vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty

North Central College
Naperville, Illinois
Vice President for Academic A ffairs
and Dean of Faculty
Position Specification Summer 2014
Table of Contents
The Opportunity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
The Role of the Vice President
for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Opportunities and Expectations for Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Qualities and Qualifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
North Central College: At a Glance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Academics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Student Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Fine Arts and the Naperville Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Quick Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Procedure for Candidacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty Search Website:
northcentralcollege.edu/DeanVPAASearch
position specification
The Opportunity
North Central College is one of higher education’s great success stories. A 153-yearold comprehensive liberal arts institution located in Chicago’s western suburbs,
North Central has experienced nearly four decades of continuous enrollment growth,
balanced budgets, salary increases, additions to its physical plant, and harmonious
relations with its host community of Naperville. This is particularly impressive given
broader trends in higher education over the past five years. With a strong balance
sheet, the good will of its students and alumni, the stability of both its leadership
and its academic program, and a college community committed to its values and
mission, North Central aspires to build upon its success to date. Having appointed
an entrepreneurial and energetic new president to help lead the College forward
from this position of strength, North Central College now seeks a thoughtful and
innovative vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty (dean) to serve
as a key partner to the president, faculty, and other senior leaders in envisioning and
building the College’s future. The new dean will succeed a long-tenured incumbent
who is retiring at the conclusion of an extremely successful tenure in the position.
North Central College has grown consistently since its founding in 1861, expanding
considerably over the past 20 years. Today, its 2,800 undergraduate students—more
than half of whom live on campus—choose from more than 55 majors. Additionally
250 students are enrolled in seven areas of graduate study. The College retains the
ethos of and commitment to the liberal arts while embracing a number of carefully
chosen pre-professional and graduate programs. It is a founding member of the New
American Colleges and Universities (NAC&U) and is recognized by U.S. News &
World Report and The Princeton Review as one of the best colleges in the Midwest.
North Central students garner such national recognition as Goldwater, Fulbright, and
Soros Scholarships. Consistent athletic success is one of the school’s many hallmarks.
North Central is ranked in the top 5 percent in the NCAA Division III Learfield
Sports Directors’ Cup standings, and its teams have won 30 national championships.
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North Central College
Recently completed capital projects include a state-of-the-art performing arts facility
and an innovative and environmentally friendly residence hall/recreation center that
has been nationally recognized for its sustainable design. In addition, plans for an
ambitious new science building are nearly complete.
North Central’s next dean will join a flourishing institution that is at a pivotal point in
setting the course for its future. There is much to accomplish (e.g., a new science center,
review of the general education curriculum, development of new undergraduate and
graduate programs, and the application of new technologies). The dean will collaborate
with the president, faculty, and other senior leaders, as well as an engaged and generous
board of trustees, to ensure the College will continue to achieve its ambitious goals.
The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of higher education and the
comprehensive liberal arts mission, an unwavering commitment to students and
their success, leadership skills appropriate to the challenges and opportunities of this
role, and the personal qualities necessary to thrive within a collegial environment.
An earned terminal degree and a record of teaching and scholarship that merits
appointment at full professor is required.
Naperville is a dynamic community of nearly 150,000 residents, and the College
is located only 35 minutes from Chicago’s Loop by train. The town is notable for
its lively downtown, picturesque historic neighborhoods, outstanding schools, and
spirited, involved citizenry.
For information regarding how to make a nomination or to express personal interest
in this position, please see the section entitled “Procedure for Candidacy” near the end
of this document.
The Role of the Vice President
for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty
The vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty (dean) will be an engaged,
inspiring leader with a demonstrated commitment to the College’s mission and core
values. She or he will work effectively with the president, faculty, cabinet, and board
of trustees in pursuit of strategic academic initiatives that will further strengthen the
College and the community. The dean will actively seek consensus among all the
College’s constituencies, exercising superb management and decision-making skills.
The dean will communicate effectively with both internal and external constituencies,
articulating clearly and passionately the College’s mission and strategic aspirations.
The dean will embrace and support the faculty’s commitment to excellence in
teaching, underscored by quality scholarship, and will foster an environment that
reinforces the continued connection between the two. The dean will demonstrate a
deep understanding and respect for tenure and academic freedom, as well as shared
governance, especially with regard to faculty welfare and development and academic
programs. The dean will strengthen and foster a vibrant and diverse community
of students, faculty, and staff, enhancing relationships with alumni, parents, and
others closely associated with the College. The dean will lead our shared pursuit of
knowledge with character, passion, and integrity.
The vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty reports to the president
and sits on the College’s cabinet. Other members of the cabinet include the following:
»» vice president for business affairs;
»» vice president for enrollment and athletics;
»» vice president for student affairs and dean of students; and
»» vice president for institutional advancement.
position specification
North Central College’s academic departments are organized into four divisions:
Economics and Business, Human Thought and Behavior, Arts and Letters, and
Science. Each division has a chairperson who reports to the dean, as do members of a
senior leadership team comprised of the following:
»» dean of graduate and continuing studies;
»» associate dean for academic affairs;
»» associate academic dean and director of institutional effectiveness;
»» associate academic dean and director of integrative programs;
»» registrar and assistant dean; and
»» director of library services.
In addition, the assistant vice president and chief information officer and the assistant
vice president for human resources report jointly to the dean and the vice president
for business affairs.
Opportunities and Expectations for Leadership
The next dean will address several strategic imperatives that will continue to strengthen
North Central College and add value to its students, faculty, staff, and community.
Strategic envisioning of the future of academic programs
Much of North Central’s success over the past twenty years may be attributed to its
steady and considerable growth. Given the constraints that finite space will eventually
impose upon the size of the traditional residential student population, the College’s
future is likely to be focused on thoughtful, balanced, and innovative ways to bring
the highest quality education to a population of learners seeking diverse learning
experiences. The dean will provide vision and creativity to help develop and grow
the educational experience in new ways and into new fields that reflect the basic
ethos and core values of the College. At the same time, he or she will understand the
direction of higher education and how institutions like North Central must address
the opportunities and the challenges of that future.
Among other things, this means working closely with the dean of graduate and
continuing studies to create and expand degree and non-degree options for graduate
and non-traditional students. North Central’s future will hinge on its leaders
maintaining its success while being more cost effective and using the College’s
resources and facilities wisely. This includes enhancement and support of integrative
learning.
Additional examples of areas in which the College expects to make progress under the
leadership of a new dean are
»» enhancement of the diversity of the College community;
»» exploration of additional programmatic accreditation, i.e., AACSB;
»» expansion of international study and global outreach; and
»» the teaching role of part-time and adjunct faculty relative to that of the full-time,
tenure-track faculty.
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North Central College
Implementation of new technologies
North Central College is committed to exploring ways in which it can use new
technologies, both pedagogical and administrative, to improve its quality, efficiency,
visibility, and outreach. While the campus is now Wi-Fi enabled, and there is some
infrastructure in place, like Blackboard, at present the College offers no online and
few blended courses. In partnership with the faculty, the dean will explore technologyenabled course delivery methodologies, both in traditional classrooms and in blended/
online environments, and ultimately will articulate a clear direction and set of goals
for new initiatives.
In this endeavor, the dean will also enjoy the support of an innovation-oriented
president and board. The College’s new dean for graduate and continuing education
and the new chief information officer also will be enthusiastic partners both in
building the infrastructure to facilitate innovation and in engaging in data-driven
market analysis to help guide decisions about new program development.
Review of the general education curriculum
North Central College’s current general education curriculum has been in place (with
periodic modification) for about 12 years. One of the dean’s key priorities will be to
engage the faculty in a comprehensive review that can build upon assessment data
and the national conversation about best practices. Faculty are eager for change, and
there is consensus at all levels that a general education review is necessary. Initializing
this review is specifically called for in the College’s 2012-17 strategic plan. The dean’s
leadership and support in such an effort is crucial.
Review of the current academic structure
North Central College benefits from an accomplished and committed faculty and
staff. Among the 136 full-time faculty, 105 are tenured or tenure track, with 70
percent of courses taught by full-time faculty. There are effective evaluation processes
in place, including post-tenure review that occurs every five years, and a sevenyear program review cycle for every academic department and interdisciplinary
program. The College has grown significantly yet has maintained a largely constant
structure; therefore, together with the College’s faculty, the dean will assess where the
institution’s shared governance structure and operations may be made more agile in
anticipation of current, as well as future, needs and trends.
Moving forward, an important goal will be to empower faculty and senior staff
to develop new initiatives more quickly, and to provide the support necessary to
implement and sustain them. In addition, the dean will address how faculty can better
balance teaching and other institutional activities.
position specification
Enhancement of North Central College’s visibility
and external engagement
North Central College students earn national recognition, and the College is
characterized by a dedicated and engaged faculty, a robust culture of assessment, an
exceptionally strong financial balance sheet, and successful athletic programs with
student-athletes who also excel in the classroom. The new president is eager to bring
greater visibility to the College’s quality, mission, and accomplishments. The dean
will be a partner in this effort, including engaging at the regional and national level
in conferences and professional meetings both to stay abreast of best practices and to
showcase the strengths and accomplishments of North Central faculty and students.
The dean will also be a leader in exploring opportunities to build relationships with
the academic, not-for-profit, and business communities. The City of Chicago presents
a rich opportunity for partnerships, and the College has already begun to build ties
to the city. For instance, the Chicago Term, a distinctive opportunity for students to
spend a term studying, working, and volunteering in Chicago, has helped to both
expand student experience and heighten the visibility of the College.
Raising the College’s profile regionally, nationally, and internationally would have
several positive effects, including increased awareness of the College’s excellence on
the part of potential employers of its graduates.
Transformation of the academic facilities
Over the next five years North Central College will execute a once-in-a-lifetime
transformation of its academic facilities. The lynchpin will be a new facility for
science, a long-recognized and oft-discussed necessity for the College. The institution
has worked hard with the faculty over the last year to formulate a plan for the new
building. The dean will continue this work in partnership with the president, board,
and faculty to ensure the project comes to successful fruition within the next two
years. Building on the success in strengthening facilities for the fine arts and athletics,
fundraising for the facility has progressed rapidly toward a $60-million goal and will
continue with urgency over the coming months. The new facility will house the
laboratory sciences, including chemistry, biology, physics, and neuroscience, as well
as mathematics, computer science, and psychology. In addition, significant common
area for students and classrooms will be available to the entire campus community.
Following its completion, the two academic facilities left vacant will be fully renovated
to the benefit of the Economics and Business, Arts and Letters, and Human Thought
and Behavior Divisions.
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North Central College
Qualities and Qualifications
North Central College seeks a dean with the vision, energy, and intelligence necessary
to take an already-successful institution to higher levels of success. Accomplishing
this will require the ability to galvanize the faculty around a vision for the future of
academic programs; the communication and interpersonal skills necessary to advocate
for support of that future with the president, cabinet, and board; an understanding and
regard for the liberal arts and the work of faculty both in the classroom and as scholars;
and an overriding focus on student success, including an understanding of the value
of co-curricular engagement.
The dean will have a deep understanding of higher education, especially in terms of
the environment of a liberal arts-based comprehensive institution where the primary
focus is excellence in teaching. She or he will have a demonstrated record of being
committed to tenure, academic freedom, and shared governance. The dean will be an
inspiring leader of people and programs who demonstrates the qualities of integrity,
judgment, emotional maturity, energy, creativity, decisiveness, and sense of humor
that typify the finest leaders. The new dean’s style must also resonate with faculty,
the cabinet, administration, staff, the community, the board of trustees, and other
major stakeholders. He or she must possess the ability to listen to a broad array of
constituents and make decisions that put the interests of the College first.
Exceptional collaboration skills are an absolute requirement, as are the interpersonal
and relationship-building skills necessary to create sincere engagements with both
internal and external audiences. In addition, candidates will have the following
professional qualifications and personal characteristics.
»» Academic accomplishments: An earned terminal degree combined with an
excellent record as a teacher and scholar, including having attained tenure, and
preferably having been promoted to the rank of full professor
»» Commitment to quality: A record of recruiting people and developing
programs of the highest quality
»» Commitment to diversity: A track record of individual action and institutional
leadership to advance diversity in all its forms
»» Exceptional communicator: Ability to consistently help the Cabinet to
understand the needs and interests of the academic affairs unit, as well as help the
faculty to remain cognizant of the broader needs of the institution.
»» Entrepreneurial spirit: Eagerness to seek new areas of activity and to engage
others in creative approaches to potential projects, including, for example,
exploration of joint programs with other institutions
»» Strategic vision: The ability to engage others in deliberation about the future of
academic programs; the capacity to bring people together across organizational
units in pursuit of the continuing growth and improvement of the College
»» Program development experience: Experience in building and leading
academic programs, preferably including graduate and online programs
»» Shared governance: Familiarity with and comfort working in a sharedgovernance environment in which faculty are fully engaged in program
development, approval, and review, and other areas of academic decision-making
»» Management experience: Sufficient experience in complex organizations to
manage budgets; delegate authority; select, support, and develop personnel; and
form effective partnerships with faculty and administrators across the College
»» Breadth: Familiarity with the issues and opportunities associated with a range of
academic areas (e.g., humanities, sciences, pre-professional programs)
position specification
North Central College: At a Glance
North Central College is a student-centered, comprehensive liberal arts college
with nearly 2,600 full-time undergraduates and 250 graduate students and part-time
undergraduates. The College is committed to academic excellence; a climate that
emphasizes leadership, ethics, values, and service; a curriculum that balances jobrelated knowledge with a liberal arts foundation; and a caring environment with small
classes. The College has historic ties to the United Methodist Church and proudly
celebrated its 150th anniversary during the 2011-2012 academic year.
Mission
North Central College is a community of learners dedicated to preparing students
to be informed, involved, principled, and productive citizens and leaders over their
lifetime.
Governance
North Central College is governed by a Board of Trustees, which meets three times
a year, in October, February and May, and includes the president of the College. The
president is assisted in his duties by an administrative cabinet which currently consists
of five vice presidents.
Transparency
North Central College views itself as a public trust even though it is a private
institution. Consistent with a mission commitment to leadership, ethics, and values,
the College seeks transparency in its finances, policies, results, and accreditation
reporting. Informative links on the College’s website include Accreditation and
Affiliations, Annual Report 2013, Financial Statements and Self-Study Report.
accolades
North Central College is recognized as:
»» One of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report
»» A 2013-2014 “College of Distinction”
»» A “College for High-Achieving Students” by Peterson’s Competitive Colleges
»» One of “America’s Best Colleges” by Forbes
»» A “Best in the Midwest” College by Princeton Review
»» Named a “High Return on Investment College” by Affordable Colleges Online
»» A “Great College To Work For” by the Chronicle of Higher Education
»» A “Military Friendly School” by G.I. Jobs magazine
»» Among North America’s “322 Green Colleges” by Princeton Review
»» A member of the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll
by the Corporation for National and Community Service
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North Central College
Academics
North Central College is proud of its tradition of academic excellence and its mission
to prepare students to be informed, involved, principled, and productive citizens and
leaders over their lifetime. With undergraduate degrees awarded in 55 areas and seven
master’s degrees, North Central’s reputation for academic excellence attracts students
who are motivated by scholarly achievement and seek an environment for mentoring and
collaborative research.
The strength of North Central’s academic program is expressed by these commitments:
»» Excellence in teaching and learning.
»» A strong liberal arts foundation, balanced curriculum, rich array of extra-curricular
experiences and emphasis on leadership, ethics, values, and service.
»» A culture that supports collaboration across disciplines and interdisciplinary teaching
and learning.
»» Witness by faculty, staff, and students for values of free and open inquiry, integrity,
and civility.
»» An education that is personal in character, with a mentoring, engaged faculty, small
classes, and a healthy student/faculty ratio.
»» “One faculty, one degree” for all graduates, high academic standards and rigorous
expectations of faculty as teachers and scholars.
»» International learning.
»» Recruitment and support of qualified students, faculty, and staff from diverse ethnic,
religious, and economic backgrounds, consistent with the inclusive tradition of the
United Methodist Church.
The College offers a variety of academic opportunities and programs that build on its
character, mission, and location, including: coursework reflecting an institutional focus on
leadership, ethics, and values; a Chicago Term for urban and suburban studies; December
Term courses both on campus and around the world; an emphasis on East Asian studies
with Japanese and Chinese language tracks; a focus on preparing teachers for high-need
schools; an expansive study abroad program; Richter Independent Study Fellowships to
fund student travel and research; and award-winning cocurricular activities such as Model
United Nations, Mock Trial, Forensics, Enactus, American Marketing Association, and
the College radio station, WONC-FM 89.1.
The First-Year Experience (FYE) Program fosters assimilation into the campus culture.
FYE 100 is taught by the student’s faculty advisor and is organized around a contemporary
case study and summer reading assignment.
position specification
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Students with a passion for critical thinking and academic achievement may participate
in the College Scholars Honors Program, which focuses on independent research that
culminates in a senior thesis; interdisciplinary seminars; global awareness through study
abroad; and one-on-one advising for Rhodes, Fulbright, Truman, Goldwater, and other
prestigious awards. In recent years, high-achieving students and alumni have achieved
remarkable successes in receiving honors as Goldwater Scholars, Fulbright English
Teaching Assistants, Dunn Fellows, and Soros Fellows.
Across all disciplines, students participate in research and are encouraged to present
their efforts at the College’s own Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research and at
the National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR). In 2014, North Central
College sent 44 students with 40 presentations representing 19 academic departments to
NCUR, placing the College in the top 4 percent in the nation.
FACULTY
Great teaching has always been central to the mission of North Central and the College’s
sense of itself. North Central students thrive in small classes with professors who love
teaching, mentoring, and interaction outside the classroom. For 2014-2015, the College
hired 9 tenured positions, of which 4 are new additions to the faculty.
A distinctive professional term and development grants encourage continued research and
professional growth for the 135 full-time faculty who annually publish numerous articles
and books but whose primary mission is teaching. The College has 13 endowed chairs
for esteemed faculty along with the Ruge Fellows program, which is designed to reward
senior faculty for extraordinary teaching abilities.
ACCREDITATION
A 2010 visit by the accrediting team from the Higher Learning Commission of the North
Central Association of Colleges and Schools resulted in continued accreditation, with the
next review scheduled for 2019-2020. The team was impressed by North Central’s culture
of assessment, fundraising efforts to build new facilities and the overall comprehensiveness
of the self-study process.
Majors, minors and programs
Undergraduate
Majors & Minors
Accounting
• Certified Management
Accountant
• Certified Public
Accountant
• Corporate
Actuarial Science
Anthropology
Applied Mathematics
Art
Art Education
Art History
Athletic Training
Biochemistry
Bioinformatics*
Biology
Broadcast Communication
Business
Chemistry
Chemical Microscopy
Chinese
Classical Civilization
Coaching*
Communications
Computer Science
Conflict Resolution*
Dance*
East Asian Studies
• China
• Japan
Economics
Education
Elementary Education
Engineering (dual-degree)
English Studies
• Literature
• Journalism
• Writing
English Language Learning*
Entrepreneurship & Small
Business Management
Environmental Studies*
Exercise Science
Finance
French
Gender and Women’s Studies*
German
Global Studies
• Developing States
• East Asia
• Europe
• International Business
• International Relations
Graphic Arts
Health Education*
History
History of Ideas*
Human Resource Management
Interactive Media Studies
• Graphic Art
• Interactive Media
Technology
• Convergent Media
International Business
Japanese
Jazz Studies
Journalism
Leadership*
Liberal Studies
Management
Management Information
Systems*
Marketing
Mathematics
Music
• Instrumental
• Jazz Studies
• Vocal
Music Education
• Choral
• Instrumental
Musical Theatre
Neuroscience*
Nuclear Medicine Technology
Organizational Communication
Philosophy
Physical Education
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Radiation Therapy
Religious Studies
Secondary Education
Social Change Leadership*
Social Science/History
Sociology
• Community Studies
• Criminal Justice
Spanish
Speech Communication
Sport Management
Theatre
Urban and Suburban Studies*
Wellness*
pre-professional
programs
Health Sciences
• Dentistry
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy
• Optometry
• Pharmacy
• Physical Therapy
• Physician Assistant
• Podiatry
• Veterinary Medicine
Law
Medicine
graduate programs
(masters degrees)
Business Administration
(M.B.A.)
Education
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Leadership and
Administration
International Business
(M.I.B.A.)
Leadership Studies
• Higher Education
Leadership
• Professional Leadership
• Social Entrepreneurship
• Sports Leadership
Liberal Studies
• Culture and Society
• Writing, Editing and
Publishing
• Ethics and Public Service
Management Information
Systems
Web and Internet Applications
five-year bachelor’s/
master’s degree
programs
Business Administration
(C.P.A./M.B.A.)
Leadership Studies
Liberal Studies
Web and Internet Applications
* Minor only
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North Central College
Student Life
North Central’s students come from 27 states and 32 countries but predominantly
from Illinois and the upper middle west. The typical North Central student is
looking for a personalized academic experience, opportunities for Division III athletic
participation and access to internships and the cultural riches of Chicago.
Of the College’s 3,000 students, the majority are the nearly 2,600 full-time
undergraduates that are of traditional age (18- to 24-year-olds). Nearly 1,500 live
in college housing, and the remainder live off campus or commute. An additional
213 undergraduates, many of them working adults, are enrolled part-time in day or
evening classes; and about 250 are enrolled in graduate programs.
North Central College’s minority enrollment constitutes 18 percent of the student
population. The Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of International
Programs assist in promoting a diverse academic community that respects, appreciates
and celebrates human differences within and among cultures. The College has an
active Black Student Association, Raza Unida Association, Voices of Praise gospel
choir, and other student programs to promote a culturally rich campus.
With a growing population of students living on campus over the past decade, North
Central has become a vibrant, 24/7 community in the heart of a “metroburb” of
two million people. Fine arts productions (ranging from the Chicago Symphony
Orchestra to 15 student theater performances a year), cultural events, athletic contests,
ministry and service opportunities, residence life activities, recreational sports and
wellness programs, and more entertainment options in downtown Naperville have
transformed the campus environment.
In addition, to complement academic initiatives, the College has introduced a wide
array of new student service programs, aimed at improving academic success, but also
providing opportunities to grow leadership skills and engage the wider community
through spiritual activities, team-building, service projects, volunteerism, and
cocurricular competitions.
position specification
During calendar year 2013, North Central students provided 25,108 hours of
community service, such as helping resettle local refuge families, preparing tax
returns for low-income citizens and participating in a full day of community service
called Intersection.
The College’s Career Development Center includes a full-time Internship Coordinator
to help students access the rich array of opportunities available in Naperville and
Chicago. Students have interned at fine arts institutions like the Goodman Theatre
in Chicago, major media outlets, corporations, Argonne National Laboratory and
dozens of other prestigious institutions that prepare them for either graduate studies
or careers upon graduation.
Athletics at North Central is another point of great pride. The College has amassed 30
team national championships, more than any other member of the College Conference
of Illinois and Wisconsin. With more than 550 student-athletes in 23 sports, North
Central’s program is an NCAA Division III leader for its balanced emphasis on
academics, leadership, and athletic performance.
The athletic department of the College has developed several athletic leadership
programs to involve older student-athletes in mentoring young students, provide
community service, and promote and market athletic events. Annual spring break
trips for athletes, who travel together to assist with Habitat for Humanity projects
have become popular for building camaraderie.
Every team enjoys a relationship with at least one faculty mentor, who serves to bridge
the divide between academics and athletics by offering counsel, friendship, and spirit
to the team. Thirty-three faculty members serve as mentors and some frequently
travel to out-of-town contests.
Another important dimension to student life is the access to international programs
and cultural events; 50 study abroad opportunities; an international student population
and visiting scholars; a variety of short-term international study trips during December
Term; a campus-wide academic focus on global topics; and an active International
Club (one of the campus’ largest student organizations). The Office of International
Programs is devoted to ensuring that every student’s education has an international
dimension.
North Central College students gain tremendous benefits from the College’s blend of
academic and cocurricular opportunities that prepare them to become global citizens.
student life quick facts
»» Full-time undergraduates . . . 2,600
»» Part-time undergraduates. . . . 200
»» Graduate students. . . . . . . . 250
»» Total headcount
enrollment . . . . . . . . . . 3,050
»» International and
exchange students . . . . . . . . 79
»» Minority students . . . . . . . . 543
»» States and territories
represented . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
»» % Full-time
undergraduates men . . . . . . 44%
»» Countries represented. . . . . . . 32
»» % Full-time
undergraduates women. . . . . 56%
»» Resident students. . . . . . . .1,472
»» % Degree-seeking undergraduates
25 and older . . . . . . . . . . . .6%
»» Average age of full-time degreeseeking undergraduates. . . . . . 20
»» Retention rate. . . . . . . . . . 79%
»» Six-year graduation rate 3-year average. . . . . . . . . . 64%
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North Central College
Resources
Business Operations
North Central College is a fiscally conservative institution with annual balanced operating
budgets over the past 43 years. The College engages in long-term borrowing primarily to
construct revenue-producing structures, such as residence halls.
Facilities
Notable additions and renovations to the campus in recent years include:
»» The Residence Hall/Recreation Center (2009) which added nearly 400 beds to
campus, along with a 200-meter indoor track, recreation facilities, a sports history
gallery, and athletic training classrooms. It received Silver certification for Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the U.S. Green Building Council.
»» Meiley-Swallow Hall, acquired in 2004 and completely renovated in 2007-2008,
accommodates speakers, concerts, and small stage productions in a 235-seat thrust
stage theatre and provides three stories of art classrooms.
»» The $30 million Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center, dedicated in 2008, features
a 605-seat concert hall, 150-seat experimental theatre, an art gallery, rehearsal rooms,
classrooms, and offices.
»» Kiekhofer Hall and historic Koten Chapel, which provides spaces for academics and
ministry and service after a $4.25 million renovation in 2005-2006.
»» The historic, fully refurbished A.A. Smith House, built in 1885 by longtime College
professor Henry C. Smith.
»» A free-standing bookstore.
»» The Rolland Center Boilerhouse Café, dedicated in 2004, expanded opportunities for
informal community gatherings.
position specification
Sustainability
For four consecutive years, North Central College has been included in “The Princeton
Review’s Guide to 332 Green Colleges.” Among the initiatives at the College cited in the
guide are the College’s robust alternative transportation program, fleet of two electric
vehicles and dual electric vehicle charging stations, bike-sharing program, LEED-certified
Silver Residence Hall/Recreation Center, refillable bottle program, a Community Garden
project that supplies fresh produce for campus dining facilities, efforts that include donating
used oil and grease from dining halls to green diesel research, food waste composting
program, faculty-student research in the area of sustainability, student clubs, and Career
Center assistance with locating green jobs.
In addition, a project that resulted in modern LED lighting inside Merner Field House
will result in drastic reductions in energy consumption and maintenance costs in these
facilities.
The College committed to the Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact in April 2011,
making North Central one of the first colleges in Illinois to seek gold status, the state’s
highest recognition of energy-saving and environmentally friendly initiatives.
The most ambitious green project in North Central College history is the Res/Rec Center,
completed in fall 2009. To reduce the building’s footprint, the College wrapped a new
residence hall around a new recreation center in a unique 201,500-square-foot structure
that earned the Silver standard for Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Design (LEED)
sustainability certification. The building was constructed to use 17.5 percent less energy
than if it had been constructed without its energy-efficient features.
