BLACKSBURG, Va., March 29, 2005 – Virginia Tech has formed a search and screening committee and has opened a national search for a vice president for student affairs to replace Lanny Cross, who is retiring effective June 30.
The person in this position oversees a wide range of programs and services related to student affairs programming and planning; assists in creating a campus climate that promotes the academic achievement and personal development of students; and fosters collaborative relationships among students, faculty, and staff. The vice president sits on the university’s Academic Council, which is comprised of top administrators, and provides executive leadership and vision in administering a comprehensive range of programs and services related to student affairs programming and planning.
Departments under the vice president include Career Services, Cook Counseling Center, Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, Cranwell International Center, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Judicial Affairs, Housing and Dining Services, Student Life, Recreational Sports, Residence Life, Schiffert Health Center, Services for Students with Disabilities, Student Activities, and University Unions. Approximately 970 faculty and staff members and hourly wage employees and another 1,200 students work in these departments.
“We are looking for a vice president who can take campus and student life to the next level,” said Mark McNamee, university provost and vice president for academic affairs in announcing the search.
Requirements for the position include an earned terminal degree; demonstrated effectiveness in planning, administration, and personnel and fiscal management; demonstrated effectiveness in working with a diverse student body, faculty, staff, and other university constituents; a record of progressive and visionary leadership appropriate for student affairs; an observed commitment to personal and professional ethics as embodied in Virginia Tech’s core values and Principles of Community; a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equal opportunity, and promotion of the academic achievement and personal development of all students; and strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
Members of the search and screening committee have asked that applications be received by April 4. The review of applications will begin on April 5. Interviews are expected to begin on May 1.
David R. Ford, vice provost for academic affairs, is chairing the search and screening committee. Other members of the committee are Sumeet Bagai, president of the Student Government Association; Tom Brown, director of the Student Life Office, Myrna Callison, graduate student representative; Melinda Cep, undergraduate student representative; Mary Ann Cole, publicity and resources administrator for Career Services Auxiliary; Joe Cowles, professor of biology; Benjamin Dixon, vice president for multicultural affairs; Joan B. Hirt, associate professor of educational leadership and policy studies; Rick Johnson, director of dining and housing services; Marcus C. Ly, graduate student representative; Donna Ratcliffe, director of Career Services Auxiliary; Lucinda H. Roy, Alumni Distinguished Professor and head of the Department of English; Bevlee A. Watford, associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Engineering; and Terry Wildman, professor of teaching and learning and director of the Center or Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.
Additional information about the position is available online at www.provost.vt.edu under “VP for Student Affairs Search.”