion of a campaign to raise a third of a billion dollars. With three housing facilities newly built or remodeled in public-private partnerships and a strong team of direct reports, the SVPSL will have momentum to use during and after the leadership transition.The SVPSL will provide direction and oversight of Student Life programming across the University to ensure that all services and programs for students enrich student life, contribute to student retention and persistence, extend and enhance the academic experience, and contribute to an environment that encourages opportunities for belonging, personal growth, and development. The SVPSL will take a leadership role in all aspects of the University pertaining to Student Life, including bringing together offices that currently work across multiple reporting lines.The SVPSL will provide guidance and oversight for a variety of student services and resources at Duquesne, including residence life, commuter affairs, first-year development, disability services, the Center for Excellence in Diversity and Student Inclusion, counseling and wellbeing, health services, Greek life, recreation services, club sports, public safety, the Center for Career Development, student conduct, and parent and family relations.
The Search Committee will begin reviewing candidates immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications should include a letter of candidacy that responds to the agenda for leadership and the desired attributes for the SVPSL and a complete résumé or vita.