February

Now hiring: vice president for student affairs

Search for critical position kicked off last week, committee aims to have hire in place by semester-end.

By Dan Vaccaro

February 15, 2018

The national search for a vice president for student affairs kicked off last week with a meeting between the hiring committee, search consultant and President Janine Davidson, Ph.D.

At the meeting, Davidson laid out her expectations for the hire, emphasizing the crucial nature of the position in achieving the University’s retention and graduation goals.

Among the characteristics Davidson would like to see in the top candidate is a broad understanding of areas traditionally associated with student affairs, such as wellness, enrollment and campus life. She is also looking for a collaborative leader who can develop relationships across the University and in the local community.

“For me, the ideal VPSA needs to be able to work closely with the Colorado community, businesses and organizations to help us develop more service learning, internship and employment opportunities for students,” she said.

The University has contracted with Alberto Pimentel, managing partner at Storbeck/Pimentel and Associates, to facilitate the search process. Pimentel has already begun a cross-campus listening tour to identify the characteristics an ideal candidate should possess. He will continue to meet with a variety of stakeholders over the next week, and that work will result in a position description.

After the position is posted, the search committee will begin its work in earnest. The committee was drawn from faculty and staff across campus and includes:

• Shannon Campbell, director of Graduate Studies
• Lacy Hyde, student representative
• Angela Marquez, special assistant to the president for HSI
• Yolanda Ortega, community member and former vice president of student services (retired 2004)
• Braelin Pantel, AVP Student Engagement and Wellness/dean of students
• Deanne Pytlinski, chair, Art Department
• Vaughn Toland, executive director of Admissions and Outreach
• Shawn Worthy, professor, Human Services Department, and chair of the search committee

Stay tuned to the Early Bird for regular updates on this search.

Story updated 5/2/18