President

Middle Tennessee State University
Presidential Search

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU, www.mtsu.edu/about) has launched a national search for its next President. The successful candidate will combine strategic, visionary leadership with operational discipline to ensure that the University continues to adapt to evolving educational, economic, and workforce needs, guiding MTSU confidently into its next era of growth and distinction. The successful candidate will also bring a record of distinguished executive leadership and a demonstrated capacity to lead a complex institution as its chief executive officer. Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the President will exhibit the vision, judgment, and collaborative leadership necessary to advance the University’s mission, strengthen its academic reputation, and enhance its institutional impact. The President will demonstrate exceptional interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, with a proven ability to build trust and collaborate across a broad range of constituencies, including students, faculty, and staff. They will be a visible, ethical leader committed to public higher education who fosters a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability across the institution. They will champion initiatives that improve student success; support outstanding teaching, research, scholarship, and athletics; and ensure that academic programs align with workforce and societal needs.

The successful candidate will also be an effective University ambassador, with a proven ability to build and sustain strong relationships with state, local, and federal leaders, alumni, donors, industry partners, and community stakeholders. The ability to navigate complex political and regulatory environments is critical, as is the capacity to advance the University’s interests with credibility and effectiveness. Additionally, the successful candidate will bring demonstrated experience in leading comprehensive advancement efforts, possessing the ability to cultivate relationships to support strategic priorities. The ideal candidate will also possess experience working with governing boards, leading large and complex organizations, and managing significant financial resources. They will demonstrate a strong ability to operate effectively within shared governance structures while ensuring organizational clarity, accountability, and alignment with institutional priorities. This leader will demonstrate the ability to implement Board directives, provide consistent and transparent reporting on institutional performance, and communicate the University’s mission and value proposition clearly and persuasively to varied audiences.

The successful candidate will also possess significant executive-level management experience, including a demonstrated capacity to make strategic decisions affecting complex organizations. This includes providing clear direction and oversight to ensure effective, efficient operations, appropriately delegating authority while maintaining accountability, and demonstrating strong business acumen. A thorough understanding of financial management, including budgeting and financial reporting, is required to ensure sound fiscal stewardship and long-term sustainability. While the successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency across all desired qualifications, the search committee recognizes that professional strengths often vary across competencies. MTSU welcomes candidates whose experience and expertise may be particularly strong in some qualification areas and developing in others, provided they demonstrate the aptitude, commitment, and willingness to continue growing and expanding their capabilities.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS
MTSU has retained the services of Dr. Josh Ward at the executive search firm Korn Ferry. To apply for the position, candidates should submit via e-mail an up-to-date and detailed curriculum vitae, as well as a brief letter of interest (2-4 pages) describing why you are interested in becoming the next President of MTSU, why you would be successful based on your professional and/or lived experience, and why now is a good time for you to consider this opportunity. For priority consideration by the search committee, please e-mail all application materials as separate PDFs by October 15, 2026. To make a nomination or to submit your materials, please e-mail:

Josh Ward, PhD
Senior Client Partner
Higher Education and Academic Medicine
Korn Ferry
(405) 640-3994
Josh.Ward@KornFerry.com

EEO Statement: MTSU is an equal opportunity employer. Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. employment is required before employment (Immigration Control Act of 1986). MTSU is a Tobacco & Drug-Free campus. This position requires a criminal background check. For individuals requiring reasonable accommodation to apply: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with MTSU, please call 615-898-2929 or email hrs@mtsu.edu.