Chief Diversity Officer Table of Contents

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SEARCH PROSPECTUS:

CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE OPPORTUNITY 3

THE UNIVERSITY 3

THE PRESIDENT 4

THE CAMPUS 4

ACADEMICS 5

STUDENT LIFE AND STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES 7

ATHLETICS 7

FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION 8

ADVANCEMENT 8

FACILITIES 8

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY 9

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS 10

APPLICATION AND NOMINATION PROCESS 11

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Chief Diversity Officer 2 THE OPPORTUNITY

Saint Xavier University (SXU) seeks in its inaugural The CDO will lead and champion the development, Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) a courageous, implementation, coordination and assessment of collaborative, strategic and inspiring leader who has proactive diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. a track record of building programs and partnerships This work will be accomplished in support of SXU’s to address the intersecting dimensions of diversity. strategic plan to create a learning community in which The successful candidate will bring emotional all have an opportunity to succeed. The CDO will hold intelligence and strong communication and conflict- a senior-level position, reporting to the President. resolution skills to complex issues in order to move the institution forward. The ideal candidate will also The CDO will be a visible and connected leader who have demonstrated skills in collecting and using data actively engages students, faculty and staff to further to assess needs and programs; familiarity with and behaviors, attitudes and policies that support equity support of shared responsibility and accountability and inclusion, and foster a sense of belonging. The in an academic setting; significant supervisory CDO will collaborate with University stakeholders to experience and demonstrated strengths in coaching assess potential barriers and develop strategies to and mentoring; and, the capacity to bring together recruit and retain a diverse workforce and assess the community resources in support of institutional change need for and recommend training initiatives designed and growth. to increase inclusivity and cultural competencies.

THE UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT Saint Xavier University is a distinguished four-year, Saint Xavier University, comprehensive, private Catholic institution located a Catholic institution on the scenic southwest side of Chicago. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1846 and chartered in inspired by the heritage 1847, Saint Xavier holds the distinctions of being of the Sisters of Mercy, Chicago’s oldest Catholic university as well as the educates persons first Mercy institution of higher learning in the world. to search for truth, Initially founded as Saint Francis Xavier Academy for to think critically, to Females, Saint Xavier inaugurated college classes communicate effectively, in 1915, became co-educational in 1969 and gained and to serve wisely and the status of a university in 1992. Saint Xavier was compassionately in designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in support of human dignity 2014. and the common good.

Grounded in Catholic identity, mission, and heritage, Saint Xavier University is committed to serving a diverse learning community in conjunction with our core values. The University belongs to all in its community, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, creed, Saint Xavier aims to transform the lives of a richly religion, gender, gender identity, abilities, age, sexual diverse student population through mission-focused orientation, nationality, or immigration status. Faculty, and student-centered curricular and co-curricular staff, and students are engaged in creating a climate experiences that are designed to prepare students for of purposeful inclusion by cultivating equity and responsible leadership and citizenship in a globalized providing opportunities for meaningful connections world. This challenging educational environment and service among diverse people, ideas and offers the powerful vision of integrating education perspectives, in search of truth and common good. with compassion and action to deepen students’ understanding of themselves, others and the needs of the world around them.

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Chief Diversity Officer 3 THE PRESIDENT

Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D., began her service as the 20th practices and institutionalized a service excellence president of Saint Xavier University in January 2017, initiative aligned with SXU’s core values of respect, having previously served as president of Wittenberg collaboration, responsiveness and effectiveness. SXU University as well as in multiple vice presidential and has also secured the largest federal grant in institutional academic dean roles at Rollins College. history, established the first endowed professorship, and since FY17 has reduced long-term debt by 47%, Known as a mission-driven and student-centered increased cash on hand by 288%, increased total administrator passionately committed to institutional financial assets by more than 312% and nearly tripled success, President Joyner has championed mission its endowment. Efforts under President Joyner’s integration efforts, inclusive excellence initiatives and leadership have resulted in SXU posting the strongest the alignment of organizational structure and resources financial ratios in more than a decade, allowing the to drive educational quality and improve institutional institution to invest in SXU’s dedicated faculty and staff performance. Under her leadership, SXU has shifted its with recent across-the-board salary increases as well strategic enrollment management strategy, expanded as equity adjustments and merit awards. academic and athletic offerings, adopted best practices, engaged in organizational restructuring, initiated President Joyner is passionate about improving multiple revenue-generating efforts and launched an diversity, equity and inclusion on campus and is a 2019 award-winning rebranding campaign all culminating in National Inclusive Excellence Leadership Academy dramatically improved institutional performance. (NIXLA) Fellow. During her tenure, SXU became one of 29 colleges across the state to form the Illinois During her presidency, SXU embarked on the Equity in Attainment (ILEA) initiative, a partnership STRIVE 2025: Pathways to Institutional Excellence, geared toward eliminating racial and socioeconomic Accountability and Sustainability Strategic Plan achievement gaps across student groups while (STRIVE 2025), enrolled its two largest and most increasing graduation rates by 2025. Institutional diverse first-year classes in its 175-year history, support has also expanded to advance equity-minded increased first-to-second year retention for three practices across the University. consecutive years, expanded high-impact educational

THE CAMPUS

Nestled in a quiet corner of one of the nation’s largest, most diverse cities, Saint Xavier University is home to nearly 3,500 students from 45 states and 13 countries. The University has one of the most diverse student populations among regional universities in the Midwest (U.S. News & World Report, 2021) and one of the safest college campuses in Illinois (Niche, 2021).

The Warde Academic Center is the campus’s central building with classrooms, computer and science labs, offices, McGuire Hall auditorium, the Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library and modern dining facilities. The campus includes five residence halls, a lovely quad and spring-fed pond — creating an oasis within an urban Chicago community. The Shannon Center, which is open to the community, features an exercise and weightlifting room, two basketball courts and a running track. The McDonough Chapel and Mercy Ministry Center is a free-standing building on campus giving witness to the faith-based values of the University and its traditions.

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Chief Diversity Officer 4 POINTS OF PRIDE Our Students • Most affordable Catholic university in Illinois for net price Latinx: 44.4% of attendance (CollegeNavigator.gov) White: 36.8% Black: 11.8% • One of the most diverse student populations among Asian: 2.6% universities in the Midwest (U.S. News & World Report, Multiracial: 2.1% 2021) Other: 3%

• School of Nursing and Health Sciences ranks No. 4 as Male: 1,274 (34%) “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.” (U.S. News & Female: 2,490 (66%) World Report, 2020) Average Age of Undergraduate: 21 • Graham School of Management fosters more than Average Age of Graduate: 32 150 business relationships to provide students with experiential learning opportunities. Undergraduates with Financial Aid: 97%

Our Faculty FAST FACTS 2020-21 Faculty with Terminal Degree: 86% Total Enrollment: 3,476 Full-Time: 133 Portion of Full-Time: 4 Undergraduate: 2,788 (90.2% Full-Time) Adjunct: 294 Graduate: 688 Graduates in 2019-20: 1,011

ACADEMICS

Saint Xavier University is a 2020-2021 College of units: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Graham Distinction that offers an outstanding educational School of Management and the School of Nursing experience with a well-rounded curriculum accredited and Health Sciences. Additionally, Saint Xavier offers by the Higher Learning Commission. SXU has student-faculty collaborative research opportunities provided innovative high-quality educational and a range of other high impact practice opportunities, experiences for 175 years, offering a variety of including service and leadership programs that provide undergraduate, graduate and degree completion students with enriched educational experiences to build programs, taught by more than 130 full-time faculty and on their talent, motivation for learning and preparation 294 adjunct faculty members within its three academic for life after SXU.

