Rhodes College the Search for the 20Th President YZ

Rhodes College The Search for the 20th President YZ

hodes College aspires to graduate students with a life-long passion Rfor learning, a compassion for others, and the ability to translate academic study and personal concern into effective leadership and action in their communities and the world. Rhodes has built a unique place for itself among the nation’s top liberal arts colleges by combining a powerful commitment to the liberal arts with unusually rich connections to the surrounding City of Memphis, Tennessee.

Recently named by the Princeton Review as America’s ers, and honor. The Honor System, one of the oldest most beautiful college campus, Rhodes prides itself on its student-run systems in the country, is a valued and ranking of #2 for students most engaged in community vibrant tradition at Rhodes, and all incoming stu- service. Twice named as “The Most Service-Oriented dents sign a pledge affirming their commitment to the College in the United States” by Newsweek, Rhodes ranks three components of the System — the Honor Code, #44 among the nation’s top liberal arts colleges by U.S. the Social Regulations Code, and the Rhodes Com- News and World Report. The college is one of 40 insti- mitment to Diversity. tutions in the quintessential guidebook, “Colleges that Following the exceedingly successful presidency of Change Lives,” and is included on the Princeton Review’s William E. Troutt, which spans almost two decades, lists of “Colleges that Create Futures” and “Colleges that Rhodes seeks a new president who is passionate about Pay You Back.” the liberal arts and will collaborate with the Board and Rhodes enrolls 2,055 students and has an endow- others to identify and address strategic priorities for the ment of $340 million. The Rhodes student experience College’s future. is driven by intellectual engagement, service to oth-

1 City of Memphis an array of opportunities for students and alumni to engage with and make meaningful contributions to Rhodes sits in the heart of Memphis, a metropol- Memphis, including: itan area of 1.2 million people, a city with boundless creativity where passion, ideals, cultures, and oppor- • Memphis Center tunity converge in authentic ways. The City, on the Faculty and student scholars who are researching Mississippi River, is filled with unexpected combi- and promoting the human experience of Memphis nations: global commerce and local start-ups, high and the Mid-South region from the Civil War to culture and outdoor adventure, soul food and haute the Civil Rights Movement and beyond can do cuisine, world-class infrastructure and spectacular so under the umbrella of the Memphis Center. green- and blue-ways, rich heritage and forward Of particular note is the Crossroads to Freedom thinking, and, of course, all the many forms of music Fellowship, which provides selected students with born and still being recorded here, which create a the opportunity to contribute to a digital archive wholly original Memphis sound. of materials documenting the Civil Rights era in Home to three Fortune 500 companies and a Memphis. burgeoning film industry, Memphis is a vibrant city with numerous museums chronicling its rich history • Internships and a vast park system. With five major expressways, Rhodes students have a variety of academic inter- numerous freight railroads, and the world’s second- ests and often have the opportunity to connect largest cargo operation in Memphis International theoretical study with practical application, thus Airport, the city serves as a major American transpor- enhancing their learning experience and contribut- tation hub. ing to the City of Memphis. Internship sites include The Rhodes community is deeply committed to FedEx, the National Civil Rights Museum, and ensuring continued growth and development in the Raymond James. Each year, 75% of Rhodes stu- City of Memphis. Rhodes’ unique position as one of dents complete internships and fellowships through few liberal arts colleges in an urban setting provides organizations and corporations in Memphis.

College History Rhodes College was founded in 1848 in Clarksville, Tennessee, and became an affiliate of the Presbyterian Church in 1855. In 1925, President Charles Diehl led the move to the present campus in Memphis, Tennessee, where, in 1945, the college became known as Southwestern at Memphis. Since 1984, when the College adopted the name Rhodes College to honor former College president Peyton Nalle Rhodes, the institution has grown beyond regional recognition to a nationally ranked liberal arts college that attracts students and faculty from far beyond the Mid-South region, with 75% of students from out of state.

