Vice Chancellor for Student Life

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), one of five campuses within the University of Minnesota (UMN) System, seeks a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as the next Vice Chancellor for Student Life (VCSL). Reporting directly to the Chancellor, and as a key member of the senior leadership team, the VCSL will be responsible for creating and implementing a vision that supports the holistic development of students so they can thrive at UMD. The VCSL will play a central role in shaping the future of student life at UMD while closely collaborating with senior leadership in fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment rooted in enhancing student success and wellbeing; promoting a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion; overseeing the development and implementation of programs that promote belonging; and building stronger partnerships across the university and University of Minnesota System (UMN System).

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) is a comprehensive public sea grant university that serves as a critical driver of regional research and economic development in northeastern Minnesota. The second largest campus in the University of Minnesota System, UMD enrolls roughly 10,000 students and offers 89 undergraduate and 24 graduate programs. The University of Minnesota Medical School and the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy both have programs in Duluth on the UMD campus. As a mid-sized university, UMD consistently ranks among the top Midwestern regional universities and provides an alternative to large research universities and small liberal arts colleges, providing a personalized learning experience with the feel of a larger university. 

The new VCSL will be joining UMD at a transformational time, as they recently welcomed their new Chancellor in July 2024. Dr. Charles Nies brings a student-success lens to his work, and he is eager to cultivate his leadership as they embark on strategic planning and crafting a new vision for the university.   The VCSL will empower a team of talented student affairs professionals and partner across the university and UMN System in promoting best practices, cultivating a culture of student success, thoughtfully managing resources, breaking down barriers to success, and inspiring collaboration around student wellness, wellbeing, and belonging efforts. The VCSL will address the following opportunities and challenges:

• Develop an inclusive vision and strategy for the Division of Student Life in alignment with university strategic planning
• Strengthen collaborations across the university, especially with Academic Affairs and Strategic Enrollment Management
• Cultivate an experienced and dedicated Student Life team around new strategies, best practices, and translate theories into practice
• Strategically steward and enhance financial resources 
• Serve as a thoughtful and strategic partner to UMD and system-wide leadership while serving as a voice for all students

The Vice Chancellor for Student Life is a 100%-time, 12-month, professional and administrative (P&A) appointment. Salary is commensurate with education and experience, with an anticipated salary range of $200,000-$230,000.

All inquiries, applications, and nominations should be directed below. Electronic submission of materials is required.

Lindsay Gold is leading this search with Drew Nichols. 

The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, familial status, disability, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local commission created for the purpose of dealing with discrimination, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This document is available in alternative formats upon request.