CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF - USIU

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF VICE CHANCELLOR,
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY - AFRICA
The Board of Trustees of United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) located in
Nairobi, Kenya, announces an international search for an accomplished academic leader who will
serve as the university’s next Vice Chancellor. The Vice Chancellor is responsible for the day-today running and management of USIU-Africa and serves as the face of the university and main
liaison between the Board of Trustees and the university community. The university is an
independent, not-for-profit institution serving 5,913 undergraduate and graduate students. USIUAfrica's mission is to provide an outstanding higher education in an African context with a global
outlook. Its vision states: “The United States International University – Africa will be a premier
institution of academic excellence with a global perspective.”
USIU-Africa is accredited by the Commission for University Education in Kenya and the Western
Association of Schools and Colleges, in the United States. The university is governed by an
independent Board of Trustees of which the Vice Chancellor is an ex officio member.
Management is led by the Vice Chancellor and a Management Council of senior academics and
professional staff.
The new Vice Chancellor will assume office no later than January 1, 2016. This prospectus
provides background information on USIU-Africa, details on the qualifications and qualities of the
next Vice Chancellor, and application requirements for interested candidates.
History
USIU-Africa was the first private, secular university in Kenya. It was established, in 1969,
following an agreement between the trustees of what was then the United States International
University in San Diego, California, and the Kenyan Ministry of Education. USIU-Africa was
developed in response to the growing demand for quality higher education in Kenya. In 1999, the
university was awarded a charter by the President and the (then) Kenyan Commission for Higher
Education (now the Commission for University Education), and granted full accreditation. In
2001, USIU-San Diego merged with the former California School of Professional Psychology to
form Alliant International University. After the split, USIU in Kenya pursued and was granted
independent accreditation in 2005. Today, the fully independent USIU-Africa enjoys dual
accreditation in the United States (through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges WASC) and in Kenya (from the Commission for University Education - CUE).
Academics
The USIU-Africa mission is achieved through select high quality undergraduate and graduate
academic programs addressing six key mission outcomes: higher order thinking; scientific,
quantitative and technical literacy; global understanding and multicultural perspective; career
preparedness; community service and development; and ethical leadership.
The educational philosophy of USIU-Africa is carried out in an environment that encourages
rigorous intellectual and scholarly development; fosters openness to a wide range of ideas,
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The Science Center
cultures, and people; and enhances personal growth through social action projects. USIU-Africa’s
core values include:
Life-long Learning: Developing a learning culture that continues throughout a person’s
life-time.
Integrity: Ensuring the pursuit of excellence by upholding professional and ethical
standards and being accountable.
Innovativeness: Introducing new methods and strategies that ensure quality, efficiency,
effectiveness and productivity.
Social Responsibility: Providing leadership in responding to issues of national and global
concern through collaborative efforts.
Academic Freedom: Upholding the spirit of free and critical thought and enquiry, through
the open exchange of ideas and knowledge.
Academic programs at USIU-Africa are learner centered and committed to developing critical
thinking, literacy skills through writing intensive courses and projects, and preparing students for
career through formal and co-curricular activities, community service and internships. Student
leadership is part of the learning process and
is encouraged through active participation in
sports, clubs, community service and
internships with self-reflection on one's
personal development and social action
participation. The academic year is made up
of three semesters and students generally take
four classes per semester.
The university has four schools: Chandaria
School of Business, School of Humanities
and Social Sciences, School of Science and
Technology, and the newly formed School of
Pharmacy and Health Sciences which was
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launched in January 2015. USIU-Africa offers five undergraduate majors in the Chandaria School
of Business (International Business Administration, Restaurant Management, Business
Administration, Tourism Management, and Accounting), three in the School of Humanities and
Social Sciences (International Relations, Criminal Justice, and Psychology), and three in the
School of Science and Technology (Journalism, Information Systems Technology, and Applied
Computer Technology).
The School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences will admit students in May 2015 for a 5-year
pharmacy degree. An interim dean has been appointed and a national search will commence within
a year. Additional programs are in the early stages of development.
At the master’s level, the Chandaria School of Business offers three graduate degrees: Master in
Business Administration (MBA), Executive Master of Science in Organizational Development
(EMOD) and the Global Executive Master of Business Administration (GEMBA). The School of
Humanities and Social Sciences offers three Master of Arts degrees in Counseling Psychology,
Clinical Psychology and International Relations. The School of Science and Technology offers the
Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology, and the Masters of Arts in
Communication Studies.
At the doctoral level, the Chandaria School of Business offers the Doctor of Business
Administration while the School of Humanities and Social Sciences offers the Doctor of
Philosophy in International Relations and the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology.
