| Job Description | Missouri Western State University’s Board of Governors seeks an adaptable, mission-driven servant leader to guide the institution. The ideal candidate must possess a strong commitment to public higher education and the strategic vision necessary to navigate and succeed in today’s complex academic landscape. A complete presidential leadership profile and additional information about Missouri Western State University may be found at www.missouriwestern.edu/presidential-search. The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. For full consideration, application materials should be received timely to coincide with a desired start date of September 1, 2026.
JOB SUMMARY
The University President serves as the chief executive and administrative officer of Missouri Western State University, an open-access regional public four-year institution. Reporting directly to the Board of Governors, the President provides leadership on all matters concerning the University and serves as an advisor to the Board on issues of policy and administration. The President is responsible for shaping the University’s vision, setting its strategic direction, and advancing the institution’s mission and long-term success.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES - Planning, coordinating, administering, and supervising the affairs and activities of the University in a manner that best serves the institution and is consistent with Board policies, rules, directives, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
- Performing reasonable duties, tasks, and activities as required by the Board that fall within the President’s responsibilities and relate to the administration of the University.
- Serving as the principal executive officer of the University and overseeing all administrative and fiscal matters of the institution.
- Exercising appropriate oversight of and supervising the President’s senior leadership team, including all vice presidents and director of athletics. The President may delegate responsibilities to members of the senior leadership team, provided such delegation is consistent with University policies and applicable laws.
- Setting performance expectations for the senior leadership team, overseeing the performance of delegated functions, and conducting regular written evaluations of senior leadership team members.
- Engaging with the University’s shared governance organizations and meaningfully participating in the shared governance process.
- Reporting to the Board on all significant matters within the President’s knowledge related to the University.
- Serving as the chief spokesperson for the University and representing the University and the higher education community locally, regionally, statewide, and nationally.
- Creating a leadership culture grounded in ethics, accountability, transparency, innovation, and integrity.
- Setting the strategic direction for the University utilizing the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan in collaboration with the Board and the President’s senior leadership team .
- Advancing the University’s mission and designation as an open-enrollment institution and Missouri’s statewide institution of applied learning.
- Identifying and fostering collaborative partnerships between the University and public and private sector entities.
- Leading efforts to innovate and expand educational opportunities while positioning the University to succeed in a rapidly changing higher education environment.
- Engaging with elected officials and policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels in a nonpartisan manner to advance the interests of the University.
- Leading fundraising and advancement efforts for the benefit of the University, including major fundraising initiatives and cultivating relationships within the philanthropic community.
- Continuing efforts to diversify revenue streams and responsibly steward University resources.
- Performing other reasonable duties requested by the Board that are typically associated with the role of president at an institution of comparable size and mission.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES - Mission-driven servant leader with a deep commitment to public higher education.
- Strong understanding of national trends and issues impacting higher education.
- Appreciation for the unique leadership demands of a regional, open-access university.
- Strategic, proactive, and student-centered leader.
- Action-oriented creative thinker and innovator.
- Data-informed and analytical leader who utilizes measurable metrics to assess achievement of goals and objectives.
- Ability to build strong and meaningful relationships with internal and external constituencies at all levels.
- Persuasive and effective communicator capable of articulating a compelling vision and telling the University’s story to diverse audiences across multiple platforms and settings, including social media, public appearances, and legislative sessions.
- Proven fundraiser capable of partnering with others to cultivate a strong culture of philanthropy.
- Administrator with sound business acumen and strong fiscal planning and management skills to advance strategic priorities and ensure operational effectiveness.
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| Physical Demands | The position requires the ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic means; to sit and work at a computer for extended periods; and to travel locally, regionally, and nationally as required. The incumbent must be able to attend meetings, conferences, public events, and campus functions, which may require standing and walking for extended periods. Occasional lifting and carrying of materials up to 20 pounds may be required.
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| Additional Demands | This position requires the ability to travel frequently, attend and lead meetings and public events, engage with diverse internal and external constituencies, and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the presidency.
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