The Board of Supervisors of Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College invites applications and nominations for the position of President for the nation's only Historically Black University System.
The President is the chief executive officer of the Southern University System; serves as the secretary to the Board of Supervisors; and, is a member of the University's faculties. The President reports to an appointed Board of Supervisors; supervises the campus chancellors and other System employees; and makes personnel, policy and management recommendations to the Board.
The Board seeks an individual with a successful record of academic experience and leadership, higher education administrative experience and demonstrated commitment to excellence in education. The President will be expected to enhance the relationship among the Board, the System's five institutions, and the Louisiana education systems.
The Southern University System was established in 1974 by constitutional mandate which fashioned it into a system. Southern University is the only historically black 1890 Land-Grant University System in the nation. The System encompasses five institutions: Southern University and A&M College at Baton Rouge (est.1880), the Southern University Law Center (est. 1947), Southern University at New Orleans (est. 1956), Southern University at Shreveport (est. 1964), and the Southern University Cooperative Extension Program (est. 1972) that became the fifth campus of the System in 2003, named the Southern University Agricultural, Research and Extension Center.
The System's institutions serve more than 15,000 students annually; offers 86 programs leading to the baccalaureate degree, 23 associate degrees, and 12 certificate programs. Although the majority of the programs are offered at the undergraduate level, the University currently offers 26 masters, 1 post master, 1 professional and 5 doctoral (PhD) degrees.
The Southern University System employs 2,633 full- and part-time employees. The faculties, approximating 987, hold degrees from some of the most prestigious universities of this nation and the world. The annual System revenue is more than $197 million, and the physical plant is valued at more than $285 million.
Presidential Profile
Required. Application for the position of System President requires the candidate to provide evidence of successful budget management, resource development and financial management experience; the ability to oversee and provide administrative oversight for a diverse corps of students and employees; and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred. An earned doctorate degree from an accredited institution of higher education; experience as president of a comprehensive teaching/research college or university; senior level administrative experience, preferably in higher education; prior or current service on and/or demonstrated ability to work with institutional governing boards; commitment to student-centered learning programs, research, and innovative teaching and research; faculty, staff, alumni, public service, diversity and equity, a global perspective, intellectual diversity, knowledge of current issues in higher education, especially technological development, community education, development and implementation of academic programs and accreditation standards. He/she should demonstrate a strong commitment of support to successful fundraising and the procurement of resources. The President should possess personal qualities of outstanding integrity that will inspire and motivate students and employees throughout the System; demonstrated political astuteness and extensive knowledge of the legislative processes. He/she should be dedicated to the University's various missions and have a strong commitment to strengthening its land-grant status and programs. Evidence of success in development and implementation in the areas of academics, facilities, strategic planning; and demonstrated involvement in the community is also preferred.
Application Process
To qualify for consideration, serious applicants should submit an application packet (one unbound original and twenty-two bound copies of each document consisting of the items listed below:
- A letter of application that succinctly addresses the challenges and opportunities identified and how his/her experience and professional qualifications that are in line with the presidential profile prepare him/her to serve the needs of the university system.
- The applicant’s educational and administrative philosophy.
- A current vita or resume that includes the applicant's email address and cell and home phone numbers.
- Three (3) letters of reference to the Search Committee.
- A reference list with the names, titles, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of eight references.
- Sealed official copies of college transcripts mailed to the address below from the Registrar’s Office of Universities/Colleges graduated.
Inquiries, nominations, and application packets will be received by the Search Committee until position is filled. The salary is negotiable.
Electronic applications and nominations (in MS Word PDF) are preferred and should be sent to:
