Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer (VPAA/CAO) serves as the University's senior academic leader and a strategic partner to the President in shaping the future of Christ-centered higher education through a biblical, Wesleyan perspective. As a member of the President's Cabinet, the VPAA/CAO provides visionary leadership for the University's academic mission and champions an educational experience that cultivates a deeper encounter with God, meaningful engagement in learning, global awareness and influence, and a lifelong commitment to serving others in the spirit of Jesus Christ. Through academic excellence, innovation, and collaborative leadership, the VPAA/CAO advances the University's mission and prepares students to lead, serve, and thrive in a changing world.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Academic Leadership & Vision

• Provide strategic leadership for the University's academic mission, ensuring alignment with the President’s vision, institutional priorities, and long-range goals.
• Partner with the President, Cabinet, faculty, and academic leaders to advance academic innovation, growth, and student success.
• Champion a culture of faith integration, academic excellence, and transformational learning.

• Faculty and Academic Affairs Leadership

• Recruit, develop, support, and evaluate academic leaders and faculty to advance excellence in teaching, scholarship, service, and spiritual formation.
• Provide leadership and oversight for academic deans, academic support units, and faculty personnel processes, including professional development, evaluation, and advancement.
• Foster a collaborative and intentional academic culture grounded in shared governance, accountability, and mission alignment.

• Academic Quality, Accreditation, and Institutional Effectiveness

• Ensure the quality, integrity, and effectiveness of academic programs and student learning experiences.
• Lead accreditation, assessment, program review, and institutional effectiveness efforts to support continuous improvement and regulatory compliance.
• Promote innovation and data-informed decision making to strengthen educational outcomes and organizational effectiveness.

• Institutional Leadership and Stewardship

• Advises the President on academic, strategic, and regulatory matters affecting the University, including faith integration, program and revenue development, and the use of emerging technologies.
• Provides stewardship of Academic Affairs resources, including budgets, personnel, and operational priorities, in coordination with the President, EVP/COS, Deans, and HR.
• Prepares reports and recommendations for the President, Cabinet, and Board of Trustees.
• Represents the University in academic, professional, accreditation, regulatory, and community settings.
• Participates in the spiritual life of the University, including engagement at required weekly chapel services and other significant campus events.

• Personnel Leadership

• Direct Supervision of Dean of Faculty, Dean of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, and (future) Dean of Graduate Programs/Academic Affairs.
• Indirect oversight of Curriculum and Instruction, Registrar’s Office, the Learning Resource Center, and staff program coordinators.

QUALIFICATIONS

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education and/or Experience:

• Terminal, Doctoral degree from a regionally accredited college or University.
• 3+ years as a full-time faculty member.
• 5+ years of experience in higher education administration at a regionally accredited college or University in the area of academics (including accreditation and assessment).
• 5+ years of engagement in the Church of God (Anderson) is strongly preferred.
• Engagement in a local church with a Christ-centered, biblical, Wesleyan perspective is required.

• Computer Skills:

• Experience with higher education technologies, including student information and learning management systems.
• Familiarity with accreditation, assessment, and institutional effectiveness reporting systems.
• Ability to learn and effectively utilize University specific software and technology platforms.

• Physical Demands:

• Sit, stand, walk, and move through campus facilities for meetings, events, and academic functions.
• Use a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods of time.
• Visual acuity and the ability to adjust focus for reading printed and electronic materials.
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, or move materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Maintain the stamina and concentration necessary to manage multiple priorities, attend meetings, and perform executive leadership responsibilities throughout the workday.

• Work Environment:

• The position requires regular interaction with faculty, staff, students, trustees, accrediting agencies, and external partners.
• Work may occasionally occur outside normal business hours to support University events and commencement activities.
• Limited regional and national travel may be required.