SXU CORE VALUES • RESPECT • EXCELLENCE • COMPASSION • SERVICE • HOSPITALITY • INTEGRITY • DIVERSITY • LEARNING FOR LIFE

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Chief Diversity Officer 5 ACADEMICS (CONT.)

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES SCHOOL OF NURSING AND The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is dedicated HEALTH SCIENCES to providing students with a challenging general The rich traditions of Saint Xavier University’s School education program that cultivates critical thinking, of Nursing and Health Sciences (SONHS) evolved effective communication and collaboration as students from the commitment of the Sisters of Mercy to explore an array of arts and sciences disciplines. serve the city of Chicago. The School of Nursing and Health Sciences was the first baccalaureate-nursing The college also provides students with focus, depth program in Illinois, established in 1935. SXU’s Nursing and specificity in its disciplinary undergraduate and programs have been continuously accredited since graduate programs in its three divisions: Arts and 1940. Recently, the SONHS began offering programs Humanities; Natural Sciences, Mathematics and in Gerontology, Exercise Science and Sports and Computer Science; and Social Sciences. Fitness Administration.

These programs engage students in the pursuit Since 1992, the SONHS has offered master’s degrees of knowledge in the discipline and cultivate facility in nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with disciplinary modes of thought, research and as well as Communication Sciences and Disorders practice. CAS programs enable graduates to pursue (CSD), leading to a Master of Science in Speech- advanced study, serve in the professions and pursue Language Pathology. The MSN program offers the a path of lifelong learning. The curricula incorporate following tracks: family nurse practitioner, clinical critical inquiry into the assumptions and practices nurse leader, executive leader and nurse educator. of the various disciplines, preparing students for In addition to the three other nursing master’s tracks, responsible citizenship and conscientious practice in CSD offers a Master in Speech-Language Pathology. the professions. SONHS has attained accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education since 2002, and the GRAHAM SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT Council on Academic Accreditation accredits the CSD The Graham School of Management (GSM) is program. accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), one of the highest SONHS students are taught by experienced health standards for business schools worldwide. GSM care professionals, including nurses actively involved provides a comprehensive, innovative curriculum in clinical and advanced practice and research and matched with experiential learning opportunities that faculty specializing in communication science and thoroughly prepare students to serve as leaders in the speech disorders. Students receive a quality education business industry and to meet the needs of the 21st with a solid scientific foundation and practical century workforce. application that prepares them for professional nursing roles in various practice settings. Our BBA offers undergraduate students the opportunity to obtain specializations in accounting, SONHS has the only nursing program that the National finance, management, hospitality and digital League for Nursing has designated as a Center of marketing. GSM is dedicated to preparing students Excellence in Nursing Education since 2007, for to be career ready. We work with leading employers creating and sustaining an environment that enhances to ensure our programming is relevant and helps student learning and professional development within students find employment opportunities. Additionally, a culture of intentional care. SONHS is one of five GSM offers a BBA Fast-Track degree for adult transfer schools nationwide to receive the designation for a students. At the MBA level, GSM prides itself in fourth consecutive term. SONHS ranks No. 4 for “Best offering students unique specializations that align with Online Graduate Nursing Programs” by the 2020 U.S. employment needs in Chicago and elsewhere, like News & World Report. healthcare management, financial fraud examination, and investigative and forensic accounting. We also take great pride in offering combined MBA programs in computer science and nursing.

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Chief Diversity Officer 6 STUDENT LIFE AND STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

SXU is deeply committed to student success. The University offers academic resources and support services that encourage achievement academically, personally and professionally. Academic services, such as the Center for Accessibility Resources, the Learning Center, the Writing Studio and the Student Success Academy, are designed to facilitate the mastery of study strategies and learning skills to improve overall academic performance. Through services such as the Counseling Center and the Health Center, students can maintain their mental and physical health and personal growth. More than 60 registered student organizations (RSOs) are available to allow students to connect with like- minded individuals in academic, cultural, service, spiritual and special interest organizations.

