Vice President for Student Development

The University of Richmond (UR) is the nation’s only top liberal arts college that is also home to a highly ranked undergraduate business school, the nation’s first undergraduate school of leadership studies, a highly regarded school of law, and a school of professional and continuing studies that reaches thousands of individuals in the region each year. Richmond’s learning and research environment is grounded in the liberal arts and is enriched by the integration of learning and scholarship across its five schools. It is defined by a culture of mentorship, interdisciplinary connections, collaboration, small class sizes, and robust curricular and co-curricular opportunities, guaranteeing students close interaction with faculty and the ability to shape their academic experience. The University emphasizes the importance of international experiences and educationally grounded civic engagement in transforming student learning and preparing students to be engaged citizens in a complex world. Consistently recognized among the nation’s most beautiful campuses, Richmond offers exceptional academic and residential facilities. The University has nearly 4,000 students (about 3,200 undergraduates) and an endowment of $3.2 Billion as of June 30, 2023. UR adopted a new strategic plan in April 2023 – with five “guiding lights” (Academic Excellence, Belonging & Community, Access & Affordability, Well-being, and Community Engagement & Experiential Learning) – and is embarking on an ambitious fundraising campaign in the coming years to support the University’s strategic priorities.

The Vice President for Student Development provides executive leadership to all Student Development offices, overseeing a large division that plays an integral role in the lives of undergraduate and graduate students at University of Richmond and fosters their holistic development. Student Development offices work collaboratively to create a dynamic campus community, offer services for healthy living, and provide learning resources that build on the classroom experience.

The Vice President for Student Development will be well-informed on and experienced in addressing the current and future challenges of residential campuses. Ensuring students have a sense of belonging will require a leader who is innovative and comfortable using data and assessment as part of the decision-making process. The Vice President will also need to understand the changing needs and expectations of students as they navigate the world in the current social, health and political climates. The Vice President will bring a comprehensive and holistic view of the entire student life cycle at University of Richmond and will play a critical, visible, campus-wide leadership role, partnering collaboratively with a wide range of academic and administrative units throughout the University. The Vice President must be approachable and accessible to all students and embrace the opportunity to engage deeply with the campus community.

For best consideration, please send all nominations and applications to: Susan VanGilder, Co Practice Leader & Managing Director, and Kamilah Allen, Senior Associate at [email protected]