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Enrollment
The diverse student body of close to 6,000 students represents 65 nationalities; 15 percent of the
student population is international.
USIU-Africa’s student enrollment increased by approximately 67 percent over the 2002-08 period
and boasts a strong enrollment pattern that continues to climb. Today, 54 percent of the students
are female and, while the majority of the student population is in the18 – 25 year age range, evening
courses attract more mature working professionals.
A grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4-point scale is required for admission. The modal score
for students admitted during the 2013/2014 academic year was a (B-). USIU-Africa's academic
and extra-curricular programming supports all students, encouraging them to perform at the
highest levels.
Faculty
There are 114 full time faculty and 54% percent possess a Ph.D. or a terminal degree in their area
of specialization. Faculty members are not awarded tenure but can achieve a permanent status
which affords them additional benefits. Two-thirds of classes are taught by full-time faculty and
the remaining classes are taught by adjunct faculty. The university has established a structured
research program. It seeks to reinforce the importance of academic as well as applied research in
underpinning the university's continued and development as a premier institution of higher
learning. There is also a demonstrated commitment to fostering innovative interdisciplinary
research. The strategy includes the development of relevant research agendas, new degree
programs, external research partnerships, more extensive applications of modern appropriate
technologies, and pursuing additional external linkages. USIU-Africa provides faculty support
grants and recognizes outstanding contributions through an Excellence in Research Award. The
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Faculty Council, the Office of Research and Academic Program Development (RAPD) and the
Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT), provide support and assistance for
faculty development on an ongoing basis.
Students
The mission of USIU-Africa is to promote the discovery and application of knowledge, the
acquisition of skills and the development of intellect and character in a manner that prepares
students to contribute effectively and ethically as citizens of a changing and increasingly
technological world.
A commitment to total student formation and the integration of the curricular and co-curricular
experience to prepare women and men to be ethical leaders and responsible citizens is the central
tenet of USIU-Africa’s educational philosophy. Campus life is also a crucial element in retention
which consistently runs over 80 percent. Student growth and character development is achieved
through involvement in a vibrant campus community life, orientation programs and servicelearning opportunities. This includes
provision for volunteering during major
campus events, involvement in student
publications, and participation in
leadership workshops. Through the
Community Service Learning Program
undergraduates work in social action
projects. All undergraduate students
have to participate in 90 hours of
service learning in one semester during
their undergraduate studies. Internship
opportunities are also available to allow
students to translate theory into
practice. The institution has a vibrant
student exchange program with 10
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institutions including, for example, universities in China and the United States, which enables
students to broaden their world views.
The university has strengthened campus accessibility facilities and services for disabled students,
staff and faculty. Newly established student wellness initiatives need to be continued and
expanded. Improvements to campus residential structures and the construction of new ones plus
enhancements to the current level of on-campus activities, including renovated or new recreational
facilities, are important future activities.
Management Council
The direct reports to the Vice Chancellor include the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic
Affairs, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Planning and
Development, Director of Finance and Administration, Director of Information Technology,
Internal Auditor, University Legal Counsel and Secretary to the Board, and the Director of
Operations. The Vice Chancellor meets with the Management Council on a weekly basis. The new
Vice Chancellor will have the opportunity to fill several of these senior management positions due
to upcoming retirements.
Strategic Plan
The institution’s most recent strategic plan which ran from 2009 – 2014 had four strategic goals:
achieve a reputation as a premier private global institution, strengthen organizational excellence,
improve the fiscal health of the institution, and develop excellent facilities. The plan integrated
long-range operational and capital budget planning to ensure that adequate financial resources
were made available to finance the execution of the strategic plan’s objectives and activities. It
prioritized improved service delivery to students, faculty and staff within the perspective of
educational effectiveness and quality assurance standards and recommendations as articulated by
the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Kenyan Commission for
University Education (CUE). The strategic plan emphasized a partnership approach to education
and program enrichment, effective organization processes, expansion of physical, human and
financial resources, and the optimal utilization of technology. It also emphasized sustainability
and diversification of the university economy through an endowment fund and targeted fundraising
initiatives including small capital campaigns.
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There have been preliminary discussions on the development of a new strategic plan with the
Board of Trustees. The current Vice Chancellor along with a strategic planning task force has
recently embarked on developing a new five-year strategic plan that will be ready for
implementation in late 2015. However, the plan will have sufficient flexibility to allow the new
Vice Chancellor to finalize and implement the plan.
