The Role of the President

The President of Valparaiso University reports to the Board of Directors.  The President is the chief executive officer of the University and has the authority to perform all acts necessary to carry out its purpose in accordance with the policies and directives of the Board.  The President keeps the Board informed of matters related to the University and consults with the Board regarding major decisions.

The President implements the Board’s policies in all areas affecting the operations of the University.  This may include, but is not limited to, general supervision of academic and support programs, employees, and resource allocation. The President of the University approves changes in curriculum and faculty and periodically reports such changes to the Board.  The role of the President of the University is one of creative leadership.  The President appoints other administrators to assist in the operation of the University.

Current direct reports to the President are:

• the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, who is the chief academic and operating officer of the University (on financial matters, the Provost and Vice President for Administration and Finance generally report to the President jointly);
• the Vice President, Institutional Advancement, who is responsible for all University fund raising and alumni relations activities;
• the Dean of the Chapel, who is the University Pastor and provides guidance on the spiritual direction of the campus;
• the Executive Director of University Relations, who is responsible for media and public relations; and
• the editor of The Cresset, who serves a dual role as a member of the faculty.

The new President will be expected to:

• articulate the mission and core values of the University;
• initiate short- and long-term goals and objectives to encourage continued growth while ensuring financial stability;
• raise funds from individual donors, private and non-profit sources, government, corporations and foundations;
• strengthen partnerships with other institutions, the business community, and other organizations and individuals interested in the University, both locally and regionally, and serve as chief representative of the University to its constituencies, both public and  private;
• manage the University’s resources in a manner that ensures fiscal stability;
• assess overall University performance in relation to established goals; and
• lead faculty, staff, and administrators to pursue goals in a clear, purposeful way including objectives that address student needs, initiatives in teaching, aspirations in academic scholarship, programs of service and leadership, and the professional development of faculty and staff.