Vice President for Student Life and Learning and Dean of Students

Texas Lutheran University seeks a Vice President for Student Life and Learning (VPSLL) and Dean of Students who will lead efforts to support student development and success throughout the TLU experience, working with all areas of campus in support of student growth and development. Reporting to the President of the University, the VPSLL will serve on the President’s Cabinet. The role incorporates advocacy for students and their needs and works to initiate and develop programs to ensure a student-focused approach at the University.  This is a full-time, 12-month exempt administrative position, with an anticipated start date of July, 2021. 

This role is highly visible and requires strong planning, execution, and collaborative skills as well as demonstrated experience in bringing about institutional change to continue to meet the needs of traditional and non-traditional students in the 21st century. This position will be critical as Texas Lutheran University strengthens its commitment to student success, retention, and engagement, under a renewed commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, utilizing and aligning with the new institutional strategic plan, the action plan for racial justice prepared by the President’s Cabinet, and the strategic plan for diversity, equity, and inclusion prepared by the University’s Diversity Committee.

TLU seeks an energetic leader who will be highly visible on campus bringing a calm and engaged presence to the work of student life and learning. 

Key Responsibilities:  

As a key leader and content expert on student life for the University, the VPSLL’s responsibilities will include the following priorities:

• Work closely with the President, the President’s Cabinet, the VPAA & Faculty, and others across campus to build an optimal learning and living environment for TLU students that is focused on advancing student learning, promoting student engagement, and enhancing positive community and climate
• Regularly assess student needs and identify areas for growth and development for all students
• Supervise and coordinate campus-wide student success and retention programs
• Oversee divisional structure that includes experiential learning; student success and retention; and campus life
• Provide supervisory responsibility for multiple areas within divisional structure including academic advising and support, campus ministry, career development, servant leadership, counseling and disability services, first-year and campus programs, health services, residence life, student conduct, and student activities.
• Serve as the University’s primary officer for issues relating to student discipline, conflict resolution, penalty assessment, and appeal
• Responsible for annual review and revision of the TLU Student Handbook
• Endeavor to create a climate within campus life that complements and supports the educational mission of the University and prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion
• Participate in and/or cooperate with various institutional committees for planning, budgeting, and implementation of strategic university efforts
• Serve on the President’s Cabinet and provide senior leadership in support of University priorities
• Manage division staffing, budgets, and ensure compliance with institutional policies and procedures
• Ensure that professionalism is modeled and promoted across division and maintain a safe environment through adherence to all safety procedures
• Work collaboratively within the division and cross campus to support and assist the institution in addressing challenges and supporting new opportunities.
• Model a customer service approach that makes all students, faculty, staff, and guests feel welcome and respected as individuals, treating them with courtesy and dignity
• Be a positive and visible presence on campus
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. 

Position Requirements and Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will be a strategic leader, skilled administrator, and community builder who has experience advancing inclusive excellence and positive change in an academic setting. Specific required qualifications for the position include:          

• A progressive record of at least five to ten years of progressively responsible administrative experience in leading student affairs or related areas within a higher education setting
• Master’s degree or higher in appropriate field, with demonstrated experience in student affairs
• A commitment to the mission of Texas Lutheran University as a community of faith and learning, empowering a diverse student body through an education centered on the liberal arts and professional programs
• Ability to engage effectively with students, family members, staff, faculty, administrators, board members, and external constituents, demonstrating excellent interpersonal and communication skills, along with strong analytical and reporting skills
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Project and time management skills that enable the accomplishment of multiple priorities on a concurrent basis
• Lead investigation and application of new technology and software to improve the student experience 
• A high degree of judgment to deal with complex factors which are not easily evaluated and/or to make decisions based on conclusions for which there is little precedent
• Innovative and creative
• Discrete and able to maintain strict confidentiality as appropriate. 

Texas Lutheran University

Texas Lutheran University is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  In accordance with its affiliation, TLU, a Hispanic Serving Institution, seeks applicants who are eager to join a culturally diverse community of learning.  Our student body, reflective of the diversity of the State of Texas, is over 40% Hispanic, with a strong Black presence as well.  The University is located in Seguin, Texas, approximately 35 miles east of San Antonio.  TLU has been recognized consistently as a “Great College to Work For” by the Chronicle of Higher Education and has been featured in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges” rankings in various categories.  The University is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and is subject to the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA).  TLU is committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion across all levels of the University.  Salary is competitive with excellent benefits.  For more information, please consult our website at http://www.tlu.edu.  

How To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a letter of application demonstrating appropriate qualifications and experience to fulfill the responsibilities outlined, along with a resume or curriculum vita, and contact information for three professional references (names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers).  Materials should be submitted electronically to humanresources@tlu.edu.