The Alabama State University (ASU) Board of Trustees is seeking an accomplished professional, a highly respected, charismatic, resourceful and visionary leader to serve as the next President of the University.

Opportunity

The next President of Alabama State University will have an unparalleled opportunity to lead one of the most significant Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs) in the nation to a new level of excellence and innovation with the support of outstanding faculty, students, staff and external constituents.

About the University

In 1867, nine freed slaves boldly dreamed of establishing a school to educate black children. Their courageous vision became the foundation of a leading institution in the training of outstanding African-American educators.  Today, 150 years later, that courageous spirit is the cornerstone of a widely respected institution with more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, cutting-edge research and students and faculty engaged in the pursuit of academic excellence, innovation, diversity and leadership.

One of the nation’s 105 HBCUs, ASU was incorporated in 1867 in Marion, Alabama, as the Lincoln School of Marion, a private school for educating African Americans following the Civil War. Two years later, the school’s name was changed to the Lincoln Normal School to identify its expanded role for preparing teachers. In 1874, the school became the State Normal School and University, the oldest state institution in America for educating African- American teachers and providing a liberal arts curriculum. The school relocated to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1887.

Today, ASU is a public university, granting bachelor’s degrees in business, education, the health sciences, visual and performing arts, liberal arts and social sciences, and advanced degrees in accounting, education policy, counseling, physical therapy and STEM-related disciplines. The University has seven degree-granting colleges, as well as The Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School:

• College of Education
• College of Business Administration
• College of Health Sciences
• College Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
• College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
• College of Visual and Performing Arts
• University College

With a total staff of 1,047 employees, including 249 full-time and 154 part-time distinguished faculty members, the University has an operating budget of nearly $160 million and an endowment of $96 million. Well-poised for future growth with infrastructure improvements and new facilities, ASU has more than 5,300 students, with approximately 1,800 students residing on campus.

The Position

The President of the University reports to the Board of Trustees. As the institution’s chief executive officer, the President is responsible for the leadership and management of all academic, business, fiscal and administrative operations of the University. The President is a strong, authoritative voice in and for the state and national African-American community. He/she is an extraordinary manager who builds strong relationships and partnerships with constituents inside and outside of the University.

The successful candidate is an exceptional leader and a skilled executive who can articulate a clear, progressive vision for ASU’s future and work successfully with all ASU constituents toward achieving that vision. While firmly focused on the future, the President also appreciates, respects and preserves ASU’s storied legacy — its unique history and traditions. The President is an inclusive leader, a decisive executive and a proven fundraiser. He/she is an articulate advocate for the University who aggressively promotes understanding of the

value of ASU’s academic and research mission and the University’s unique place in the community.

Preferred Qualifications

Education and Experience

• An earned advanced degree is required; a Ph.D. or its equivalent is extremely desirable.
• Administrative experience demonstrating the ability to lead a complex SACS COC Level VI-classified institution
• Demonstrated experience in building and leading a strong, cohesive administrative team that can develop and align sufficient resources to meet institutional priorities

Values and Principles

• Effective, creative and visionary leadership with a prior focus on the well-being and academic success of students and the professional development of faculty and staff
• An approachable person with high integrity and energy with a proven track record of building successful teams internally and externally

Application

• Ability and willingness to work in positive, effective collaboration with the Board of Trustees
• Understanding of the concept of shared governance as it pertains to student, faculty and staff engagement in University operations and affairs
• Ability and willingness to work closely with ASU alumni and community stakeholders to motivate enthusiastic support for the University
• A commitment to and understanding of the value of a strong intercollegiate athletics program
• Ability and willingness to develop relationships with legislative and other decision-making bodies on the federal, state and local levels