LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
PROVOST CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA
THE OPPORTUNITY Mount Mercy University is seeking a dynamic, innovative leader to assume the role of chief academic officer from its retiring provost. As a member of the president’s cabinet, the provost is responsible for leading the University’s faculty and academic units. Eight academic department chairs report to the provost, as well as the associate provost/executive director for academic innovation and directors of academic operations, library services, and the Academic Center for Excellence. The new provost is expected to begin in the summer of 2018.
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UNIVERSITY HISTORY
In response to the community’s need for online degree options, and the evolving landscape of higher education, Mount Mercy launched its first-ever online program in the fall of 2013. Since
Housed on a 40-acre, wooded hilltop in the historic Mound
then, its online offerings have grown to encompass five bachelor’s
View neighborhood in the heart of Cedar Rapids, Mount Mercy
degree programs and two master’s degree programs.
University has evolved into a vibrant intellectual community of the 21st century—providing a range of educational experiences and opportunities tailored to meet the needs of our time.
As Mount Mercy’s graduate programs grew quickly, so did the need for more space. Located just a mile and a half from the main campus, the CRST International Graduate Center opened in 2013
Almost 90 years ago, the Sisters of Mercy of Cedar Rapids
and is home to nearly 400 students across six master’s-level
saw the need to unite people with opportunity through education.
programs. Housed within the Graduate Center is the Olson Marriage
Their vision—to blend faith and values with liberal arts learning
& Family Therapy Clinic—offering high-quality, low-cost counseling
and professional preparation—is the hallmark of a Mercy education
services to the local community, while providing hands-on,
and the foundation of Mount Mercy’s success.
supervised training for students in the Marriage & Family
The history of Mount Mercy’s academic excellence and compassionate service dates back to 1928 when the Sisters of
Therapy graduate program (the only practice-based, accredited program in the state).
Mercy established Mount Mercy Junior College, a two-year college
While constantly growing and adapting to the needs of our time,
for women. The junior college flourished and transitioned to a
Mount Mercy has remained the regional Catholic, Mercy university
four-year college in 1960, granting bachelor’s degrees and
that promises students of diverse backgrounds, ages, and faiths
eventually becoming co-ed in 1969. As time passed, Mount
a challenging, practical education that inspires them to discover
Mercy College added new programs that continued to
knowledge, build community, and lead courageous lives.
reflect its original mission and values.
Traditional residential and transfer students find majors that ignite
Building on its reputation for high-quality, student-focused
their passions—on a welcoming, safe, and vibrant campus that
undergraduate education—and carrying forth its mission to meet
offers rich co-curricular activities and experiences. And, working
the needs of its time—Mount Mercy launched its first master’s
adults, striving to balance careers and families, find undergraduate
degree programs in 2008. The addition of graduate programs
and graduate programs (on campus and online) that fit their busy
and a new core curriculum, coupled with community-focused
lives and schedules, in competitive fields that drive their
programming, positioned the institution for designation as a
careers forward.
university in 2010.
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OUR MISSION Mount Mercy is a Catholic university that provides student-focused education in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy and welcomes people of all beliefs to join our community in pursuit of undergraduate and graduate education and compassionate service to those in need. We strive for excellence in accomplishing our mission through four interdependent goals: using reflective judgment, engaging in strategic communication, serving the common good, and promoting purposeful living.
OUR VALUES As members of the Mount Mercy University community, grounded in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy and our Catholic identity, we are committed to: • Lifelong learning and education of the whole person • Pursuit of truth and dignity • Commitment to students • Justice • Gratitude • Hospitality • Service
OUR CATHOLIC IDENTITY & MERCY CHARISM Mount Mercy is sponsored by the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, through the Conference for Mercy Higher Education. Built on the Sisters of Mercy’s five critical concerns—earth, immigration, nonviolence, racism, and women—students explore these issues within an educational setting that reaches far beyond the classroom. The University community strives to educate within the Catholic intellectual tradition, welcoming all people to explore truth, wisdom, faith, and reason. Through service learning and volunteer opportunities, students are challenged to take what they learn in the classroom and address the critical concerns in a wide array of projects that benefit their community and the world around them.
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UNIVERSITY SNAPSHOT WHO WE ARE • Private, Catholic liberal arts university founded in 1928 • Co-ed, residential campus with 1,800+ students • Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (pop. 130,000) • Undergraduate and graduate education with 45+ areas of study
ENROLLMENT • 1,848 (Fall 2017) • 68% female, 32% male • 14.5% racially/culturally diverse students • 69 international students from more than 30 countries
STUDENT EXPERIENCE • 100% of freshmen receive scholarships • Student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1 • Classes taught by faculty, not TAs • Strong academic assistance, internship, research, and career development programs • 80% of traditional, graduating students participate
A RECOGNIZED LEADER • Named Iowa’s Best College and a Top 100 College in the Country by Time’s MONEY Magazine—based on educational quality, affordability, and alumni success • Named a Top 50 Best Regional Midwest University and Top 30 Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report • No. 4 nationally-ranked student Enactus team—using entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world • Award-winning volunteerism and service learning programs—16,000+ volunteer hours last year
in some form of experiential learning • 33% of traditional undergraduates are student-athletes
FACULTY • 83 full-time faculty, 77 part-time • 67.5% of faculty hold a terminal degree in their fields • Fulbright fellowship winners
ALUMNI • 96% of alumni are employed or start graduate school within nine months of graduation • An alumni network 14,000 strong with more than half in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Corridor
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ACADEMICS More than 45 areas of study are organized into eight academic departments—serving traditional residential, transfer, and working adult students: • Business • Communication, Literature & Arts • Education • History, Politics & Justice • Natural & Applied Sciences • Nursing • Philosophy & Religious Studies • Psychology, Sociology, Social Work & International Studies Six in-demand graduate programs are offered: • Master of Arts in Criminal Justice • Master of Arts in Education • Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy • Master of Business Administration • Master of Science in Nursing • Master of Strategic Leadership The University also offers seven online programs: • Business • Human Resource Management • Management • Health Care Administration • RN to BSN • Master of Arts in Criminal Justice • Master of Business Administration (MBA) Mount Mercy anticipates launching its first-ever doctoral programs in 2018, pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission: • Doctor of Nursing Practice • Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage & Family Therapy
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STUDENT & CAMPUS LIFE At Mount Mercy, students of all ages and interests come together to create an active, welcoming campus community bound by a heartfelt commitment to succeed in the classroom, build rewarding lives and prosperous careers, and truly make a difference in the world. Mount Mercy offers 18 intercollegiate sports within the Heart of America Athletic Conference through the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). More than one-third of the university’s traditional undergraduate population are student-athletes. Just opened in September 2017, the $16 million Robert W. Plaster Athletic Complex provides a permanent home field for all six of the University’s outdoor sports.
FAST FACTS • More than 25 student clubs and organizations. • 18 varsity athletic teams and numerous intramural opportunities. • Tutoring, writing, counseling, and study skills assistance. • Research opportunities, Annual Scholarship Festival, and an Honors Program. • Daily mass, residential chaplain, and a campus ministry program welcoming of all faiths.
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2016–2020 STRATEGIC PLAN:
MEETING THE NEEDS OF OUR TIME A bold and exciting Strategic Plan for Mount Mercy is in place, fostering an enduring commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our time. Specific objectives exist within four areas of importance: • Significant Enrollment Growth • Leveraging Learning Experiences • Engaging All in Our Compelling Story • A Great Place to Learn, Work & Live
To learn more, visit mtmercy.edu/strategic-plan.
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CEDAR RAPIDS ALSO OFFERS:
ABOUT CEDAR RAPIDS & THE CREATIVE CORRIDOR Located just 70 miles from the Mississippi River in Eastern Iowa, Cedar Rapids offers one of the best places to live, work, and play in the Midwest. Only 30 minutes from Iowa City, it’s also positioned
• An ever-growing shopping scene, fabulous restaurants, award-winning wineries and breweries, and endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. • Professional sports—baseball, arena football, hockey, and soccer. • A hub for arts and culture—Paramount Theatre, Theatre
conveniently and centrally between six of the Midwest’s major
Cedar Rapids, Orchestra Iowa, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre,
metropolitan areas: Chicago, Kansas City, Milwaukee,
U.S. Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, National
Minneapolis, Omaha, and St. Louis.
Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, African-American
A growing, progressive, and vibrant city, Cedar Rapids is surrounded by thriving suburban communities. The greater Cedar Rapids area offers unique attractions, exciting events, specialty shopping, quaint neighborhoods, a dynamic art scene, outdoor adventures, and a large variety of restaurant and nightlife options. As Iowa’s second-largest city (population est. 130,000),
Museum of Iowa, Mother Mosque of America, the popular Czech Village and NewBo areas, Brucemore (Iowa’s only National Trust historic site), and much more. • Low unemployment and dynamic education, health care, and social services sectors. • A home to many Fortune 500 companies including
Cedar Rapids also anchors Iowa’s Creative Corridor—a strategic,
Rockwell Collins, AEGON, General Mills, Cargill, Quaker Oats,
seven-county alliance dedicated to economic progress, workforce
Archer Daniels Midland, Nordstrom, and hundreds
development, and fostering a culture of innovation.
of manufacturing firms and businesses.
To learn more about Cedar Rapids, visit GoCedarRapids.com.
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JOB DESCRIPTION DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES
• demonstrate the ability to successfully implement and
The successful candidate will have a doctorate from an
• have a thorough understanding of the institution’s student
promote academic programs, evaluate program effectiveness, and assess ideas and opportunities for change;
accredited institution; a distinguished record of teaching,
populations and its multiple educational delivery systems
scholarship, and service; a significant record of strategic
and the ability to take creative, energetic, and reasoned
and innovative academic leadership, including experience
approaches to enrollment growth;
equivalent to the dean level or higher; a commitment to liberal arts and practical programs; the ability to provide leadership within a Mercy and Catholic setting; and a commitment to undergraduate, graduate, and online programs of study.
• have a demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic academic plans, ensuring successful completion of the institution’s strategic goals and objectives; • understand the ways in which people learn as a basis for
The provost will work collaboratively to fulfill the University’s
making informed decisions in the best interest of students
mission and strategic plan; commit to faculty, staff, and student
and as a basis for building learning environments that
success; and embrace the values of the Sisters of Mercy.
increase student achievement and persistence;
A SUCCESSFUL PROVOST WILL ALSO: • be a proven academic leader who can make the case for
• promote an environment of diversity, equity, and excellence; • have significant experience in the financial aspects of a
liberal arts education and professional preparation, with an
university and possess the ability to develop and manage
academic record sufficient to warrant a faculty appointment
academic affairs budgets in consultation with various partners;
in one of the institution’s departments; • possess a deep and thoughtful understanding of and
• partner with advancement, enrollment, student services, athletics, and University finance areas, thereby
commitment to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and the
strengthening collaboration between all faculty and other
University’s Catholic and Mercy identity, and a high level of
university constituents;
respect for the Catholic Church and the ways in which its teachings elevate and enhance academic life; • possess knowledge of, and a strong commitment to, the values of Mercy higher education and the mission and heritage of the Sisters of Mercy; • demonstrate appreciation of and support for the importance of teaching, scholarship, and service; • promote an environment of shared governance with a high degree of accountability and transparency; • effectively represent all faculty and academic staff to the
• lead successful accreditation processes, including a thorough understanding of assessment, student learning environments, institutional effectiveness, specialized accreditation and planning; • recognize and support the accreditation expectations of professional program within the University; • connect academic endeavors with regional community needs and the proven ability to work with diverse community groups, organizations, businesses, and individuals; • have significant experience with online learning, alternative
administration and board of trustees, while representing the
scheduling, graduate and nontraditional academic
goals and needs of the University to the faculty;
organizations, academic planning, and a deep commitment
• have significant experience in all areas of faculty and academic staff recruitment, retention, promotion, and
to meeting the changing academic needs of our time; (continued)
professional development, and a proven ability to cultivate academic and administrative excellence;
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JOB DESCRIPTION DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES (CONT’D) • have the well-developed ability to give and receive constructive criticism, facilitate difficult discussions, resolve conflict, and develop collaborations; • possess exceptional written communication skills, proven ability to analyze complex data, and exercise sound judgment; • possess a collaborative, flexible and transparent leadership style that supports team building and signals the ability to work effectively with the campus community; • possess effective listening and communication skills that enhance positive and productive dialogue and working relationships; • demonstrate a strong work ethic and possess a high level of energy; • and possess a reputation of unimpeachable integrity.
