The University of Houston–Clear Lake, a comprehensive institution and key member of the University of Houston System, seeks a visionary and strategic administrator to serve as the first Vice President for Student Affairs.

The Institution: The University of Houston–Clear Lake opened its doors in 1974, in response to the desire for a university to enhance the educational, economic, and cultural environment of the Houston-Galveston metropolitan region, specifically for NASA Johnson Space Center and nearby space-related industries. Over the past 44 years, UHCL has grown to offer more than 80 graduate and undergraduate programs at UHCL, UHCL Pearland and UHCL Texas Medical Center. The University has awarded 75,000 degrees to more than 68,000 alumni.

UHCL is a student-centered, community-minded, partnership-oriented university that serves a diverse student body. Historically, the University has served undergraduate transfers (80 percent of undergraduates transferring from community colleges), graduate, and international students (ten percent of the student body comes from outside of the U.S). In fall 2014, UHCL became a full service, four-year university and welcomed freshman and sophomore students for the first time. The University offers high quality instruction and nationally accredited academic programs designed to develop the critical thinking, creative, quantitative, leadership, and communication skills of students. Students enjoy small class sizes lead by highly qualified faculty in four colleges: the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Human Sciences and Humanities, and the College of Science and Engineering.

Outside the classroom, students can participate in more than 100 student organizations, external internships, and research opportunities. The 13 research institutes and centers at UHCL conduct applied and basic research that engages the community and provides professional services to support both the economic development and the quality of life of the area. The University continues to strengthen its reputation among regional universities, 63rd among the 2018 Best Regional Universities West and 16th among Top Public Schools Regional Universities West in the U.S. News & World Report Best College rankings. Nationally recognized for its commitment to community service, UHCL has been a five-time recipient of the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. UHCL is designated a Hispanic-Servicing Institution (HSI) by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

UHCL Pearland Campus opened in 2010, a 30,956 square-foot facility, designed to connect the growing community to quality undergraduate and graduate programs. In August 2018, the University opened two  new buildings: the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and Classroom Building, the Recreation and Wellness Center, and in January 2019 will open the Health Sciences and Classroom Building, the second building at UHCL Pearland. In August 2017, the University welcomed its fifth president, Ira K. Blake, Ph.D., who plans to continue to expand opportunities for the university community. To learn more about the University, please visit https://www.uhcl.edu/.

The Position: Serving as a member of the UHCL Core Leadership Team, the Vice President for Student Affairs reports to the President and provides leadership, strategic vision, organization and administrative oversight of campus-wide programs, services, and operations for the following units and functional initiatives/areas: Career Services; Student Housing and Residential Life; Counseling Services; Campus Recreation and Wellness; Health Services; Dean of Students; Orientation and New Student Programs; Student Diversity; Equity and Inclusion; Student Government; Student Assistance Center; Student Conference for Research and Creative Arts; Student Life; Student Publications; Veteran Services; International Student Programs; and Student Affairs Committees.

The new Vice President will advance and enhance a robust student life with programs, services, activities, and facilities to maximize student engagement, participation, community development, and leadership opportunities.  The Division will work closely with student leaders to expand student organizations, volunteer service opportunities, and leadership programming to foster student life programs that assist students in building competencies that will serve them as they further their education and begin their careers.  The Vice President will work closely with Student Housing and Residential Life to enhance residential campus life to achieve Carnegie residential status. The Vice President serves as the division liaison to the University Council, UHCL Emergency Management Committee, and provides representation for Shared Governance Committees, particularly regarding Student Affairs Policies and Procedures. This position will manage and direct the division’s marketing and communication plans; serve as the liaison with University Advancement to support external and community partnerships; oversee the division collaboration with the Office of Enrollment Management; collaborate with the Division of Advancement and the Office of Sponsored Research and Grants in all fundraising and grant development initiatives as they relate to the Division of Student Affairs; and work with the Business Services Division Administrator to develop budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure effective stewardship of finances and resources. To actively support a student life experience consistent with UHCL’s mission, the Vice President will establish and maintain collaborative relationships and partnerships with academic affairs, administration and finance, university departments, student organizations, community members, and other stakeholders.

Qualifications: The University seeks candidates who have an excitement and a passion for working with students and who are committed to student learning and student success. The ideal candidate will demonstrate success in developing and enhancing student-centered initiatives and engaging diverse student groups to support an enriched, inclusive campus community. Essential qualities for the Vice President for Student Affairs include leadership experience in student development and learning, university-wide strategic planning, and knowledge of metrics to assess student outcomes associated with learning goals of programs and activities. Strong organizational and communication skills are also essential for this position. A successful history of supervising and mentoring staff, enhancing residential life, and engaging the campus community to maximize the student experience will be beneficial, and bilingual communication skills are desired. A master’s degree in a related field is required for this opportunity, while a doctoral degree is preferred.

Location: Located adjacent to the NASA Johnson Space Center, UHCL is situated in the heart of the area’s high-technology community on a 524-acre nature preserve. Bay Area Houston is known as the boating capital of Texas, and offers a wonderful quality of life. The primary business sectors in the area center around aerospace, technology, healthcare, and tourism. Local attractions include NASA Johnson Space Center, Kemah Boardwalk, Sylvan Beach Park, and Armand Bayou Nature Center.

About the University of Houston System: The University of Houston System is the fourth-largest university system in Texas and has more than 70,000 students in its four universities. The System is comprised of the University of Houston, its flagship university; the University of Houston–Clear Lake; the University of Houston–Downtown; and the University of Houston–Victoria. The Chancellor of the UH System serves simultaneously as President of the University of Houston, and the System is governed by a Board of Regents appointed by the Governor of Texas.

Application: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter addressing the aforementioned qualifications  and a curriculum vitae/resume to RPA Inc. at houstonstudentaffairs@rpainc.org. For a confidential discussion about this opportunity or to make a nomination, please call Amanda O’Donnell, Search Consultant, at 800-992-9277. The first review of candidates will begin on February 15, 2019, and first round interviews will commence thereafter.

The policy of University of Houston – Clear Lake (UHCL) is to ensure equal opportunity in all its educational programs and activities, and all terms and conditions of employment without regard to age, race, color, disability, religion, national origin, veteran's status, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy), except where such a distinction is required by law. Additionally, UHCL prohibits discrimination in all aspects of employment and educational programs on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression