OPPORTUNITY AND CHALLENGE PROFILE

Search for the Provost Ohio Wesleyan University Delaware, Ohio

THE SEARCH

Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU), one of the most comprehensive liberal arts schools in the country, seeks a bold, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader to serve as its next provost. Reporting to the president and working in collaboration with the members of the senior leadership team, the provost will lead with humility and a learning mindset, encourage consensus-building, and demonstrate an appreciation and respect for the liberal arts and professional education within the context of liberal education, as well as OWU’s commitment to shared governance. The provost will boldly shepherd OWU forward as one of only 45 schools considered a College That Changes Lives, furthering its commitment to transformational experiences for its students.

Located in Delaware, Ohio, OWU is a close-knit community of 128 faculty and 1,497 students. Known for its commitment to the student experience and talented faculty and staff, OWU prides itself on its signature program, The OWU Connection, which personalizes the undergraduate experience to include travel, research, or internships, along with the opportunity to create an individualized degree plan. Ohio Wesleyan earned a 2009 Presidential Award for Excellence in General Community Service and is included on the “best colleges” lists of U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review. It has also been deemed a “best value” college by The Princeton Review, a noteworthy recognition that includes only 7% of the nation’s four-year colleges.

An innovator and a change agent, the new provost will join the Ohio Wesleyan community as it emerges from a comprehensive academic and administrative program review, implementing key recommendations and positioning OWU as a sustainable model for liberal arts and pre- professional programs on the national stage. With a uniquely engaged faculty, experienced president, impressive record of philanthropic support, and an environment ripe for evolution, OWU seeks to proactively position itself to best serve future students, including consideration of investment in new programs, rather than simply react. To do so, the University requires a leader who will empower faculty and staff to think differently and creatively about systems and processes, and the way in which the institution serves and supports its students.

Isaacson, Miller

Provost Ohio Wesleyan University

To help further OWU’s mission and realize its aspirations, the provost will address the following key opportunities and challenges:

• Collectively develop a distinctive vision for the next era of Ohio Wesleyan • Implement academic program review recommendations • Champion student success and optimize the student experience • Enhance the culture and sense of community across OWU • Define and leverage an effective administrative structure and team in the Office of the Provost • Work with external partners in Ohio and beyond

A list of the desired qualifications and characteristics of the provost can be found at the conclusion of this document. Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, has been retained to support the search advisory committee in this effort. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed to the firm, as noted at the end of this document.

OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Ohio Wesleyan University is a selective, nationally ranked, residential liberal arts college of nearly 1,500 students founded in 1842 and located on 200 beautiful acres in Delaware, Ohio. OWU is consistently ranked among the nation's top liberal arts colleges and is distinguished by a long tradition of engaged learning that produces strong leaders. Ohio Wesleyan’s charter provides that “the University is forever to be conducted on the most liberal principles, accessible to all religious denominations, and designed for the benefit of our citizens in general.”

The University is a charter member of the Great Lakes Colleges Association, a consortium of 13 private liberal arts colleges that includes Albion, Allegheny, Antioch, Denison, DePauw, Earlham, Hope, Kalamazoo, Kenyon, Oberlin, Ohio Wesleyan, Wabash, and Wooster. OWU is also a member of the Ohio Five, a consortium founded in 1995 with the support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The Ohio Five Colleges include – in addition to OWU – Wooster, Denison, Kenyon, and Oberlin.

Academics & Faculty

OWU’s hands-on approach to teaching and learning has cemented its position as one of the most comprehensive liberal arts schools in the country. Degrees are offered through 24 academic departments and several interdisciplinary programs, with more than 90 majors that include Business, Data Analytics, Fine Arts, Comparative Literature, Communication, and Education; scientific fields such as Neuroscience and Zoology; and a wide range of pre-professional studies such as Medicine, Law, Public Administration, and Engineering. In fact, more than 25 percent of OWU students graduate with at least two majors. Notable aspects of the academic program include the Arneson Institute for Practical Politics and Public Affairs; the Woltemade Center for Economics, Business and Entrepreneurship; the Sagan National Colloquium; and the Leland F. and Helen Schubert Honors Program.

Isaacson, Miller Page 2 of 8 Provost Ohio Wesleyan University

At its core, the strength of Ohio Wesleyan is the quality of its 128 full-time faculty members, who are known for their commitment to teaching and student success. Ohio Wesleyan students consistently rate the faculty highly for quality of teaching, excitement about their academic disciplines, mentoring, commitment, and accessibility. The University places great emphasis on the notion of the “teacher-scholar,” or the idea that each faculty member is equally committed to both excellent teaching and scholarly research. A hundred percent of full-time tenure-track faculty hold a Ph.D. or other appropriate terminal degree. Focused on an intimate academic community, OWU boasts an 10:1 student-faculty ratio and an average class size of 16.

OWU’s most distinctive feature is The OWU Connection, a personalized four-year program that includes a signature experience (travel, research, or internship), and the opportunity to create an individualized degree plan from the University’s many majors and minors. The OWU Connection helps students connect academic theory with real-world practice in a global context. The substantial expansion of global opportunities has resulted in the creation of 54 Travel-Learning Courses since 2010-11, enabling students to personally explore topics studied in class. In parallel, the University is significantly enhancing The OWU Career Connection, integrating the career services operation with The OWU Connection and more closely aligning it with Alumni Relations to leverage alumni interest in student mentoring, externships, and internships.

Students & Student Life

With a total enrollment of 1,497 students, 44 percent of OWU students identify as male, and 56 percent identify as female. Students hail from 27 states and U.S. territories and 14 countries, and 66 percent of students are Ohio residents. Twenty-six percent of students identify as “U.S. multicultural,” while 5 percent are international students. Ninety-seven percent of students receive merit-based and/or need-based financial aid, with an average financial aid package of $42,000. The freshman class typically presents an average SAT score of 1207, an average ACT score of 25, and an average high school GPA of 3.54. Ohio Wesleyan’s student outcomes are strong. In a survey of 2017 graduates, 95 percent of respondents reported being employed or enrolled in graduate school. In recent years, OWU students have been named Goldwater Scholars, Fulbright Scholars, NSF Graduate Research Fellows, NCAA Postgraduate Scholars, Gilman International Scholars, and semifinalists in the Rhodes Scholarship competition.

Ohio Wesleyan affords students numerous means of becoming involved in campus life, with nearly 100 clubs and organizations that present valuable leadership opportunities. OWU has a strong history of promoting social awareness and civic engagement among its students, and 70 percent of students participate in community service in a given year. All incoming freshmen and transfer students engage in a community service project in their first or second semesters. Annually, an average of 60 students travel during spring break to complete service activities. In 2018, 42 students participated in the institution’s Interfaith Service Trips.

OWU also fields 25 varsity athletic teams – 13 women’s teams and 12 men’s teams – that compete in the North Coast Athletic Conference, NCAA Division III, and Mid-Atlantic Rowing Conference. Men compete in basketball, tennis, baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, golf, cross- country, sailing, track & field, swimming & diving, and wrestling. Women’s sports include basketball, golf, rowing, tennis, volleyball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, cross-country, sailing, track & field, softball, and swimming & diving. One in three OWU students is a varsity athlete.

Isaacson, Miller Page 3 of 8 Provost Ohio Wesleyan University

Leadership & Governance

Rock Jones, Ph.D., was inaugurated as Ohio Wesleyan’s 16th president in October 2008, and his energetic leadership has helped move the University forward ever since with innovative academic programs, new and rejuvenated campus facilities, and a strong sense of engagement with alumni and the community.

Jones holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Texas-Austin, Master of Divinity magna cum laude from the Duke University Divinity School, and a Bachelor of Arts with honors from Hendrix College. Prior to joining Ohio Wesleyan, he worked for Hendrix, serving in roles that included Executive Vice President and Dean of Advancement, Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, interim Vice President for Student Affairs, and Chaplain.

The University is governed by a Board of Trustees, which is currently composed of one chairperson and one vice chairperson, 36 active trustees, and 19 life trustees. The board has a very positive view of the university and its leadership, and is active, engaged, and encouraging.

Ohio Wesleyan has a strong tradition of shared governance. Faculty, administrators, and student representatives are actively involved in the governance of the institution through a series of committees. Faculty members are integral in crafting both long-term strategies and short-term objectives.

Current and Future Outlook

Ohio Wesleyan has the strengths and resources of a premier liberal arts college, as well as a vision for 21st century liberal arts education that offers practical outcomes for students and their graduation prospects.

OWU will fulfill this vision with a heightened focus on delivering a distinctive academic experience. The university is currently undergoing an academic program review to assess its academic programs, restructuring and consolidating as needed, and identifying areas for investment. The academic program review is ongoing, but the plan will be finalized this summer and presented to the Board of Trustees in the fall.