STRATEGIC PLANNING & EXECUTION Building upon the strong collaboration between faculty, staff, and administration, the provost will advance the strategic plan of the university by serving as the key leader in campus decision making, providing collegial leadership, transparent academic planning and effective execution of goals and objectives.
COMMITMENT TO ACADEMIC, MERCY & CATHOLIC MISSION The provost will strengthen the relationships between liberal arts and professional programs. Building on the Mercy mission of life-long learning, the provost will foster an academic environment that embraces the search for truth in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and infuses the values of compassion, service and justice in each student.
FACULTY The provost will create an environment in which the faculty can flourish in teaching, advising and scholarship. The provost will also provide leadership for innovative pedagogy, integration of scholarship, community engagement and faculty rewards and recognition. The provost will shape a culture of excellence and
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & LEADERSHIP AGENDA LEADERSHIP & ACADEMIC VISION
inclusion and lead the effort to make measurable progress in the hiring and retaining of a diverse faculty.
STUDENTS The provost will provide leadership resulting in an exceptional academic experience for all students (traditional students,
The provost will be expected to articulate the academic vision
undergraduate adults, graduate and online) by understanding,
for a small, comprehensive, Mercy and Catholic university of
learning and developing the most effective learning environments
the 21st century and build a culture of academic leadership
and advising systems to maximize successful outcomes for
based on institutional strengths—academic excellence, student
students with a broad spectrum of academic preparation.
success, innovation, service and compassion. The provost will also be expected to implement future academic initiatives with
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
an unwavering commitment to an environment of exceptional
The provost will provide academic leadership by evaluating and
student learning, diversity and inclusion and good stewardship
launching new programs, delivery mechanisms, academic
of resources. Accountable for a wide range of academic
structures and systems that meet the emerging needs of students
programs and activities with oversight of professional staff, the
and faculty. The provost will support faculty entrepreneurship
provost will exercise strategic leadership and management that
and evaluate new programmatic and curricular ideas in
furthers the academic vision of the institution.
collaboration with faculty leadership. (continued)
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JOB DESCRIPTION PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & LEADERSHIP AGENDA (CONT’D)
APPLICATION/NOMINATION PROCESS
STEWARDSHIP & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
The Provost Search Advisory Committee will begin reviewing
The provost will leverage available resources and develop new streams of revenue to deliver quality educational offerings and new faculty to meet the needs of our time.
applications immediately with the goal of finalizing an appointment by May 2018. For full consideration, confidential applications should be submitted by January 31, 2018.
ASSESSMENT, ACCREDITATION & ACADEMIC STANDARDS
Applications must include a letter of interest, a résumé, and
The provost will inspire a culture of assessment and skillfully
numbers (references will not be contacted without authorization
and collaboratively connect student learning outcomes and institutional excellence with successful accreditation. The provost will also assign the work of development and enforcement of academic policies, standards, and petitions.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT The provost will establish and strengthen relationships with eastern Iowa non-profit partners, organizations, businesses and individuals in order to meet the academic needs of the larger community.
five professional references with email addresses and phone from the applicant). Applications should be sent electronically (MS Word or PDF format) to hr@mtmercy.edu. Please direct nominations and inquiries to Tom Doermann, Director of Human Resources, at tdoermann@mtmercy.edu. Mount Mercy University actively seeks to enhance its diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 11.07.2017 | mtmercy.edu/provost
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