Vice Provost for Student Affairs
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO - United States
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), the largest comprehensive research university in the Kansas City metropolitan area, invites nominations, applications and expressions of interest in its search for the next Vice Provost for Student Affairs (VPSA).
Established in 1933, UMKC has evolved from its roots as a small teaching institution to a comprehensive research university with 10 schools offering more than 125 academic areas. The university enrolls about 15,000 students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 85 countries. The student population encompasses 48% undergraduates, 20% graduates, 11% professional and 21% dual-enrolled high school students. UMKC is large enough to provide a broad range of educational and social opportunities but small enough to retain a sense of community and belonging. The university serves traditional and non-traditional students of all ages and is strongly committed to providing quality education to diverse populations. About 68% of UMKC students are Pell-eligible, first-generation or part of an underrepresented group. There are more than 1,200 international students that represent a multitude of nations. To support its students and faculty, UMKC has an annual all-funds budget of $472 million in fiscal year 2025. The most recent research expenditures totaled $54 million.
UMKC is eager to welcome a collaborative, energetic, and strategic leader as its next VPSA. Reporting to Provost Jennifer Lundgren and serving as a member of the Provost’s leadership team, the Vice Provost for Student Affairs will provide vision, leadership and strategic direction for a $4 million operating and $26 million overall budget and a portfolio of 79 staff, two faculty and 358 student employees that includes the following units: Dean of Students; Counseling, Health, and Accessibility Services; Multicultural Student Affairs; Office of Student Involvement; Residential Life; Student Unions and Auxiliary Services; Student Veteran Support Services; Campus Recreation; and the Women’s Center.
The VPSA will work collaboratively with other members of the Provost’s leadership team, including the Senior Vice Provost for Student Success, the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, the Vice Provost for Curriculum and Assessment and the academic deans. This is a transformational opportunity for a student affairs professional with a deep commitment to inclusive excellence and a solution-oriented, collaborative mindset to join the leadership team of an ambitious and student-focused Provost. The reporting relationship to the Provost underscores a commitment to a partnership between academic affairs and student affairs to enhance student success.
The successful candidate will be an experienced leader who is skilled in understanding and utilizing proven strategies to enhance student engagement and holds a deep commitment to collaboration, relational leadership and creative problem-solving and thinking. The VPSA will demonstrate exceptional administrative, financial, and managerial acumen and possess a broad knowledge of current student affairs issues and trends. The VPSA will display integrity, transparency and the demonstrated experience to develop a student culture where inclusive excellence and opportunity are expected and where students learn to respect differences. A doctoral degree and a proven record of progressive higher education administrative management and leadership experience is preferred.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.
WittKieffer is assisting the University of Missouri-Kansas City in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by April 2, 2025.