Nov. 15, 2013. The leadership statement and job description for the position of chancellor at Appalachian State University has been released by the chancellor search committee.
The document reflects input received from forums held across campus as to the traits and skills the successful candidate should have, according to Michael A. Steinback, chair of the search committee and who also chairs the university’s board of trustees.
The job description will appear in publications such as the Chronicle of Higher Education, Hispanic Outlook, Women in Higher Education and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. The description and leadership statement also is online atwww.chancellorsearch.appstate.
According to the leadership statement, “This position requires a visionary leader who will sustain and enhance Appalachian’s strong commitment to providing high quality instruction in a student-centered environment; preparing students to be effective, responsible citizens; and strengthening the university’s research programs and public service.”
In addition, the job description calls for the following specific experience, knowledge, skills and abilities:
- Unquestioned integrity and credibility with a distinguished record of professional accomplishment;
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to articulate a strategic vision for the university; a confident leader who inspires trust and respect among all campus constituencies with inclusive, forward and innovative thinking;
- Effective communicator, willing to be the “face” of Appalachian and to work closely with lead academic and business administrators, while allowing for appropriate delegation and distribution of responsibilities with these administrators;
- Experienced administrative manager who understands a complex organization, can instill best practices and build support from students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, community members and other leaders throughout North Carolina;
- An educator and leader who understands the mission of a liberal arts university, who will focus on the educational mission of the university, continue the student-centered focus, and foster an environment for faculty and staff to thrive;
- Commitment, in conjunction with the Board of Trustees, the UNC System president, the UNC Board of Governors and the Appalachian State University Foundation Inc., to maintaining and fine-tuning the financial infrastructure necessary to achieve the university’s mission and to keep education affordable for all students;
- Proven fundraising skills that clearly demonstrate an ability to raise the financial resources that will enable the university to achieve its institutional priorities and goals;
- Proven record of engaging individuals, philanthropic institutions and corporate leaders, as well as local, state, national and international government institutions;
- Embrace and advance the university’s mission and importance of the arts and cultural life of the university;
- Demonstrate a desire to lead and to provide advocacy for the university in representation of the university to the president and board of governors of the University of North Carolina, the governor of the State of North Carolina, the North Carolina General Assembly, the citizens of North Carolina, and the country and world at large; and
- Demonstrate the skills and desire to live and work in a small university town, to build enduring relationships and to continue the traditions of Appalachian.
Kenneth E. Peacock, the university’s sixth chancellor, announced in April his plans to step down from the position when his successor is named.