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California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), one of 23 campuses in the California State University system, seeks a collaborative student affairs professional who will provide vision and strategic leadership and management to a broad base of academic advising and student support programs, services, and other opportunities focused on improving student retention and persistence throughout the student lifecycle, from enrollment and orientation to timely degree completion. The successful candidate is expected to be appointed in January 2024 and will report to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Dr. Kent Willis.

Fresno State, nestled in the center of California, serves as an anchor to the most prosperous agricultural Valley in the world and one of the most culturally diverse regions in the country. Deeply committed to the success of its students, Fresno State admits, enrolls, and graduates hard-working students from families of all income levels in more significant numbers than ever before. About 87% of Fresno State’s students come 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.

The university seeks an AVP for Student Success Services and University Advising Services who will create a culture of care for its students and divisional staff and uphold Fresno State’s “Principles of Community”. This new leader will provide vision and work with a strong student success team to develop and execute strategies to enhance the student experience. The ideal candidate will be innovative in their solutions and approaches and will work very closely with team members to support existing programs while also generating new ideas to foster enhanced opportunities for students, remove barriers, and expand high-impact practices. To learn more, please review the search profile.

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

Interested applicants must apply through California State University, Fresno. To do so, go to https://careers.fresnostate.edu/en-us/job/532121/avp-student-success-and-university-advising-services to complete the employment application, including attaching a cover letter that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in this position prospectus, 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 October 30, 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.