The Center for SUCCESS team prepares, educates and empowers students and alumni to explore opportunities, develop skills and make the connections necessary for lifelong career success. From first year through graduate school and beyond, the Center offers a holistic approach to student, leadership and career development, as well as academic support, workshops, internships and job fairs, networking events and alumni career panels designed to assist in every step of the journey. The Center helps students cross the bridge from academic to professional life, equipped with the tools needed to reach their fullest potential.

ATHLETICS

The Athletics department at SXU is made up of 19 varsity teams competing in the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and affiliated with the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) and Mid-States Football Association (MFSA).

Cougar Athletics has a history of success. In the last three years, the program has won seven regular season conference championships and four tournament championships. The Cougars have also made eleven post-season appearances. Individually, student-athletes have been recognized for their on-field performance with 22 NAIA All-Americans, 147 All-Conference Awards, seven Player of the Year awards, and four Freshman of the Year awards. Cougar athletes also excel in the classroom, boasting 130 NAIA Scholar-Athletes and 171 CCAC All-Academic selections. Athletics is an integral part of the educational and community environment of the University.

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Chief Diversity Officer 7 FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

THE BUDGET ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT Given the challenges facing higher education, Saint Xavier University has not been immune from President Joyner was brought on board to establish demographic shifts or the increased price sensitivity the financial sustainability of the University. Through of families. Its modest endowment has necessitated the strategic leadership of its Board, management positive operating performance. team and campus community, SXU has improved its operating performance, paid down its debt and Despite its location in the hyper-competitive Midwest nearly tripled its endowment during the last four market, SXU has been able to maintain full-time years, positioning SXU well in its efforts to create a undergraduate enrollment and maximize net tuition sustainable financial model moving forward. fee revenue (NTFR) over time. For fall 2020, SXU welcomed its largest incoming first-year class in the The annual budget of the University is approximately institution’s history, enrolling 734 first-year students $65 million of which salaries and fringe benefits at 10th day term. In fact, 2020 follows 2018 and comprise 62 percent. Institutional debt is 2019, the previous two greatest enrollment years, all approximately $22 million, and the endowment is culminating into the three largest classes on record. approximately $34 million. The Board of Trustees is committed to further paying down debt and increasing The President works directly with the undergraduate the endowment. enrollment team that has executed several actions to further enhance performance, including implementing a new tuition and financial aid regimen, restructuring HUMAN RESOURCES Admission, investing in new recruiting positions, SXU has more than 700 employees: 133 full-time expanding program marketing, executing a digital faculty members, 294 part-time faculty members, 392 media strategy, using retention resources strategically, full-time staff, and 22 part-time staff. The engineers and implementing a series of summer yield strategies. on campus are organized and associated with the Further, SXU has initiated the Strategic Planning International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Action Committee (SPAC), composed of stakeholders (IBEW). throughout the SXU community, to carry out the University’s strategic plan, STRIVE 2025.

ADVANCEMENT

Celebrating almost 40,000 active Saint Xavier In line with strategic priorities to further advance student University undergraduate and graduate alumni from support, University Advancement has intentionally across the globe, University Advancement strives pursued grant funding to secure two major federal grants: to build and sustain an advancement program that a $1.4 million National Science Foundation Hispanic- promotes and secures financial support for the Serving Institutions grant to promote faculty-student University’s deserving students, dedicated faculty and research and student support in STEM fields; and a $3 institutional programs and priorities. million US Department of Education Developing Hispanic- Serving Institutions grant, the largest federal grant in With a clear vision of the University mission and SXU’s history, to bolster student supports and improve purpose, SXU has raised $3.1 million in FY21, $2.6 academic outcomes for Latinx and low-income students. million in FY20, $2.7 million in FY19 and $3.2 million Through this grant, SXU has hired additional student in FY18, all while continuously increasing operational support staff, increased offerings in career development efficiency resulting in a marked decrease in the cost to and financial literacy, and provided touchpoints for raise a dollar each year. incoming and second-year students to promote retention.

