Vice President, Student Affairs - Columbus - InsideHigherEd

Description

Vice President, Student Affairs

Job ID: 294655

Location: Columbus State University

Full/Part Time: Full Time  Regular/Temporary: Regular

About Us

Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.

Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.

Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today

Department Information

Student Affairs-Admin

Job Summary

The Vice President for Student Affairs is a cabinet-level executive reporting to the Chief Student Experience Officer (CSXO) and serving as a key member of the University's senior leadership team. This role provides strategic direction for programs and services that promote belonging, engagement, wellness, and success across all student populations. This executive leader drives a holistic, inclusive, and data-informed approach to student life, aligning student affairs strategy with institutional mission and measurable outcomes in retention, completion, and post-graduation success.

In addition, the Vice President oversees the University's student conduct system and provides executive leadership for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The University's Title IX Coordinator, who also serves as the Director of the Center for Accommodation and Access, holds a dual role: reporting directly to the General Counsel and Chief Legal Affairs Officer for Title IX compliance and to the Vice President for Student Affairs for ADA compliance. This dual-reporting structure ensures compliance responsibilities are aligned with both the University's legal framework and its student success priorities, supporting fair, transparent, and equity-driven processes that promote accountability, safety, and a respectful learning environment.

Through collaborative leadership, the Vice President advances a seamless, data-informed, and inclusive student engagement from enrollment through post‑graduate achievement, while championing initiatives that support both student development and campus community standards.

Responsibilities

Significant Duties & Responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership and Planning (25%) – Develop and execute a comprehensive Student Engagement Strategy aligned with institutional goals. Lead the integration of student success, well‑being, and belonging initiatives across academic and administrative units. Represent the student voice in executive decision‑making and institutional planning.
• Student Success, Engagement, and Belonging (20%) – Foster a campus culture centered on care, belonging, and student achievement. Design and assess programs that enhance student engagement, leadership development, and co‑curricular learning. Partner with Academic Affairs to improve student retention, progression, and completion.
• Health, Wellness, and Safety (15%) – Oversee counseling, health services, accessibility, basic needs, and crisis management. Implement proactive well‑being initiatives and coordinated care models. Ensure compliance with Title IX, Clery, ADA/Section 504, and related policies.
• Operational Oversight and Resource Management (15%) – Supervise departments such as the Dean of Students, Residence Life, Campus Life, Student Conduct, Student Life and Development, Student Leadership, University Police, Counseling Services, Health Services, Accommodation and Access, Campus Recreation, and Student Connection and Engagement (subject to change). Lead budgeting, assessment, and strategic resource allocation to maximize impact and sustainability. Manage facilities, auxiliary operations, and vendor relationships that enhance student engagement.
• Collaboration and Partnership (10%) – Collaborate with Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs, Finance, Advancement, and Athletics to deliver dynamic student engagement. Serve as a visible, approachable leader and key liaison between students, faculty, and staff.
• Data, Assessment, and Continuous Improvement (10%) – Use data analytics, surveys, and performance dashboards to assess programs and inform decisions. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for engagement, belonging, retention, and student success.
• Crisis Leadership and Compliance (5%) – Lead institutional response to student crises and emergencies with professionalism and compassion. Maintain compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies regarding student rights, conduct, and welfare.

Required Qualifications

Masters degree required; doctorate preferred in higher education administration, student affairs, counseling, organizational leadership, or related field.

Minimum of five to ten years of progressive leadership in student affairs or a related area, including supervision of professional staff and management of budgets.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated record of improving student success outcomes at scale.

Experience leading belonging initiatives.

Proven success in crisis response, policy compliance, and student‑centered innovation.

Proposed Salary

The proposed annualized salary range for this position is $157, ,000 and includes full benefits.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Deep knowledge of higher education student development, retention, and engagement strategies.

Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and large, complex organizations.

Strong financial acumen and experience managing diverse budgets and resources.

Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural competency.

Advanced crisis management, communication, and decision‑making skills.

Ability to design and implement data‑driven strategies and performance measures.

Proficiency with student information systems, case management tools, and engagement platforms.

Strategic thinker with a collaborative leadership style and focus on service excellence.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact Kimberly Scranage, Hiring Manager, via email at

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy and can be found on‑line at

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on‑line at

Institutional Values

• Excellence: Actively engaging outstanding methods in teaching, academic discovery, creative pursuits, student success, cultural enrichment and the overall campus community.
• Creativity: Pursuing distinction through inquiry and innovation, challenging convention and focusing on solutions.
• Engagement: Dynamic civic involvement and participation of students, faculty, staff and alumni in the university experience.
• Sustainability: Advancing fiscal responsibility, well‑being, innovation, lifelong learning and environmental stewardship.
• Inclusion: Cultivating and championing a campus environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds, ideas, perspectives and practices.
• Servant Leadership: Leading through ethical empowerment and service.

Conditions of Employment

All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties:

• A credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.
• Pre‑employment drug testing for positions with high‑risk responsibilities.
• Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive a Columbus State University fleet vehicle or other vehicle designated as a fleet vehicle. A successful drug screening will be required as a condition of employment randomly thereafter.

Applicants for positions of trust may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment.

For Faculty Hires

Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post‑secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.

All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond. Additionally, all members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Columbus State University is proud to be an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity institution. It is the policy of our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws.

Other Information

This is a supervisory position.

This position has financial responsibilities.

This position will not be required to drive.

This role is considered a position of trust.

This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).

This position will not travel.

Background Check

• Position of Trust + Education & Credit

Special Applicant Instructions

Visit Columbus State University's online Careers portal to drive your career with us The online applicant system provides you with the ability to review job opportunities and apply to those that you are interested in and feel qualified for. Each job posting has a summary description of the position and required qualifications. All job applications must be submitted through the online portal system.

To apply, visit