2 • St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital the 30-year-old Souper Contact, a soup kitchen Summer Plus Fellowship for the homeless run entirely by students; The Qualified Rhodes students are offered an intensive Bridge, Memphis’ street newspaper, founded by research experience that pairs students with St. Rhodes students, aims to bridge the gap between Jude scientists and places them into the hospital’s homeless and sheltered by providing the homeless professional laboratories for a period of two sum- community of Memphis with tools to obtain a mers and the intervening academic year. self-generated income; and The Bonner Center for Faith and Service which partners with more than 100 not-for-profit and governmental agencies Rhodes’ unique position as one in the greater Memphis area to provide in-depth service experiences for students. As a member of of few liberal arts colleges in an the Bonner Scholarship Service Network, Rhodes urban setting provides an array provides service scholarships to 15 students each of opportunities for students and year. Additionally, the Summer Service Fellowship program, an intensive nine-week summer experi- alumni to engage with and make ence, challenges students to engage in significant meaningful contributions community projects identified by a community to Memphis. organization or by the participating student. The fellowship provides academic credit and has a 40 hour per week commitment.

• Community Engagement • Alumni in Memphis Over 80% of Rhodes students participate in There are more than 3,500 Rhodes alumni liv- community service. The first collegiate chapter of ing and working in Memphis, and that number Habitat for Humanity was founded at the College. continues to grow each year. Over the past three The Laurence F. Kinney Program serves as a hub years, more than 40% of Rhodes graduates have for Rhodes’ campus-wide effort to engage all stu- chosen to remain in the city to start their careers dents in service and social action in Memphis and and continue contributing to making Memphis an the broader community. Major programs include even greater place to live.

3 Academics The classroom experience at Rhodes is intimate and rigorous. Rhodes values the engaging dialogue that arises when students and professors work together to investigate questions and problems they care about. In this environment, students are expected to formu- late and articulate big ideas and contribute in major ways to the critical discussions and debates that take place in classrooms and laboratories, and the 10:1 student to faculty ratio makes this possible. Rhodes seamlessly integrates high impact experiences such The Honor System as internships, study abroad, and faculty-mentored student research with a traditional liberal arts educa- The Rhodes Honor System, one of the longest tion, and the Foundations Curriculum gives students standing honor systems in the country, consists of the freedom to pursue their academic interests while the Honor Code, the Social Regulations Code, and developing critical-thinking skills that will serve them the Rhodes Commitment to Diversity. The objective throughout their lives. of the Honor System is to foster the spiritual growth, Through 18 academic departments and 13 inter- moral fortitude, and intellectual development of the disciplinary programs, Rhodes offers more than 50 individual student. All incoming students sign a majors, interdisciplinary majors, and minors. The pledge at the beginning of each school year affirming College provides pre-professional advising for students their commitment to the three components of the who plan to work in the health professions, law, en- Honor System. Students are personally responsible gineering, ministry, and education, and has a part- for their work, their actions, and their word, and all nership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital students pledge to uphold the System in their daily that provides extraordinary research opportunities for lives and to report cases of violation to the appropriate qualified students. Rhodes offers one graduate degree student governing bodies. program: the Master of Science in Accounting. The Honor System is a tradition which has been More than 70 percent of Rhodes students supple- valued by the Rhodes community for more than a ment their study on campus with international study. century. It allows the fullest possible expression of in- The Buckman Center for International Education dividual life in harmony with community life, and it provides study abroad advising and financial aid, and is a principle which members of the Rhodes commu- serves as the first point of contact for international nity believe to be fundamental in ethical life during students studying at Rhodes. and after college.

44 Recent Curricular Innovations major with a distinctly urban focus. Students can choose from three major tracks: Teaching Over the last ten years, Rhodes has introduced a and Learning, Community and Social Change, number of programs and majors that build on inter- and Policy and Reform. The curriculum is firmly disciplinary synergies. They include such programs as grounded in the liberal arts and majors are re- Environmental Studies and Sciences, Urban Studies, quired to work three semesters in local schools and Neuroscience, and majors including Biomathe- or community partner organizations to develop a matics, Music & Psychology, and Political Economy. broad sense of the educational system. The numerous educational reform initiatives currently Rhodes students have been taking place in Memphis provide a fertile train- enormously successful garnering ing ground for the future educators pursuing this national awards, including (since major. 2002): • Urban and Community Health Concentration 19 Fulbright Scholarships The Urban and Community Health Concen- 12 Goldwater Scholarships tration is an innovative, community-integrative 9 Watson Fellowships academic program that engages students in open 6 NCAA Postgraduate dialogue about the complex relationships between race and social class, access to health care, re- Scholarships ligious faith, and health outcomes. Students in 4 Truman Scholarships Religious Studies and the Urban and Commu- 3 National Science nity Health Concentration serve in placements Foundation Graduate throughout the city that allow them to study faith-based community agencies that aim to pro- Fellowships mote health equity and to redress health dispari- 2 Luce Scholarships ties in Memphis. 1 Rhodes Scholarship For both these newer programs and those of long-standing, Rhodes is committed to rigorous academic assessment. This work was recently acknowl- The following programs represent the most recent edged by the Southern Association of Colleges and additions to the curriculum: Schools (SACS) which cited the College’s fifth-year • First-Year Experience Seminar Interim Report as a model for other institutions. Launching in fall 2016, this year-long seminar course will encourage first-year students to ex- plore core aspects of community formation and Students self-identity. Focused conversations and activities Rhodes is home to a diverse group of approxmately are centered on topics relevant to this stage in the 2,055 students who represent 46 states (plus D.C.) student learning cycle, including academic and and 41 countries. Within the current student body, social wellbeing, and physical, emotional, and 28% are students of color, and the class of 2020 spiritual health and wellness. boasts a record 35% students of color. More than 75% of Rhodes students live on campus, and the stu- • Educational Studies Major dent body has a 40:60 male to female ratio. In April 2015, the Rhodes faculty voted over- Rhodes students are intellectually curious and whelmingly to approve an educational studies deeply engaged in academic and extracurricular activ-

55 ities. Students with a personal commitment to service are drawn to Rhodes and to the many opportunities to integrate themselves into the greater Memphis Student: Faculty = 10:1 community, and more than 80% of students participate in service activities. Rhodes actively recruits Entering academic credentials: students who are excited to be part of the city, seek- 25th to 75th percentile ing opportunities to serve Memphis in ways that will SAT Verbal = 600-700 benefit all its residents, and the College was ranked #1 on Newsweek’s list of “Most Service-Oriented” col- SAT Math = 580-680 leges two years in a row. ACT Composite = 27-32 In addition to the multitude of service opportu- ACT English = 28-34 nities, there are more than 100 student clubs and organizations available on campus, including academ- ACT Math = 26-31 ic clubs, performing arts groups, cultural and political organizations, fraternities and sororities, student governance groups, religious organizations, publications, honors faculty accomplishment through institutional and club athletics. awards for teaching, scholarship, and service and, sup- ports the ongoing development of the faculty through Faculty such programs as the Hill Grant for curricular inno- Rhodes faculty members represent the best of the vation, the Faculty Development Endowment Grants scholar-teacher model that is so essential to a liberal for faculty scholarship, and an extensive mentorship arts education. Virtually all of the faculty hold the program for incoming faculty. Rhodes is committed highest degrees in their respective fields and contrib- to sustaining an environment in which faculty can ute regularly to the scholarship of their disciplines. thrive in their careers and make substantial contri- Many have been recognized for their excellence with butions to the college community and their scholarly grants from the NSF, NIH, NEH, and the Mellon communities. In summary, Rhodes faculty exhibit Foundation, Fulbright awards, and numerous other an unusual combination of superior teaching skills honors including a recent faculty invitation to join and significant involvement and accomplishments in the prestigious Council on Foreign Relations. Rhodes scholarship.

Staff and Administration Rhodes employs just over 300 exceptionally dedi- cated administrators and staff who join the faculty in serving the educational mission of the college and cultivating the character of its students. Staff members are an integral part of the community. Continuing to value the contributions of staff members at all levels of the College is essential to maintaining the sense of common purpose, civility, and respect within the community. Rhodes is proud to recognize particularly outstanding staff contributions at its annual Service Recognition program which includes recognition for years of service and four awards for outstanding staff.

6 Athletics In the 1920s, Rhodes published a code for athletes that stated, “As an athlete, I am determined to play the game to the limit of my capacities, giving each detail the greatest care and attention.” That code continues to motivate Rhodes student-athletes, and on any given game day, fans gather to cheer the Lynx and engage in campus-wide pride that adds depth and balance to the rigorous academic expectations. More than 30% of Rhodes students participate on one of 21 men’s and women’s Division III athletic teams. Rhodes competes for Southern Athletic Association championships on a regular basis and is consistently at the top of the conference for the number of student-athletes who achieve a 3.25 or higher semester GPA. Rhodes won the 2014-2015 Presidents’ Trophy, which honors the top athletics program in the South- ern Athletic Association, and ranked #1 for the number of student-athletes earning a place on the All SAA Honor Roll. In 2014 and 2016, the Rhodes Women’s Golf team was crowned the NCAA national champions. Rhodes varsity teams regularly qualify for NCAA Tournaments.

Campus and Facilities Rhodes’ Collegiate Gothic campus, identified by The Princeton Review as the most beautiful campus in the United States, sits on a 123-acre wooded site in the heart of historic Midtown Memphis. The walk- ways, quadrangles, residence halls, common areas, and classrooms are all intentionally designed to en- Currently under construction is the new Robertson courage intimate conversation, the exchange of ideas, Hall, a $34 million, 55,000-square-feet science facili- and life-changing connections. ty that will house state-of-the-art research and feature With each new expansion on its original 123-acre teaching labs and smart classrooms. Robertson Hall is Memphis campus, Rhodes has maintained its Colle- scheduled to open in 2017. giate Gothic architecture. The Paul Barret Jr. Library, The College recently acquired a 10-acre proper- completed in 2005, has been ranked among the coun- ty across the street from the main campus, formerly try’s most beautiful libraries. In 2012, Rhodes opened known as the Evergreen Presbyterian Church. The its two newest facilities, the expanded and renovated next President will have the opportunity to shape the Catherine S. Burrow Refectory and the West Village vision for this additional space and determine how it Residence Hall. In 2014, the College completely reno- will best be used to support the campus and Memphis vated the Rhodes Tower science facility. communities.

7 Finances and Resources Board of Trustees Effective June 30, 2016, the College completed its The Rhodes Board of Trustees comprises between 43rd consecutive year of balanced budgets. For fiscal 20 and 30 regular voting members and ex-officio year 2017, the total operating budget is $122 million, and non-voting members. Trustees may be elected which includes a financial aid budget of $44 million. for three consecutive three-year terms, and may be Rhodes has an endowment of $340 million and a re-elected after rotating off for a period of one year. moderate debt level of $69 million. Total assets are Three full-time members of the College faculty nearly $600 million. The College maintains a debt and three students in good standing are non-voting rating of A+ with a positive outlook from Standard members of the Board. Faculty trustees are elected and Poor’s and a rating of A1 with a stable outlook by the faculty for a term of three years, and student from Moody’s Investors Service. trustees are elected by the student body for a term of The Campaign for Rhodes, which concluded in one year. 2014, was a highly successful endeavor that aligned around the four imperatives of The Rhodes Vision Role of the President – Student Access, Student Learning, Student Engage- The President reports to the Board of Trustees ment, and Student Inspiration. and is an ex officio member of the Board. The Presi- The $314 million campaign significantly strength- dent regularly convenes the following group of senior ened the College’s financial base. Total institutional administrators, who will also meet monthly with assets have increased by more than $200 million the Faculty Governance Committee: Vice President during the campaign. New initiatives as a result of for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, Vice the Campaign include: the creation or enhancement President for Student and Information Services, Vice of 258 student scholarships; funding and endowment President for Enrollment and Communications and for 13 faculty chairs and professorships; 30 new funds Dean of Admissions, Vice President for Development, established to support faculty teaching and research; Vice President of Finance and Business Affairs, Vice and an increase in total interior square footage from President for External Programs, Dean of Students, 899,439 to 1,222,500. Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Executive Assis- Rhodes alumni actively supported the campaign in tant to the President a variety of ways, with 136 serving in campaign lead- The College recently appointed its first Associate ership roles, and a 71.4% participation rate. Dean of Academic Affairs for Diversity and Inclusion, with whom the President will work closely to continue developing dialogue and initiatives focused on diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice across campus. The President has operating and budgetary responsibility for the College and advances its mission through commitment to the values of collaboration, open communication, service, diversity, and shared governance. The President understands and nurtures the strong sense of community at Rhodes by serving as a visible presence on campus and continuing to strengthen relationships among College stakeholders, including conducting outreach to prospective and newly admitted students. The President also plays an active role in the College’s fundraising initiatives

