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California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), one of 23 campuses in the California State University system, seeks a forward-thinking, inclusive, collaborative, and approachable leader as its next Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. The Dean of Students will report to the Vice President for the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Dr. Kent L. Willis, who began his service with the University on January 3, 2023.

Deeply committed to the success of its students, Fresno State admits, enrolls, and graduates hard-working students from families of all income levels in larger numbers than ever before. About 87% of Fresno State’s students hail from the surrounding San Joaquin Valley and 65% are the first in their families to earn a college degree, changing the future trajectory of their families. It’s a statistic virtually unparalleled among doctoral universities in the United States. While 80% of recent Fresno State graduates remain in the Valley to become the next generation of leaders, innovators, and critical thinkers in every industry, to date more than 235,000 alumni are transforming communities globally by serving every state in the nation and across the world.

The Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students will work closely and collaboratively with the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management and Division staff in fostering an appreciation for the holistic student experience and creating a resourceful support system that contributes positively to overall student success. This position will require the capacity to communicate plans to constituents transparently, to engage and excite the campus community, and to think critically, problem solve, and make difficult decisions.

The Dean of Students will be a good listener who is able to work across divisions with senior administrators, student leaders, faculty, and staff to create a campus environment that contributes positively to the overall student experience. Collaborating with campus colleagues, the Dean will be a catalyst for the development of initiatives and programs that enhance student development and celebrate student achievement, while promoting an inclusive and safe campus environment.

The Dean of Students provides vision, leadership, and direction for the staff, departments, and program areas in the University Student Union, Student Activities and Leadership Development, Services for Students with Disabilities, and Dean of Students office. The Dean is responsible for direct oversight of staff in areas of Student Involvement, Student Rights and Responsibilities, Services for Students with Disabilities, TRIO Student Support Services, and the Student Recreation Center.

California State University, Fresno is being assisted by Academic Search. Prospective candidates may arrange a confidential discussion by contacting Dr. Shirley Robinson Pippins at Shirley.Pippins@academicsearch.org or Andrea Cowsert at Andrea.Cowsert@academicsearch.org. Nominations may also be submitted directly to Dr. Pippins and Ms. Cowsert.

Interested applicants must apply through California State University, Fresno. To do so, click here to complete the employment application, including attaching a cover letter that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the search profile; a curriculum vitae; and a list of three professional references. References will not be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate. This position is open until filled, but only applications received by May 15, 2023, can be assured full consideration. For more information about Fresno State, visit http://fresnostate.edu/.

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Order 883 prohibits discrimination and Executive Order 927 prohibits harassment, on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status.

Fresno State’s commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive. The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. This position may be a “designated position” under the California State University’s Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter. Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.