FACILITIES

SXU has invested approximately $2 million each year renovation. Other significant capital projects have involved in capital projects and has also received generous the library, athletic facilities and residence hall restoration. allocations from the State of Illinois to facilitate a number of The institution estimates its capital needs/deferred extensive renovation projects including the Science Wing maintenance in the range of $15-20 million.

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Chief Diversity Officer 8 LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The CDO will directly report to President Joyner activities to facilitate change in this space. The CDO and work in collaboration with a dynamic team of will coordinate initiatives to develop the skills to bridge professionals across the University to meet the following differences and to debate and disagree respectfully, responsibilities: as well as help to develop and execute a cohesive vision and implement a DE&I plan and assist with SERVE AS A THOUGHT LEADER, ADVISOR, securing grants and fundraising effort to foster DE&I enterprises throughout the institution. The CDO will need AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR to assess and better coordinate existing efforts and The CDO will lead the University in implementing initiatives and infuse a greater sense of accountability Board-approved strategic initiatives and serve as a and sustainability in future efforts to address campus thought leader, advisor, and effective communicator climate and develop a sense of belonging, particularly in helping to create an inclusive environment across for students, faculty, and staff from minoritized groups. the University. The CDO will bring subject matter This effort will include working in partnership with the expertise and a record of proven leadership involving senior leadership team and academic and administrative cultural change in an organization around diversity, units to track diversity, equity, and inclusion benchmarks equity, and inclusion (DE&I). This will require creative and monitor progress while institutionalizing appropriate and effective communication skills, the ability to work metrics for assessing goals. across a diverse range of constituents with varying levels of fluency around DE&I work, the capacity to influence individuals at all levels of the organization, and BUILD PARTNERSHIPS AND COALITIONS a bias toward action and accountability. Being mindful ACROSS CAMPUS AND BEYOND that the responsibility of one person or a single office Creating and embedding cultural change in an institution alone is not enough to mobilize an entire community with strong values and traditions requires the activation around the ever challenging and complex landscape of partnerships and coalitions. The work of the CDO of DE&I, the CDO will work in a collaborative manner, will be accomplished through influence, empowerment partnering with campus leadership, faculty, staff, of others, and the strength of relationships. The CDO students, and other internal and external constituencies must be positive, compassionate, approachable, a to ensure current and future co-curricular and curricular good listener, and a relationship builder who generates programming supports the University’s mission, values, support for the work of the Office by developing strong and strategic goals and promotes and enhances partnerships with, among others, the President, the cultural inclusivity. The CDO will serve as a resource Senior Leadership Team, faculty and staff governance for campus stakeholders on building a climate of equity structures, students and alumni. The CDO will have and inclusion, including providing strategic direction and the opportunity to bring together key faculty, staff, and support for training initiatives on cultural competency, students in coordinating bodies to leverage resources, gender differences, disability, protected classes, learn from one another, and provide consistency in DE&I harassment, bias, and maintaining compliance with Title efforts across campus, including in the identification IX and other applicable laws. and implementation of best practices and policies to recruit, retain, and develop diverse faculty, staff, and DEVELOP AND EXECUTE A COHESIVE students. The CDO will also work with established programs such as Title V, Title III, the Illinois Equity and VISION AND IMPLEMENT A DE&I PLAN Attainment (ILEA) partnership, and SXU’s National The CDO will provide best practices and common Science Foundation HSI program; and collaborate language and definitions to ensure a collective with key departments, including human resources and and cohesive understanding of DE&I work across hiring managers, regarding diversity issues, Equal the campus and beyond, with a goal to implement Employment Opportunity (EEO)/Office of Federal evidence-based practices and enhance the community’s Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), grievances responsiveness to critical issues and engagement in and/or complaints.