8 by cultivating and maintaining relationships with lum to reflect national best practices in liberal arts prospective donors and works closely with the Board education. While Rhodes College has built an un- and its chair to manage the College effectively and to usually robust presence in the sciences, enhancing develop a strategic plan for its continued growth. synergies among and further strengthening all of the The current President is also a member of the College’s liberal arts disciplines and programs will Board of Directors for Memphis Tomorrow, an asso- be critical to the College’s future. The President will ciation of CEOs of Memphis’ largest businesses with ensure that curricular developments are implemented the purpose of fostering prosperity and an improved with consideration for diverse perspectives within the quality of life for all in the Memphis community. The community and are aligned with the Rhodes Vision next President will retain responsibility for ensuring as well as future strategic initiatives. Particular focus that the entire Rhodes community understands and will be on identifying new curricular, co-curricular, places high value on the College’s connections to and service-learning opportunities beyond the borders Memphis through service and professional activities. of Rhodes College, allowing for an even richer and more varied student experience. Opportunities and Challenges Continue to foster a diverse, welcoming, and Rhodes College is in a position of great momen- inclusive environment. Significant efforts have been tum with opportunities to build on recent successes made to attract students, faculty, and staff that rep- and raise even higher the national reputation of the resent diverse backgrounds in every sense. As part of College. The next President of Rhodes will have the the ongoing initiative to build Rhodes’ reputation as a opportunity to collaborate with all of the College’s welcoming and inclusive community, the next Presi- stakeholders in developing the next bold vision for the dent will lead at the highest level efforts to continue College’s future, with particular focus on the follow- establishing a climate where people from varied back- ing challenges and opportunities: grounds, cultures, and orientations can thrive and Communicate with passion the distinctive and transformative education offered at Rhodes. The next President will continue to take part in the national dialogue about the future of liberal arts education, and, in doing so, will clearly advocate for the distinct Rhodes education model focused on service-learning, civic engagement, and practical application from the classroom to the real world. Rhodes has been able to successfully distinguish itself within the world of small, residential, liberal arts colleges through its unique learning model, and the Presi- dent will take an active approach to communicating Rhodes’ successes on a national level as the conversation about the future of liberal arts education continues. Oversee evolution of the Rhodes College curriculum at the highest level and position the College as a leader in 21st century liberal arts pedagogy. The next President will work with the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty and others to evaluate and enhance the Rhodes curricu-

