USI Presidential Search >> Leadership Qualities

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University of Southern Indiana Presidential Search

The University of Southern Indiana seeks a new president effective July 1, 2009. The successful candidate must have an earned doctorate or professional equivalent; leadership and management experience at the highest levels in higher education or at an institution of comparable scope to the University of Southern Indiana; a record of professional distinction and/or scholarly achievement; excellent planning and organizational skills; demonstrated ability in resource development; exceptional human relations and communications skills; ability to delegate; integrity; commitment to higher education; and a respect for diverse ideas, cultures, and backgrounds in the University’s students, faculty, and staff.

Statement of Leadership Qualities Sought in the Next President

Academic Leadership
The president must possess a broad vision of education, demonstrate respect for the liberal arts and sciences, and be dedicated to enhancing and promoting excellence in teaching and in taking the University to a new level of academic distinction. At the same time, the person must have a commitment to graduate and professional education and the demands of scholarship.

Resource Development
To develop the public and private resources necessary for continued progress, the new president will need to be a motivator, an advocate, and a confident negotiator who knows how to position the University to its best advantage. He/she will have demonstrated leadership ability in working with legislators, elected officials, media, alumni, and donors. The new president will provide leadership in emphasizing grants as an important resource and will support faculty and staff in pursuing granting opportunities.

Management
The president of the University must be a visionary and skilled manager with demonstrated abilities to lead a complex institution. The president’s job includes responsibility for an annual operating budget of nearly $120 million. As a team manager, the president must be able to involve the constituencies of the University in the consideration of major decisions and equitable distribution of resources. Because the University is a state institution of higher education, the president must be able to work within state government and with the Indiana General Assembly. He/she must be an effective advocate for the University’s mission as an accessible and affordable institution of ever-increasing quality and size in a time of high competition for financial resources. The president must develop ways in which the University of Southern Indiana can continue to serve as a model for the State, demonstrating the ability of public institutions to operate efficiently while enhancing instructional quality. The abilities to work well with a strong staff, be decisive, and delegate effectively are vital. The president must be committed to the highest ethical standards and establish a tone of leadership that ensures all University personnel are committed to complete legal and regulatory compliance. The president should encourage high standards and high performance from all members of the University community, and develop ways to help produce results.