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Chief Diversity Officer 9 QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

The CDO will be a bold and energetic individual with a PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS proven record of progressively responsible leadership, • A demonstrated and strong affinity for the mission will have a passion for higher education, be intellectually of SXU as a Catholic, Mercy institution of higher curious and creative, demonstrate an entrepreneurial education. spirit, and manifest a commitment to transparent communication. Other key qualifications include: • A person of integrity known for transparency and a commitment to fairness. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS • A person dedicated to excellence and passionate about student success. • Master’s degree in College Student Personnel, Humanities, Social Science, Cultural & Ethnic • Ability to sustain long and concentrated periods of Studies, Psychology or related field required; personal and collaborative work. Doctoral degree preferred. • A high-energy level and a bold, creative, and • A significant and progressive record of successful entrepreneurial approach to problem solving. leadership working in higher education or a related • A demonstrated record of commitment to promoting field, preferably in an MSI/HSI setting. diversity and inclusion. • Bilingual (Spanish) preferred. • A passion for working in an environment of shared • Strong understanding of student development theory governance, along with a collaborative, inclusive, and student engagement practices. and transparent management style. • Proven experience in developing, implementing, and • A demonstrated ability for innovative, positive, and assessing equity and inclusion strategies, initiatives, progressive thinking. and programs. • A successful record of appointing, mentoring, and • Demonstrated ability in fostering all elements of developing a staff. DE&I, including race, gender, LBGTQIA+, disability, • An ability to think strategically and to analyze the neurodiversity, veteran status, etc., across faculty, financial impact of existing and potential programs as staff, students, and alumni. the University plans for the future. • Working knowledge of trends and best practices in DE&I, including expertise and comfort in facilitating meaningful and difficult conversations with a wide range of stakeholders. • Ability to build relationships across a mission- driven organization, foster dialogue with multiple constituencies across and beyond campus, and achieve results through influence, empowerment, and partnership. • Strong connections with Chicagoland area and area community organizations a plus.

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Chief Diversity Officer 10 APPLICATION AND NOMINATION PROCESS

Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. Applications must include a cover letter that addresses SXU is firmly committed to creating an inclusive and the responsibilities and qualifications described in just community that embraces diversity; therefore, this position prospectus; a curriculum vitae; and a list persons from historically underrepresented groups are of at least five professional references with contact encouraged to apply. information, including telephone and email, and a note indicating the candidate’s working relationship with Saint Xavier University is being assisted by Academic each. References will not be contacted without the Search. Prospective candidates may arrange a explicit permission of the candidate. Applications and confidential discussion by contacting: nominations should be sent electronically (Microsoft Word preferred) to [email protected]. Dr. Carlos Medina This position is open until filled, but only applications Senior Consultant received by September 7, 2021, can be assured full [email protected] consideration. For additional information about Saint or Xavier University, please visit www.sxu.edu.

Andrea Cowsert Saint Xavier University is an Equal Opportunity Consultant Employer that makes all decisions regarding [email protected]. recruitment, hiring, promotions and all other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status or other factors protected by law. Hiring decisions will be based on the bona fide occupational qualifications of each applicant. The University is committed to diversity and encourages applications from individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Saint Xavier University affirms its position as a Catholic institution, inspired by the heritage of the Sisters of Mercy, and asserts its rights to employ persons who subscribe to the mission, vision and core values of the University.

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Chief Diversity Officer 11 ABOUT ACADEMIC SEARCH

Academic Search is assisting Saint Xavier University in this work. For more than four decades, Academic Search has offered executive search services to higher education institutions, associations, and related organizations. Academic Search was founded by higher education leaders on the principle that we provide the most value to partner institutions by combining best practices with our deep knowledge and experience. Our mission today is to enhance institutional capacity by providing outstanding executive recruitment services, executive coaching, and transition support, in partnership with our parent organization, the American Academic Leadership Institute. For more information, visit www.academicsearch.org.

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