Like many other peer institutions of similar size, Ohio Wesleyan faces real challenges around maintaining steady enrollments and creating a sustainable financial model for the future. The university is proactively undergoing comprehensive academic and administrative reviews in order to tackle these challenges head-on and ensure a sustainable path forward. Despite these challenges, Ohio Wesleyan has solid financials, with an excellent debt-to-endowment ratio and a formidable $240 million endowment. The current Connect Today, Create Tomorrow comprehensive campaign is the largest in school history; it has been so successful, in fact, that the campaign exceeded its original goal of $200 million two years ahead of schedule. A new goal of $225 million was set this past fall, focusing on renewing the University’s commitment to its founding principles, while simultaneously charting a bold path forward. To date, $210 million has been raised around the key priorities of investing in the faculty, student scholarships and financial aid, The OWU

Isaacson, Miller Page 4 of 8 Provost Ohio Wesleyan University

Connection, capital improvements, and annual giving. Notably, the campaign is committed to raising funds for innovative teaching, including the recruitment and retainment of high-quality faculty and the establishment of new and enhanced academic programs. Looking ahead, however, the University and its board are committed to creating a more sustainable financial model, given fluctuations in enrollments, high discount rates, and an anticipated decline in college-aged students in Ohio.

Role of the Provost

The provost reports to the president and currently oversees an office that includes the Associate Dean of Curriculum, the Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness, the Associate Dean for Academic Performance, the Associate Provost for Academic Support and Chief Information Officer, the Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, the Assistant Provost for Institutional Research, and the Director of OWU Connections Programs and Off-Campus Study. The provost serves as an engaged member and leader of faculty governance committees like the Academic Planning and Allocation Committee and the Faculty Personnel Committee, and oversees a budget of approximately $20 million.

Key Opportunities and Challenges

The next provost will energize the Ohio Wesleyan community by embracing the strengths of OWU, while creating the conditions necessary for change. In collaboration with the president, the provost will capitalize on the academic and administrative program review already underway, leveraging this forward-thinking mindset to position the University for future success. In doing so, the provost will face the following opportunities and challenges:

Collectively develop a distinctive vision for the next era of Ohio Wesleyan

OWU seeks a provost committed to anticipatory – rather than reactionary – leadership. OWU will launch its new strategic planning process in 2021, and the provost will work in close partnership with the faculty, senior leadership, staff, students, the Board, and other stakeholders to drive efforts to position OWU for its distinctive academic and co-curricular offerings. To thoughtfully galvanize innovation, the provost will work collaboratively to identify priorities, catalyze the development of new programs to drive enrollment, develop tangible steps for implementation, and create markers of success to be shared with the broader community. This work will require a facilitative but decisive leader with a systems mindset and action orientation.

To carry out this work, the provost must partner effectively with the Senior Leadership Team, including the Vice President for Student Engagement and Success, the Vice President for Enrollment and Communications, the Vice President for Finance and Administration, and the Vice President for University Advancement, to coordinate strategic initiatives and leverage points of intersection.

Implement academic program review recommendations

Ohio Wesleyan is in the midst of a comprehensive academic program review, aiming to best position the University as a sought-after destination for the liberal arts and pre-professional

Isaacson, Miller Page 5 of 8 Provost Ohio Wesleyan University programs. With the program review in its final stages, the next provost will be well-positioned to finalize and implement recommendations. Given that the outcome of the academic review will undoubtedly impact the allocation of resources, budgetary and otherwise, the provost must demonstrate a willingness to embrace OWU’s uniquely strong sense of shared governance and deep desire for transparency.

Looking beyond the academic program review, the next provost will have the opportunity to lead a renewal of OWU’s general education curriculum, ensuring it is contemporary in design and responsive to the needs of current and future students.

Champion student success and optimize the student experience

The provost will inherit the distinctive OWU Connection program and have the opportunity to strengthen and further embed it across the University. OWU is deeply committed to relationship- building between faculty and students, and the provost will support faculty in their efforts to mentor and advise this next generation. By further partnering across campus, the provost will help guide a comprehensive strategy for student success, including – but not limited to – support of The OWU Connection in growing and clarifying its mission, consideration of on-campus mental health resources, and awareness of enrollment trends and shifting student demographics.

It will be crucial for the provost to understand the backgrounds and needs of the University’s increasingly diverse student body, and weave those into OWU’s value proposition. The provost will ensure university resources support all students, thoughtfully deepening the ongoing work around diversity and inclusion at OWU. The provost must be an equity-minded leader with a demonstrated commitment to disrupting enduring institutional biases that disproportionately and negatively affect individuals from historically underrepresented groups.