9 will feel supported. The President will encourage and rative process to identify the next set of strategic ini- lead constructive dialogue and meaningful action sur- tiatives in connection with plans to raise the addition- rounding issues of diversity and inclusion that relate al funds necessary to achieve them, and will play an specifically to Rhodes, as well as those that exist on a active role in soliciting support for Rhodes, spending national scale. The President will be tireless in ensur- significant time with constituents, and communicating that the entire Rhodes community collectively ex- ing the strategic priorities of the College. hibits the highest level of mutual respect and cultural Embrace the unique relationship between competence and that the campus climate reflects the Rhodes College and the City of Memphis and ex- College’s deep commitment to these values. pand upon it to stand as a national model for civic Oversee the College’s enrollment strategy at the engagement among liberal arts colleges. Rhodes highest level and continue to elevate the national College rightfully takes pride in its position as one reputation of Rhodes College. Rhodes College has of few liberal arts colleges with deep and meaningful experienced significant success through strategic en- connections to its surrounding city. Memphis and rollment management in recent years. Students from Rhodes are woven together in ways that allow the across the country and world are attracted to Rhodes, College to serve as a national model for service-learn- and the next President will have an integral role in ing and civic engagement in an urban setting, compo- the effort to continue enhancing Rhodes’ standing as nents that are essential to the Rhodes student experi- a nationally and internationally renowned institution ence. During the past two decades, the connections providing a world-class liberal arts education. The between Rhodes and Memphis have become even President will work closely with enrollment leadership stronger, and the next President will lead the effort to and faculty to continue to identify and recruit talent- identify new opportunities for further collaboration ed students representing the diversity of the national and development which will serve the College and the and global community and will work to ensure that greater Memphis area while enhancing the College’s the College garners the resources necessary for the national reputation as a model for service-learning. most qualified students to matriculate. Particular focus will be paid to capitalizing on the Attract additional resources to Rhodes in sup- resources available in Memphis to enrich the overall port of current and future strategic initiatives. On student experience while serving the community in the heels of a successful campaign, the next President ways that benefit all its residents. will play a crucial role in driving the fundraising momentum forward in support of the next set of strategic initiatives. With ongoing opportunities to grow the endowment, support academic innovation, maintain and expand the physical plant, and support the overall operating budget, the President will need to confident- ly and persuasively communicate the case for support. The President will work closely with leaders in the Alumni and Development Offices to identify opportunities to attract additional resources to the College. The President will lead the collabo-

10 Professional Qualifications and Personal Characteristics Rhodes seeks in its next President a visionary leader who will:

• Have a sophisticated understanding of the challenges facing residential liberal arts colleges in the 21st century and possess the creativity to find ways in which Rhodes might further distinguish itself in the crowded higher education liberal arts landscape;

• Have a demonstrated understanding of and passion for excellence in higher education, particularly in a liberal arts community.

• Demonstrate the ability to plan, communicate, and execute a strategic vision for Rhodes College;

• Be an innovative and enthusiastic fundraiser with fresh ideas for engaging all constituents, and with the ability to clearly and effectively communicate the College’s case for support;

• Lead the conversation surrounding curricular innovation and encourage a collaborative effort to identify opportunities to further enrich the student learning experience;

• Embrace the City of Memphis wholeheartedly and partner enthusiastically with its institutions, leaders, and people;

• Have a track record of strong commitment to service-learning and civic engagement; • Be naturally inclined to serve as a visible and • Be prepared to work collaboratively and pro- accessible presence for all constituents, including ductively in the context of shared governance to students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and com- achieve the appropriate balance among the needs munity members; and aspirations of multiple constituencies; • Have the ability to connect with students and play • Be deeply committed to promoting a campus cli- a visible role in campus life; mate of extraordinary understanding, inclusivity, • Demonstrate the highest personal integrity and and mutual respect; be comfortable and experi- ethics; enced with leading conversations and initiatives around the most challenging issues facing cam- • Consistently demonstrate humility, kindness, and puses today (e.g., race, gender, sexuality, Title IX). a sense of humor.

11 Contact Information For best consideration, please send nominations and applications in confidence to:

Shelly Storbeck Managing Partner

Sue May Partner

Ethan Dubow Associate

Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates, LP [email protected]

Rhodes College is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workforce.