Manchester University Presidential Profile

As chief executive officer of Manchester University, the President will have the privilege to lead the University community of students, faculty, administrators, staff and alumni to achieve the highest quality of education possible in accordance with the policies of the Board of Trustees.

Manchester University is an independent, co-educational institution rooted in the liberal arts and sciences as well as the values of the Church of the Brethren, a historic peace church. Manchester’s values – learning, faith, service, integrity, diversity and community – are central to our daily work together.

Manchester’s approximately 60 full-time North Manchester faculty, 35 full-time Fort Wayne faculty, and 200 staff are deeply committed to educating and mentoring students. Total enrollment is approximately 1,300, with 900 in North Manchester and 400 in Fort Wayne.

Since its founding in 1889, Manchester has prepared graduates to serve humanity through a broad range of academic programs. Until the past decade, it was primarily an undergraduate institution located on a single campus in North Manchester, Indiana. In 2012, Manchester built a second campus in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where it launched a Doctor of Pharmacy program. Manchester is home to the world’s first peace studies major (1948) and the nation’s first master’s in pharmacogenomics (2016). Recently launched programs include digital media arts (2020), nursing (2020), nutrition and nutrigenomics (2023), and physical therapy (2023).  A nearly completed $45 million comprehensive campaign -- which is ahead of schedule -- supports all aspects of the University’s programming. A planned $20 million expansion of Manchester University Fort Wayne will support current and future health science programs.

Manchester’s recently adopted strategic plan (2022) aims to fulfill its vision: “Manchester University will be known for transformative learning, engaging student experiences, strength from diversity, deep mentoring relationships, future-focused programs, and our unwavering service to our students, neighbors and the world.” Built around three themes – offering distinctively Manchester teaching and learning, providing an inspiring place to learn and work, and focused investment and growth – the plan ensures Manchester’s continuing relevance, sustainability, and contribution to improving the human condition.  While the plan provides direction, it is a living document that will help to identify new initiatives and respond to emerging opportunities in the future.

Qualified candidates are those who can embrace and commit to carrying out the mission and values of Manchester University as set forth in the following Statement of Mission:

Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.

Qualified candidates will possess the following:

Leadership Skills:

• Ability to put students first in all aspects of the University, commitment to student success
• Ability to recruit, inspire, retain, guide, and direct faculty, cabinet, staff, and students to achieve quality programs that reflect Manchester University's mission
• Servant leader and team builder with strong delegation and collaboration skills
• Proven ability to develop and maintain a strong management team
• Ability to create a welcoming culture of inclusion and tolerance ensuring that Manchester is a place of belonging for all students and colleagues regardless of their personal, religious or political views
• Desire to invite and learn from diverse opinions and tolerate ambiguity; ability to resolve conflicts in a productive and respectful manner
• Ability to act decisively after assessing risks and benefits and capacity to innovate, think, and act boldly and creatively
• Deep commitment to and experience in the liberal arts and sciences
• Dedication to academic freedom, excellence, and shared governance
• Capacity to identify and work effectively with regional business leaders, local and state legislative groups, and special interest groups
• Ability to elevate the institution’s profile and extend its reach
• Ability to think and act both strategically and tactically; ability to balance visionary activities with attention to details; ability to have both vision (including a global vision) and operational discipline
• Ability to work collaboratively and bridge connections between all constituencies (e.g., North Manchester campus and Fort Wayne campus, faculty and staff, Board of Trustees and University) and foster relationships with local community leaders and residents
• Ability to identify and build upon existing institutional strengths

Knowledge and Experience:

• Doctorate or terminal degree in the candidate's field of study
• Successful experience functioning at the presidential or vice-presidential level in a complex organization, preferably one in higher education with both undergraduate and graduate/professional degree programs
• Successful teaching experience at the graduate and/or undergraduate level
• Knowledge and successful experience managing financial resources and leading organizational development
• Track record of successful working with a diverse group of stakeholders
• Deep knowledge of current and critical trends in higher education, including those in leadership style and teaching pedagogies in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs and in areas of enrollment and retention, academic organization, interdisciplinary programs, online education, and traditional and non-traditional students
• Successful experience in raising funds for operating, capital, endowment, and student financial aid purposes
• Experience visioning and implementing a strategic plan with measurable outcomes

Personal Characteristics:

• Ability to embrace Manchester University's mission, values, and history
• Advocate for liberal arts education and the value it adds to society
• Advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in all contexts
• A love of teaching and learning
• Eager to be a part of student life (including being accessible and visible on our campuses), ensuring all students feel valued equally
• Knowledge of and respect for the role of the Church of the Brethren in Manchester's history (this can be acquired if a candidate does not come from this tradition)
• Desire to work with different personalities, work styles, and ways of dealing with feedback and conflict
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills; excellent listener
• Being open, transparent, kind, and vulnerable and having the ability to be empathetic and compassionate in working with all within and outside the University
• An active and robust intellect
• Attitude of continuous learning and professional development for self and others
• Ability to make data-informed decisions within the parameters of institutional mission and values 

The Manchester University Presidential Search Committee is being assisted by Academic Search. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest may be submitted in confidence to ManchesterPresident@academicsearch.org. When submitting a nomination, please include the nominee’s name and contact information. Applications must include a curriculum vitae and a substantive cover letter that addresses the expectations discussed in the leadership agenda. For full consideration, applications must be received by February 20, 2023.

Confidential conversations about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting Senior Consultant Stuart Dorsey at stuart.dorsey@academicsearch.org or Dave Haist, Chair of the Manchester University Presidential Search Committee at mupresidentsc@gmail.com