Chancellor - LSU Alexandria

Louisiana State University•Alexandria, VA

About The Position

Louisiana State University invites applications for the position of Chancellor of Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA). The chancellor is the chief executive officer (CEO) of the campus and exercises complete executive authority therein, subject to the direction of the Board of Supervisors through the LSU President, Dr. Wade Rousse. As the administrative head of the LSU Alexandria campus, the chancellor will implement educational and administrative policies within the framework of the functions and programs of the campus. The chancellor will join LSU Alexandria at a moment of great promise. They will be a key leader in moving the university forward and will build on its success in providing transformational and empowering educational experiences. The chancellor will also set a strategic vision and identify for the campus in alignment with the overall vision for the LSU enterprise. Louisiana State University of Alexandria is the only state supported undergraduate-only university in Louisiana and operates within the LSU System. LSUA’s enrollment is approximately 8,000 students from all 50 states and 28 countries with 390 full-time faculty and staff. Enrollment has continuously increased and broken historic enrollment records for the last seven consecutive years. Retention and graduation rates have also significantly improved over this same period. LSUA specializes in important workforce degrees like business, accounting, criminal justice, education, healthcare, aviation, cybersecurity, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and the arts; and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). What sets LSUA apart from other institutions of higher education is the passionate faculty and staff that promote a student-centered learning environment. With a 29:1 student-to-faculty ratio, LSUA’s top-tier academic programs provide a personalized education that is second to none. LSUA has seven intercollegiate sports teams that compete in the Red River Athletic Conference within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA): women’s and men’s soccer, women’s and men’s basketball, women’s softball, men’s baseball, and women’s tennis. Last year, all seven teams made postseason RRAC play and two finished the year with national NAIA rankings. With the ever-increasing enrollment, additional campus life activities, and championship level athletic programs, it is an exciting time to be at LSUA! Specifically, the challenges and opportunities for the next chancellor include: The next chancellor will look holistically at the campus, community, region, and goals of LSU to create and execute a lasting vision that positions LSUA to realize its full potential as an intellectual community, a driver of economic growth, and a beacon of civic engagement. The chancellor will lead initiatives that capitalize on the University’s distinct strengths, while at the same contributing to the goals of the broader LSU. In leading these efforts, the next chancellor will elevate a unique and compelling brand and identity for the University both within the LSU family and across the state and region. Create a compelling educational experience that defines LSUA as a first-choice destination for students and drives enrollment in both face-to-face and online degree programs. The new chancellor will take a lead in assessing current efforts, developing new strategies, and channeling investment to strengthen enrollment in face-to-face academic programs. The campus is full of potential, with ample physical space for investment in new academic programs and student support spaces. At the same time, the new chancellor must also nurture and support the University’s online offerings which provide a key source of funding for the institution and elevate the reputation of LSUA on a global scale. They will work collaboratively with key constituencies, both inside and outside the academic enterprise, to enhance degree offerings, expand student support services, increase financial aid, and oversee investments that strengthen the University’s position in a competitive higher education landscape. Sustain and prioritize LSU Alexandria’s culture of shared governance, trust, and inclusive belonging. The new chancellor will be a visible and active presence on campus, ensuring that students, staff, and faculty needs are prioritized, that all voices are heard and valued, and that the whole of the University is greater than the sum of its parts. The chancellor will promote clear expectations for shared governance by sustaining, operationalizing, and advancing that commitment. The chancellor will be an open, engaging, and highly communicative leader who will join a community that is passionate about LSU Alexandria’s educational mission. Already home to a diverse student population, the University will continue to support initiatives and efforts that create a strong sense of belonging among all campus stakeholders. This dedication should manifest itself in numerous ways, and the chancellor will serve as the shining example in setting an inclusive and welcoming culture on campus. Advocate for LSU Alexandria within the strategic context of the greater LSU Enterprise. As part of a large and complex university system, LSU Alexandria has historically balanced the unique needs of its community within the framework of a larger university system. The new chancellor must represent the campus successfully and effectively while working cooperatively to advocate for the University with other chancellors and university system administrators. They must network successfully with internal and external constituencies to strengthen partnerships and attract support and funding for strategic initiatives. Collaborating with key stakeholders, the chancellor will seek opportunities to address campus-specific priorities including advancing pay equity for faculty and staff and ensuring the availability of resources and training to implement system-wide priorities and business processes in a campus-specific context. Deepen partnerships that strengthen the University’s ties to and impact on the community and economy of Alexandria. Alexandria is the heart of Louisiana, located in the center of the state, where cultures blend and traditions run deep. Although the Alexandria/Pineville metro area has a population of about 75,000, the population of the surrounding nine-parish region approaches 400,000 people. New Orleans, Houston, Dallas, Baton Rouge, and the Alabama beaches are all just a few hours away by car. The city houses an international airport, three golf courses, the Alexandria Zoo, three large hospitals, shopping, restaurants, and endless outdoor activities to enjoy. Alexandria’s friendly culture embraces community through a variety of events and programs throughout the year, including Mardi Gras celebrations, the Louisiana Dragon Boat Races™, and cook-off competitions. The thriving arts community is supported by the Alexandria Museum of Art, owned by the LSUA Foundation and operated by LSUA professional staff. Through several additional museums, exhibits showcase artists from all over the world. Additionally, the arts support engaging theater productions by LSUA’s arts faculty and students and the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center in Alexandria. It will be incumbent upon the chancellor to earn the trust of local communities, develop relationships with local representatives, and bring the campus and community together for mutually beneficial outcomes. As the key representative of the campus, the chancellor will have an influential platform to work closely with industry and civic partners. The chancellor will serve as a thought leader to help shape the regional economy and expand opportunities for students to work in and with the community after graduation.

