Crookston Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Engagement, and Wellness

Located in the heart of northwest Minnesota, Crookston is known for its rich history and hospitality. The community of nearly 8,000 prides itself on its recreation, amenities, and ever-growing calendar of events. Crookston is host to a critical access hospital, nine-hole golf course, sports center with three sheets of ice, indoor community swimming pool, outdoor splash park, and a variety of city parks with baseball, softball, basketball, pickleball, tennis, and soccer fields/courts. Among its distinctive stores and businesses, downtown Crookston boasts Widman’s Candy Shop, which has been voted the best candy store in Minnesota, and the Grand Theatre, which may be the longest continuously running movie theater in the United States. For music and theater lovers, there are annual productions by the Crookston Community Theatre, a concert series by the Civic Music League, live music during the town’s annual festival, Ox Cart Days, and various indoor and outdoor concerts and performances. 

Grand Forks, North Dakota, located only 25 miles west of Crookston, features an international airport and additional opportunities for shopping and activities. Roughly 70 miles south of Crookston is the larger metro area of Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota. The culturally diverse city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, is located approximately three hours north and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota lies four and a half hours to the southeast. 

Minnesota itself is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” and our summers can’t be beat. Local and regional recreational activities abound near Crookston, with several state parks within a short driving distance including Itasca State Park, the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Hiking, biking, fishing, boating, hunting, cross-country skiing, bird watching, and snowmobiling are among the many outdoor activities available in the area surrounding Crookston. 

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The AVC of student affairs, engagement, and wellness provides leadership for creating a vibrant campus community characterized by a strong commitment to equity and belonging for students with diverse identities, including:

• Students of various racial, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds
• Students from low-income families
• Students from rural communities
• Students with disabilities
• LGBTQ students
• Non-traditional adult learners

In this position, you will:

• Advise the Crookston Student Association
• Serve as the senior student conduct officer
• Provide supervisory leadership for residence life
• Oversee campus safety and security
• Prepare and oversee the fiscal aspects of residential life
• Create entrepreneurial fiscal opportunities through residential housing; educational programming; new student transitions; and the centers for counseling, health, and disability services

This position will work closely with the following partners and groups: 

• Senior vice chancellor for academic affairs
• Director of student success and academic advising
• Director of enrollment management
• Director of residence facilities
• Campus Security, Athletics, and Wellness Center departments
• Other senior academic leaders
• Faculty
• Crookston Student Association and Crookston student body

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, 11 paid holidays, and generous time off
• Faculty Retirement Plan (5.5% employee contribution, 10% employer contribution)
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

The full-time, 12-month AVC position will begin July 1, 2023, or as soon as possible after that, with the possibility of a sooner start. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Provide forward-thinking and strategic leadership for a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach in support of student success, including administrative oversight, support, and leadership
• Collaborate with other senior officials of the institution to identify to address critical issues affecting the campus
• Work closely with all members of the University community to provide a cohesive and comprehensive student experience
• Coordinate the development and management of co-curricular learning with campus constituencies
• Develop and oversee the support student-centered programs and services to complement their academic missions
• Establish standards and management practices to ensure the quality and validity of student affairs programs, including the oversight of program reviews and assessments
• Remain current on all legal matters regarding student affairs and due process, including student rights under FERPA
• Lead and administrate institutional student judicial processes

• Master’s degree
• Ten years of full-time professional work experience in academic advising, student affairs, or a related field
• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competence, and achievement in working with diverse student populations
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with faculty, student affairs educators, and students

• Doctoral degree in student affairs, higher education leadership or a closely related field
• Professional experience in student success, residence life, health and wellness, and/or student conduct
• Demonstrated commitment to the land-grant mission of the University, especially as related to access and student success
• Proficiency in data analysis related to student success and retention
• Proficiency in a second language, preferably Spanish

For full consideration, applicants should submit their material electronically by February 24, 2023. Please include a letter of interest and a curriculum vitae. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. First round interviews will be held in March 2023, and finalists will be notified by late March for an on-campus interview in early April.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Jennifer Erickson, Talent Acquisition manager, by email ([email protected]) or cell phone (651-968-6640) to discuss this opportunity.

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• Jacob Isaacs, Chair - Director of Student Success & Advising 
• Chris Winjum, Staff Support
• Bridget Steffes, Compliance Coordinator
• Corey Klatt, Director of Residential Education 
• Brooke Novak, Director of Educational Programs & Transitions
• Michelle Christopherson, Director of Outreach & Engagement
• Phil Baird, Faculty Representative
• Mohammad Hossain, Faculty Representative
• Madison Elijah, Student Representative
• Sammy Gutierrez, Student Representative