Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs

The position guides the State Regents’ academic work in the areas of academic policy, student preparation, collegiate programs, student services, and federal post-secondary authorization and compliance. Academic leadership includes strategies and work relating to 1) developing pathways that expand access to higher education, including concurrent enrollment, outreach and recruitment for first-time college students, and adult degree completion initiatives, 2) advancing statewide workforce and economic development efforts, 3) handling the academic portions of the State Regents’ Public Agenda, and 4) providing leadership and oversight for state-administered grants and scholarships operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Provide leadership and direction for the Academic Affairs and Student Affairs division of the State Regents and the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, including responsibility, oversight, and supervision for:

Academic and Policy Leadership: Provide system wide leadership for academic policy, program approval and review, accreditation and evaluation, institutional functions, statewide degree inventory, transfer and articulation, state authorization, academic innovation, online and adult learning initiatives, and coordination with academic councils and institutional leaders.

Student Access, Preparation, and Success: Oversee pre-collegiate and student success initiatives that expand access to higher education and improve college readiness, including concurrent enrollment, early college programs, student preparation efforts, PK-16 partnerships, civic engagement, student leadership development, and statewide student advisory structures.

Workforce and Economic Development Alignment: Advance statewide efforts linking academic programs to workforce and economic development priorities, including adult degree completion, micro-credentials, online learning, partnerships with technology centers and state agencies, and initiatives addressing critical workforce shortages.

Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Access: Provide leadership and oversight for the administration of statewide scholarship and grant programs, including Oklahoma’s Promise, Inspired to Teach, and other legislatively authorized programs; ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements; oversee allocation and disbursement of funds; and coordinate reporting to the State Regents, Legislature, and other stakeholders.

General Duties

• As needed, represent the Chancellor within the legislative network and respond to requests related to bills under consideration and research/information for presentation at interim studies.
• Provide leadership and support to key advisory groups such as the Council of Presidents, Council on Instruction, Council on Student Affairs, and other internal and external councils.
• Represent the Chancellor on academic issues with institutions, agencies, and organizations within Oklahoma, the region, and the nation.
• Coordinate various academic committees and task force studies on academic and student affairs policy issues and system-wide strategic planning efforts, including work with the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technical Education.
• Guide the preparation of academic policy, analysis papers, and agenda items with recommendations for State Regents’ consideration.
• Responsible for recommending hiring, firing, advancement, promotion or other changes in assigned employee status.
• Other similar duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The individual in this position must have an earned doctorate from an accredited university and at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, including work with faculty, administrators, and staff. The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong understanding of higher education policy and practice, with excellent verbal, written, and analytical skills.

The individual must demonstrate the ability to operate effectively in a system-level context, including experience working with governing boards, coordinating or regulatory bodies, state agencies, or cross-institutional partners. The successful candidate will possess broad knowledge of academic and student affairs across diverse institutional sectors, including community colleges, regional universities, and research institutions, and demonstrate the ability to lead initiatives that advance statewide academic, student success, and workforce priorities. Some in-state and out-of-state travel is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Significant senior-level administrative experience in higher education, preferably in academic affairs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time. Ability to operate a computer, keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator and other office equipment. Ability to use a computer screen and printed material, to communicate clearly, ability to lift up to 25 pounds, and to perform tasks that may require reaching, bending or stooping. Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Must use the proper manual handling equipment including but not limited to dollies, carts and lift team members. Duties are normally performed in an office environment with a moderate noise level.

SUPERVISION

The employee performs work under the supervision of the Chancellor.