Assistant Vice President of Graduate Studies

at  Adams State University

Position Summary:
The Office of Academic Affairs seeks letters of interest from individuals with an interest in serving as Assistant Vice President for Graduate Studies. The Assistant Vice President for Graduate Studies provides support to the VPAA and leadership for the graduate enterprise at Adams State University. The AVPGS serves on the Academic Council as the primary representative for graduate programs, networking regularly with the directors of the academic schools housing graduate programs. They build bridges across graduate, undergraduate, and associate programs to facilitate a continuum of distinct but integrated educational offerings that align with the institutional mission. The AVPGS oversees the Office of Graduate Studies and its staff, and provides leadership and support to all graduate programs.
Anticipated start date is January 1, 2025.
Specific Job Duties (Essential Functions and Responsibilities)
The AVPGS is responsible for a variety of areas as outlined:

Program Development and Management:

• Supervise and oversee the Office of Graduate Studies staff (3): Director of Graduate Operations, Coordinator of Graduate Recruitment and Student Success, Administrative Assistant
• Convene and chair the Graduate Council and establish priorities to guide the council’s work
• Develop and oversee graduate programs, ensuring they meet accreditation standards and align with the university’s mission.
• Collaborate with faculty and academic departments to create new graduate programs with emphasis on:
• meeting local, regional and national market demands;
• serving the needs of diverse student population;
• meeting the needs of the San Luis Valley.
• Monitor program outcomes and make data-driven decisions to enhance program quality and effectiveness.
• Network with all stakeholders to integrate and to align graduate programs to the degree possible

Student Recruitment and Retention:

• Develop and implement strategies to attract and retain graduate students, with focus on online programs.
• Collaborate with the Vice President for Development, the Office of Marketing/Public Relations and academic schools to promote graduate programs and increase enrollment.
• Implement retention initiatives to support graduate student success, completion and graduation. Curriculum Development and Assessment:
• Work with faculty and the Graduate Council to develop and revise graduate curricula, ensuring alignment with industry standards and academic best practices.
• Ensure that curriculum reflects the needs of diverse student populations, including underrepresented minorities and non-traditional learners.
• Collaborate with the Director of Assessment to ensure assessment efforts evaluate program effectiveness and student learning.
• Implement and monitor continuous academic program review processes for graduate programs.
• Works closely with Adams State Online (ASO) to ensure quality online graduate programs.

Faculty Support and Development:

• Provide leadership and support to faculty involved in graduate education.
• Facilitate professional development opportunities for faculty to enhance teaching effectiveness in both traditional and online settings.
• Encourage faculty research and collaboration across disciplines to enrich the graduate student experience.

Policy Development and Compliance:

• Chair Institutional Review Board (IRB)
• Stay informed about trends and best practices in graduate education to inform policy decisions.
• Develop and enforce policies related to graduate education, including admissions criteria, academic standards, and degree requirements.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and regulations governing graduate programs.
• Ensure currency of graduate handbooks, policies and procedures.

Budget Management and Resource Allocation:

• Develop and manage the budget for the Office of Graduate Studies.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure financial stewardship in line with university policies and priorities.
• Coordinate and complete external review of revenue sharing models and make recommendations for allocation of resources to support program development, growth and student success.
• Seek external funding opportunities and grants to support innovative program initiatives.

Community Engagement and Partnerships:

• Cultivate relationships with external stakeholders, including industry partners, alumni, and community organizations, to enhance graduate program visibility and inform the development of new programs.
• Collaborate with local and regional entities to create internship and job placement opportunities for graduate students.
• Promote the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in graduate education through community outreach and partnerships.

Advocacy and Representation:

• Serve as an advocate for graduate education within the university administration, representing the needs and priorities of graduate students and programs.
• Participate in university committees and task forces to contribute to institutional decision-making and strategic planning.
• Represent the university at professional conferences and events to promote graduate programs and build partnerships with other institutions.

Other duties as assigned, including short term assignments of a varied nature.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Terminal degree in relevant discipline
2. Five or more years of university teaching experience
3. A record of progressive academic leadership experience and interest in academic administration
4. Demonstrated excellence in communication and collaboration.
5. Demonstrated knowledge of, sensitivity to, and ability to work effectively with, the educational needs of individuals and groups with a diverse range of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities
6. Evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the racial, socioeconomic, academic, and cultural diversity of Adams State University’s student population.
7. Demonstrated commitment to meeting the ideals of the university’s vision and purpose statement.
Preferred Qualifications
1. Three or more years of administrative experience leading graduate level programs.
2. Ability or experience working with historically under-served and/or underrepresented populations, and first-generation graduate students.
3. Commitment to advancing professional development, scholarship, and service to the university and community.
4. Demonstrated self-awareness of one’s own cultural beliefs, perspectives, and privileges as a part of one’s understanding of higher education.
5. Demonstrated decision-making that is informed by research, data, and theory and that leverages students’ unique cultures, experiences, and background as strengths.
Salary and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $99,636-$113,340. Salary determination is commensurate with experience and education. In addition to salary, Adams State University offers a competitive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. For detailed benefits information please visit
https://www.adams.edu/hr/benefits/
Applications & Required Documents
Priority will be given to applications submitted prior to October 1, 2024, however the position will remain open until filled. To apply submit the required application materials through Adams State University’s
Workday application portal:

Completed applications should include the following:

• A detailed cover letter of application addressing:
• interest in the position
• your leadership and/or administrative experience
• interest in and experience with any of the job duties listed
• How serving in the role of AVPGS at a small HSI with a sizable population of first-generation university students set in a rural environment align with your interests/experience and professional goals
• Curriculum Vita describing your academic and administrative background
• Transcripts from your highest degree. Copies accepted. Official transcripts required upon hire.
• A list of five references: name, job title, and contact information (email, phone), and a brief description of your relationship with the referee.

For questions, please contact academic-affairs@adams.edu, or contact the search committee chair, Dr. Nick Saenz: cnsaenz@adams.edu
Adams State University is a state-supported, regional comprehensive university located in the San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado and the city of Alamosa. As the state’s premier Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), over 50 percent of its undergraduate students represent racially diverse backgrounds. A high percentage of undergraduate students are first-generation and Pell eligible. The university offers undergraduate programs in the arts and humanities, physical and natural sciences, mechanical engineering and computer science, social sciences, kinesiology, fine arts, business, and nursing, and specializes in educator preparation in several disciplines. Adams State also offers graduate degrees in cultural resource management, public administration, music education, kinesiology, higher education administration and leadership, history, business (MBA), and educator programs, including counselor education; the university also has a doctoral (PhD) program in counselor education. The university has an active athletic program. The Adams State Grizzlies athletic teams compete under the auspices of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC).
The institution is committed to increasing the diversity of its professional staff and is actively seeking qualified applicants who have experiences, skills, and/or personal attributes that augment the perspectives of our current faculty and staff. We are working to diversify our faculty and staff and especially encourage applications from women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ community members, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other historically-underrepresented populations. We will give particular consideration to qualified applicants with experience in ethnically diverse settings; persons who possess varied language skills, a record of successful experience in engaging and supporting diverse communities/student populations; and job seekers who can contribute to equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. The successful candidate will join a campus that is dedicated to inclusive excellence and acknowledges Adams State’s purpose to foster the educational goals of its students and the well-being of the surrounding community.
About Us- Diversity & Inclusive Excellence
We recognize that women and people of color are often less likely to apply to a position if they don’t match 100% of the job qualifications. Don’t let that be the reason you miss out on this opportunity! We encourage you to apply if you can demonstrate many of these skills and competencies.
Disclosures:
In compliance with the Immigration Control Act of 1968 candidates for positions must provide proof of eligibility to work before an offer of employment can be made final.
About Alamosa, Colorado
Located in the beautiful San Luis Valley between the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges, Alamosa is situated within the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. Set at an elevation of 7,500 feet in the largest interalpine valley in the United States, our city is located approximately 3.5 hours from Denver, 1.5 hours from Taos, New Mexico, and 2.5 hours from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Alamosa has a population of 9,500, with recently built elementary schools, a moderate cost of living, and affordable housing. Adams State University takes a leading role in local theatre performances and musical events and is in an area where the opportunities for outdoor recreation abound.
Adams State University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its students, faculty, staff and visitors, and to protecting its funds, property and other assets. Well-informed hiring decisions contribute to this effort. Therefore, Adams State University has adopted a policy on background screening for its prospective, continuing, and returning employees as well as students in certain circumstances. Offers of employment will be contingent upon the completion of an acceptable background check. The information received in response to a background check will be treated as confidential to the extent provided for by law.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Part 106 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and CFR 106 to Adams State University (ASU) may be directed to ASU’s Office of Equal Opportunity, Director Ana Guevara, and/or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education. Support resources for sexual misconduct, ASU’s sexual misconduct policies, contact information for the Adams State University’s Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX, as well as a detailed procedure for filing a grievance due to discrimination on the basis of sex may be found online at
https://www.adams.edu/administration/oeo/reporting-sexual-harassment/. These procedures also describe the University’s response to reports and/or complaints of sex discrimination or sexual harassment.
Adams State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Applications are sought from all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, disability, and, as covered by law, veteran status. In addition, University policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation including transgender status and gender expression, marital status, and parental status.
Adams State University is dedicated to fostering Inclusive Excellence and especially encourages applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other historically underrepresented populations. Given the university’s mission and student body composition, the institution is committed to increasing the diversity of its professional staff and is actively seeking qualified applicants who have experiences, skills, and/or personal attributes that augment the perspectives of our current faculty and staff; we will give particular consideration to qualified applicants with experience in ethnically diverse settings or who possess varied language skills and have a record of successful experience in engaging diverse communities and student populations. Additional information about the university and the academic mission may be found at
www.adams.edu/academics

Please refer the Job description for details