Enhance the culture and sense of community across OWU

The provost must embrace Ohio Wesleyan’s distinctly strong commitment to shared governance by ensuring that all voices, regardless of rank, tenure, role, or discipline, feel valued. As part of this work, the provost will consider needs for recruiting and retaining its talented faculty, keeping in mind that a diverse faculty will contribute to the highest-quality curriculum and instruction, as well as a dynamic and well-rounded learning environment for faculty and students alike. The provost will continue to foster mentoring, particularly of junior faculty, and will ensure alignment between junior and senior faculty, as well as faculty, staff, and the administration. The provost will evaluate current policies and procedures related to promotion and tenure, ensuring clarity and fairness across departments, and will promote opportunities for professional development for faculty and staff.

To create a greater sense of community, the provost will be a highly visible presence at campus events, including lectures, concerts and productions, athletic events, and more, as well as a consistent communicator to all constituencies. The provost will navigate confidently through moments of conflict or crisis by modeling civil discourse. In doing so, the provost will encourage dialogue among faculty, staff, and administrators to empower participation, supporting communication and collaboration to streamline and connect services across units, and produce a

Isaacson, Miller Page 6 of 8 Provost Ohio Wesleyan University better teaching, learning, and working environment. Serving as a partner in these key efforts, the provost will lead with humility while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of change.

Define and leverage a strong administrative structure and team in the Office of the Provost

In order to focus on university-wide initiatives and strategic work, the incoming provost will need to leverage and empower others with the authority necessary to do good work. With so many different departments, direct reports, and ongoing initiatives, the provost must think critically about a structure that will move initiatives forward in the most effective and efficient manner. This work will include thinking about the best organizational structure for the provost’s office itself, along with that of departments, divisions, and/or functions. The provost must also consider the role of historically strong, involved faculty committees. Such restructuring will seek to improve efficiency, clarify reporting and supervisory structures, and meet the University’s ultimate goal of creating a seamless experience for students in curricular and co-curricular pursuits. For this task, an organizational mindset is essential.

Work with external partners in Ohio and beyond

Ohio Wesleyan’s enviable location in Central Ohio puts it in close proximity to the dynamic city of Columbus, along with several other institutions of higher education. The provost will leverage The OWU Connection to advance partnerships locally, nationally, and internationally, building internship opportunities and real-world experiences for students. The provost will simultaneously take advantage of the Ohio Five collaboration and the Great Lakes Colleges Association to further these partnerships and explore innovative efficiencies. The provost will evaluate potential relationships with local community colleges, particularly regarding transfer pathways, and assess potential for collaboration with other institutions of higher education in the region. By leveraging connections both within and outside of Central Ohio, the provost will endeavor to enhance educational opportunities and access for OWU students.

Qualifications and Characteristics of the Provost

Ohio Wesleyan seeks a provost who possesses strong communication skills, a keen ability to anticipate change rather than simply react, and the enthusiasm necessary to drive change while respecting OWU’s admirable traditions. Desired personal qualities include the ability to connect with students; a desire to be a visible presence on campus; approachability as a team player; enthusiasm in supporting junior faculty; and strength in conflict resolution. Above all, the provost must value excellence in undergraduate teaching and the liberal arts. The successful candidate will also bring many, if not all, of the following professional qualifications and attributes:

• An earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree and experience requisite for an appointment as a tenured associate or full professor. • Demonstrated leadership in positions of increasing responsibility at institutions of higher education. • Demonstrated commitment to shared governance. • Successful experience in developing and executing academic strategies in a complex and comprehensive liberal arts institution.

Isaacson, Miller Page 7 of 8 Provost Ohio Wesleyan University

• Demonstrated record of success in promoting, initiating, and sustaining diversity, equity, and inclusion. • Demonstrated capacity to lead others; excellent skills in collaboration and consensus- building to bring together a diverse group of constituents, as well as a commitment to shared governance. • Proven track record of making difficult decisions in the face of institutional innovation and change. • Familiarity with complex financial models and ability to facilitate the allocation of resources effectively and efficiently among competing needs of the institution in ways consistent with the University’s mission. • Demonstrated understanding of the complexities of undergraduate enrollment management in a competitive and changing environment. • An open and engaging communication style with a proven ability to listen well and seek solutions. • Familiarity with the co-curricular aspect of a college/university setting, and conversant on current trends in higher education, curriculum, and pedagogy.

Applications, Inquiries, and Nominations

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website for the search. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

Natalie Leonhard, Partner Sabrina Singh, Managing Associate Berkley Burke, Associate Isaacson, Miller www.imsearch.com/7379

Ohio Wesleyan University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and encourages all interested applicants, including women and minorities, to apply (EEOE). ).

Isaacson, Miller Page 8 of 8