Requirements

An earned doctorate (PhD) or equivalent terminal degree from an accredited institution.
A distinguished record of senior administrative leadership, with demonstrated executive management experience and a proven ability to unify and lead diverse internal and external constituencies.
The capacity to exercise influence through collaboration, grounded in a sophisticated understanding of the interrelationships, roles, and responsibilities within complex organizations and among key external stakeholders.
A visionary and strategic leader with deep knowledge of the higher education landscape and the political, organizational, and operational acumen necessary to navigate a comprehensive university environment.
A demonstrated commitment to the public mission of higher education, including an appreciation for the University’s role in knowledge creation, workforce development, and socioeconomic advancement.
A record of successful partnerships with public agencies, educational and healthcare institutions, businesses, and community organizations to advance economic development, regional revitalization, and initiatives that enhance the well‑being of the campus and surrounding communities.
An understanding of, and experience navigating, the complexities of leadership within a multi‑campus university system.
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and emotional intelligence skills, including a reputation as an active listener who engages authentically with faculty, staff, students, and community members and contributes positively to institutional culture and morale.
A demonstrated ability to lead as an analytical, data‑informed, and evidence‑based decision‑maker, committed to transparency, shared governance, equity, and innovation, with a willingness to pursue bold or novel approaches when appropriate.
A student‑centered, compassionate leadership approach that actively engages faculty and staff, ensures individuals feel valued and respected, and reinforces the shared responsibility for student success and a positive campus experience.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to serve as an effective advocate for LSUA at the local, state, and national levels.
A leadership philosophy and professional conduct that embody LSUA’s core values, including student‑centeredness, academic excellence, inclusiveness, innovation, global engagement, and integrity.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the city of Alexandria, LA, and surrounding communities is preferred, along with an appreciation for the cultural, economic, and civic context of the region.

Responsibilities

The next chancellor will look holistically at the campus, community, region, and goals of LSU to create and execute a lasting vision that positions LSUA to realize its full potential as an intellectual community, a driver of economic growth, and a beacon of civic engagement.
The chancellor will lead initiatives that capitalize on the University’s distinct strengths, while at the same contributing to the goals of the broader LSU.
In leading these efforts, the next chancellor will elevate a unique and compelling brand and identity for the University both within the LSU family and across the state and region.
Create a compelling educational experience that defines LSUA as a first-choice destination for students and drives enrollment in both face-to-face and online degree programs.
The new chancellor will take a lead in assessing current efforts, developing new strategies, and channeling investment to strengthen enrollment in face-to-face academic programs.
At the same time, the new chancellor must also nurture and support the University’s online offerings which provide a key source of funding for the institution and elevate the reputation of LSUA on a global scale.
They will work collaboratively with key constituencies, both inside and outside the academic enterprise, to enhance degree offerings, expand student support services, increase financial aid, and oversee investments that strengthen the University’s position in a competitive higher education landscape.
Sustain and prioritize LSU Alexandria’s culture of shared governance, trust, and inclusive belonging.
The new chancellor will be a visible and active presence on campus, ensuring that students, staff, and faculty needs are prioritized, that all voices are heard and valued, and that the whole of the University is greater than the sum of its parts.
The chancellor will promote clear expectations for shared governance by sustaining, operationalizing, and advancing that commitment.
The chancellor will be an open, engaging, and highly communicative leader who will join a community that is passionate about LSU Alexandria’s educational mission.
Already home to a diverse student population, the University will continue to support initiatives and efforts that create a strong sense of belonging among all campus stakeholders.
This dedication should manifest itself in numerous ways, and the chancellor will serve as the shining example in setting an inclusive and welcoming culture on campus.
Advocate for LSU Alexandria within the strategic context of the greater LSU Enterprise.
As part of a large and complex university system, LSU Alexandria has historically balanced the unique needs of its community within the framework of a larger university system.
The new chancellor must represent the campus successfully and effectively while working cooperatively to advocate for the University with other chancellors and university system administrators.
They must network successfully with internal and external constituencies to strengthen partnerships and attract support and funding for strategic initiatives.
Collaborating with key stakeholders, the chancellor will seek opportunities to address campus-specific priorities including advancing pay equity for faculty and staff and ensuring the availability of resources and training to implement system-wide priorities and business processes in a campus-specific context.
Deepen partnerships that strengthen the University’s ties to and impact on the community and economy of Alexandria.
It will be incumbent upon the chancellor to earn the trust of local communities, develop relationships with local representatives, and bring the campus and community together for mutually beneficial outcomes.
As the key representative of the campus, the chancellor will have an influential platform to work closely with industry and civic partners.
The chancellor will serve as a thought leader to help shape the regional economy and expand opportunities for students to work in and with the community after graduation.

Benefits

LSUA offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

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