Governance
USIU-Africa is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Trustees that ensures the quality
of education provided. The Board of Trustees provides stability and continuity to the university
through an organized system of planning and evaluation. There are currently 12 board members;
the University Charter allows for a maximum of 15. One-third are American, one-third are Kenyan
and the remaining third from other countries. The Board is diverse and comprises individuals with
academic backgrounds and well as leading industrialists. Board members serve for 3-year terms
which are renewable. There are no term limits. The Board meets three times a year and works
within a framework of five committees: executive, finance, audit, academic and development.
Alumni
The Alumni Association contributes actively to university life and programs. There are over
10,000 alumni from more than 51 countries. The Alumni Association has supported students
through colloquium talks, networking initiatives, fundraising activities, internship opportunities
and mentorship programs.
Campus
The scenic campus is aesthetically pleasing and well maintained. There are a number of new
buildings and plans are in place for additional construction. Housing for students is available in
two 128-capacity hostels. Residence halls are occupied primarily by international and out-of-town
students. Approved off-campus housing is available for those students living off campus.
The campus also has a fully-equipped health clinic, an ultra-modern gym, and a counseling center
which provides psychological counseling and awareness services.
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The Library and Information Center, an ultra-modern facility which was completed in 2007,
offers all the resources necessary to support teaching, learning and research, in one central
location. While the library is the intellectual hub of the university, Wi-Fi internet access is
available in most campus buildings and in hot spots throughout campus. In addition, 12
computer labs with 229 computers are available to students.
There are a number of new construction projects. A science and technology building at the cost of
approximately $5 million was completed in January 2015, and an expansion of parking facilities
was also recently completed. Construction on a new student center will begin in February, 2015,
and the development of a new sports complex is in the planning stages.
Location – Nairobi
USIU-Africa is located in Kasarani, a suburb of Nairobi. Kasarani is approximately 15 kilometers
from the city center of Nairobi, Kenya's cosmopolitan capital city. The city is situated at an
elevation of about 1660 m (about 5450 ft.) in the highlands of the southern part of the country. It
is Kenya's principal economic, administrative, and cultural center and is one of the largest and
fastest growing cities in Africa. Key industries include horticulture, food processing, textiles,
clothing, building materials, communications and transportation equipment. Its compact central
business district is a great place to tune into modern urban African life. Kenya also boasts a sizeable
tourist industry, so flights between Nairobi and the rest of the continent as well as many other
destinations including Dubai and Europe are frequent.
Climate: The average temperature in Nairobi is 21-26 degrees centigrade. Temperatures elsewhere
depend on altitude. July to August marks the Kenyan winter, which is cold and chilly. Generally
speaking, January-February is dry; March-May is moderately wet; June-September is dry; and
October-December is relatively wet.
For more information about Nairobi, please visit the Nairobi Kenya official website. For more
details about Kenya (and in particular information about several tourist attraction
sites) visit the Kenya Tourism Board website.
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The Vice Chancellor Position
USIU-Africa seeks an innovative, energetic and dynamic educational leader who will further build
upon the academic profile and high quality reputation of the institution. The new Vice Chancellor
will report directly to the Board of Trustees and have a broad charter within that office’s usual
responsibilities. The university has secured both U.S. and Kenyan accreditation which implies
familiarity by the incoming Vice Chancellor with those processes and requirements as well as with
outcomes assessments in a higher education environment. The Vice Chancellor, in close alignment
with the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and other members of the Management
Council, will oversee a broad spectrum of activities including the four academic schools, student
affairs, admissions, registration, library, faculty development, information technology, operations
and the implementation of the strategic plan.
The opportunities in the position are many—to continue to shape a major institution of higher
education in the largest economy of East Africa and to help create an institution whose potential
to transform lives and society is great. There is also an opportunity to mentor new generations of
Kenyan and other global leaders who will take the country into the future and impact the world
scene for the better. For the successful appointee, this post is an opportunity to give life to one’s
beliefs about the power of education.
The challenges that will face the new Vice Chancellor are also numerous. Unless one has worked
in the country before, the bureaucracy, work rhythms, business and religious customs, and
educational expectations of Kenya will need to be learned. Kenya is a socially, culturally, and
politically complex country. It is undergoing rapid and fundamental change, but history exerts a
strong influence on institutions and relationships. The university is trying to develop graduates
who possess the kind of broad-based post-secondary education necessary for the development and
leadership of a healthy civil society and well-functioning social, economic, and political
institutions.
Although the foregoing realities will produce divergent and often contradictory views and
expectations of the university, its educational programs, and operational systems, the strong
foundation set by outgoing Vice Chancellor Freida Brown makes these goals all the more
achievable. Effective leadership of the university will thus require an understanding of the
importance of contextual factors to the university’s success and a willingness to become informed
about the institution’s external environment. Only then can the university’s mission, programs,
and operations be effectively communicated to its many constituencies and its potential influence
effectively exercised.
The Board of Trustees is well aware of both the promise and the challenges facing the new
leadership the university now seeks. All parties are committed to helping the new Vice Chancellor
succeed, for this success will mean fulfillment of USIU-Africa's promise to be a transformative
institution in Kenya.
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The Vice Chancellor serves as the university's Chief
Executive Officer, providing vibrant and creative
leadership in the areas of vision and planning, budget
and management, and external resource development.
Specifically, the major agenda items for the new Vice
Chancellor will require specific experience and skills
revolving around the following opportunities and
challenges:
 Strategic Planning
The next Vice Chancellor should be a strategist with a
vision for the future to strengthen the programs in place
and develop new programs, including programs to
address the economic development needs of the country.
The university is in the process of developing a new
strategic plan (2015 – 2020), with the caveat that the
new Vice Chancellor will be able to amend the plan as
appropriate. A primary feature of the plan must be the
university's commitment to providing a quality
education with a global outlook, which may well imply
educating future leaders of Kenya and East Africa, the
new Vice Chancellor will be asked to articulate a clear
vision for implementing this commitment effectively.
This will require identifying a wide array of new
resources and establishing priorities to support the range
of initiatives. The new Vice Chancellor must play a
leading role in fundraising, implementing and assessing
success.
Drawing from wide consultation within as well as
outside the university, including its Board of Trustees,
the new Vice Chancellor must clearly articulate an upto-date direction for the university. Setting clear future
parameters for the advancement of USIU-Africa should
also result in raising the regional and international
profile of the university.
Financial Management and Resource Development
Financial Oversight: It will be incumbent upon the new
Vice Chancellor to continue to hold to first-rate fiscal
management practices. The Vice Chancellor and Board
of Trustees must work to ensure that the budget process
and institutional plan are closely aligned and fulfill
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institutional priorities. Strengthening core components of USIU-Africa’s academic program (e.g.,
diversifying income streams, expanding the student body, increasing and enhancing the faculty,
encouraging research activities, expanding the physical plant, and increasing student financial
support) will place a strain on current resources. The proven ability to seek, secure, and develop
new revenue streams in support of current programs and new initiatives will be essential.
Enhancing the Resource Base: New program ideas will lead to the need for new resources.
Enhancing existing programs and initiating new ones will require a passionate voice to continue
to cultivate existing funding relationships and to find new sources of philanthropic support. The
new Vice Chancellor’s ability to present a compelling case for USIU-Africa on the Kenyan stage
as well as internationally will be critically important in raising and sustaining both friends and
funds, and conveying a dramatic message about the transformation of student lives through the
high quality education of USIU-Africa.

Strengthening the Current Academic Program
Strengthen Programs: The university already possesses a strong undergraduate academic
program widely recognized within Kenya and the region. The Vice Chancellor must continue to
solidify and strengthen existing programs, grow and enhance the masters and doctoral level
programs, and begin to build a significant graduate curriculum over the next few years. Over
and above strengthening the current academic program, the new Vice Chancellor should
strengthen the current co-curricular program so as to equip graduates with skills that
enhance their all-round development. As enrollment increases, careful planning will be
required to ensure that the needs of the academic programs mesh with both new and existing
facilities. The new Vice Chancellor must demonstrate an ability to identify critical technology
and human and physical resource needs to ensure that existing and future physical infrastructure
meet the learning, teaching, and research requirements of faculty and students.
Strengthen Academic Governance: At its inception, USIU-Africa established a system of shared
governance involving faculty, staff, and students. The administration, faculty and students all
remain strongly committed to such a model.

Fostering Community Trust
Integrate Stakeholders: USIU-Africa is a caring community that aspires to operate in an
environment of unrestricted inquiry, academic freedom, and open exchange. A concerted effort
to enhance effective communication among the senior administration, faculty, staff, student body,
and greater university community, as well as to instill a spirit of teamwork, information-sharing,
mutual respect and trust, are essential components of a successful Vice Chancellorship. The new
Vice Chancellor should demonstrate experience in developing such an environment through the
promotion of novel and successful strategies for the continuous flow of information throughout a
campus community and from successfully establishing participation and transparency in decisionmaking. The new Vice Chancellor must welcoming multiple viewpoints and have the ability to
recognize and support university members at all levels as well as those from the wider community
and the country at large.
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Local and National Presence: The new Vice Chancellor should be willing to serve as a leader
among the private universities in Kenya and to initiate collaborative opportunities such as for joint
program development and research initiatives. The new Vice Chancellor will have to play an
active role in higher education circles and work in collaboration with other institutional heads in
Kenya to consult on government regulations regarding higher education. It is expected that the
new Vice Chancellor will promote a research-oriented university model, and can bring the
institution into the competitive landscape of higher education in Kenya, which has 69 public and
private universities. To do this, the successful candidate will have an understanding of the political
landscape as well as the opportunities for advancing the higher education landscape in East Africa.

Support and Strengthen the Work of the Board
Draft an Agenda for Further Board Development: USIU-Africa’s 12-member international Board
of Trustees comprising education and business leaders serves to guide the university’s overall
policy development. Meeting three times annually and additionally as needed, the Board has
demonstrated its commitment to USIU-Africa by meeting its fiduciary goals and oversight
functions under complex political, economic and social conditions. The new Vice Chancellor
should demonstrate knowledge of ways to further strengthen the Board’s performance through a
structured annual agenda and work plan, an expanded intentional recruitment plan for additional
trustees, and by keen attention to “best governing board practices.” Demonstrated experience in
these areas should be provided in the application.
Engage the Board in Policy Making, Planning and Resource Development: The Board will look
to the new Vice Chancellor to help develop a clear vision for the university, continue to refine the
institution’s strategic direction, ensure that the administration and faculty are involved in sound
planning activities, and assess the quality of those results. To support the Board of Trustees in
making appropriate strategic and policy decisions the new Vice Chancellor will be required to
keep them fully engaged and connected to the institution by providing periodic reports that monitor
the institution’s progress toward established goals. Well-informed Board members speaking
persuasively about the institution’s mission, vision, and strategic plan have proven to be more
effective fundraisers. The new Vice Chancellor will need to lead the development staff in fostering
partnerships with board members, expanding connections with alumni, managing current donors,
cultivating new donors, and inspiring expanded grant making and support by others to support the
university.
Desired Attributes of the next Vice Chancellor
Required
 An earned doctorate at an accredited institution, ideally in an academic area that is offered at
USIU-Africa;
 Strong managerial and proven management skills demonstrated by experience managing a
sizable and diverse staff;
 Experience managing sizable budgets;
 A global perspective demonstrated in multi-cultural exposure and a vision for the university at
the national and international level.
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Preferred
 An experienced academic who has moved up the academic ranks to be at the associate or full
professor level who understands the interactive nature of teaching and research and the
characteristics of undergraduate and graduate programs;
 Experience with accreditation processes;
 Demonstrated success in securing grant funding;
 Experience raising money and involvement in capital and comprehensive campaigns;
 Experience working and living internationally (particularly on the African continent or in a
developing country);
 A dynamic and principled academic leader who has developed the ability to lead and to manage
a complex university;
 A leader able to work effectively with an international Board of Trustees and help the Board
make wise, timely policy decisions;
 A tireless proponent of multicultural sensitivity, who will bring an international outlook
combined with a genuine appreciation of the local culture, enjoying engagement with business,
government and educational leaders;
 A leader who will enjoy and be effective in formal and informal interactions with students,
faculty and staff in a setting where most live as well as work;
 A collaborator who will “lead from within,” utilizing tact, diplomacy, self-confidence, and a
strong appreciation of process.
Application Procedure
Candidates for the position of Vice Chancellor of United States International University-Africa
should send the following required materials as an e-mail attachment in Microsoft Word to
[email protected]. These materials should include a reflective letter of interest that
discusses how the candidate meets the desired attributes of the new Vice Chancellor. The
candidate’s professional and academic background pertaining to the challenges and opportunities
described above must be clearly outlined. Applicants should also submit a current resume and the
names and current phone numbers of at least five professional references (they will be called at a
later, semi-final stage with the advance consent of the candidate). Prior to submitting an
application, please contact Michelle Sarver, Associate Consultant at Academic Search, Inc. for a
copy of the application guidelines. She can be reached at [email protected]. Letters of
nomination are welcome but not required. For full consideration, completed applications should
be received by late March or early April. Additional information about USIU-Africa can be found
at http://www.usiu.ac.ke.
To showcase the wonderful spirit of USIU-Africa, please take a look at this video clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdZT_zMfA_w.
USIU-Africa is assisted by Ms. Maya Kirkhope, Senior Consultant at Academic Search, Inc., in
Washington DC. Ms. Kirkhope can be contacted at [email protected] and (703) 3809195 (US central time).
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For more than three decades, Academic Search has offered executive search services exclusively to
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education leadership through professional search services. We are the only search firm in the nation with a
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Academic Leadership Institute (AALI), Academic Search provides substantial financial support to a
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private higher education. For more information, visit www.academic-search.com.
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