Technology and Resources
All students, faculty, and staff at North Central have access to a voice, video, and data
network, including full Internet access from residence halls, classrooms, computer
laboratories, and offices, computer networking, and multimedia labs. Wi-Fi availability has
been extended throughout campus. A new assistant vice president and chief information
officer began his position in May 2013 and is actively collaborating on technology projects
with students and faculty.
The College also has a state-of-the-art psychology laboratory, several computer labs, a
dual-boot Macintosh lab and access to a fully equipped television, film and photography
studio. North Central’s Oesterle Library offers students and faculty ready access to more
than 50 million items from 80 college and university libraries in Illinois in addition to
more than 200,000 volumes in its collection and access to millions of online articles.
Finances
The College’s operating budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year is $68.7 million. Comprehensive
charges, including tuition, room, board, and fees for the 2013-2014 academic year are
$41,940 per student. The discount rate averages 43 percent after scholarships and grants.
The College’s Composite Financial Indicator Score is 3.0, the highest possible rating.
Advancement
The Institutional Advancement area has an extraordinarily strong record of contributing
to the College’s resource base. Average annual giving over the past five years was $9.77
million per year. This consistent success can be attributed to strong alumni and community
support, administrative expansion and restructuring, the efforts of experienced fundraisers,
a dedicated and involved Board of Trustees and a mature planned giving program.
This record of success has contributed to these statistics:
»» The endowment increased in value from $81.1 million in 2007-2008 to $98.8 in
2012-2013 (plus annuities).
»» The scholarship endowment increased from $20.9 million to $29.8 million.
»» Nine gifts of $1 million or more were received in the past five years.
»» There are 13 endowed chairs for faculty.
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15
North Central College
Fine Arts and the Naperville Community
Fine Arts
In 2008, to meet expanding program demands and burgeoning community needs, the
College opened the Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center, which houses three
versatile arts venues—the acoustically spectacular concert hall, a black box theatre,
and an art gallery—under one roof. Around the same time, North Central acquired
and renovated Meiley-Swallow Hall for theatre and art, adding a 235-seat theatre ideal
for intimate stage productions and visiting speakers. The new venues were designed to
complement the historic 1,050-seat Pfeiffer Hall.
Together these facilities create a campus arts district that borders Naperville’s vibrant
downtown. The construction of new arts venues has enabled the College to become
Naperville’s fine arts “presenter” by offering a wide array of music, dance and theatre
performances each year to the more than two million residents of Chicago’s western
suburbs. In recent years, legendary performers have graced the Wentz stage—
including Yo-Yo Ma, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis, Bernadette
Peters, Bill Cosby, Celtic Woman and the Vienna Boys Choir. Having a world-class
hall has enabled North Central to forge partnerships with organizations such as the
Chicago Sinfonietta, the nation’s most diverse orchestra, which has made the Wentz
its home venue in the Chicago suburbs.
Perhaps most importantly, the fine arts facilities have helped recruit a talented pool
of theatre and music students, many of whom already have or aspire to become
professionals in the Chicago and national art scenes. And, each fine and performing
arts season provides opportunities for students to see world class artists and performers.
position specification
Our hometown, Naperville
North Central College is proud of its location in one of the country’s most desirable
small cities: Naperville, Illinois. The charming Historic District—adjacent to
downtown Naperville and the Metra train station with connections to Chicago—is
home to the 65-acre campus.
Among its many accolades, Naperville in April 2014 was named among the “Top 10
Best Cities for New College Grads,” reports a study by Livability.com, which ranks
cities where jobs are available and recent college graduates want to live.
The advantages of calling Naperville “home” include its thriving economic
environment and numerous corporate headquarters; two school districts with national
reputations and top achievement scores; a diverse population with supporting faith
and social organizations; progressive recreational and environmental programs with
a focus on the community’s Riverwalk that links to North Central’s campus; and
cultural opportunities both locally and in Chicago. All these factors make Naperville
ideal for opportunities for family members and for North Central College students.
Since its move to Naperville in 1870, North Central College has been an integral part
of the life of the city—and vice versa. As the community grew to a city approaching
150,000, the College has been an important contributor to its quality of life, sharing
expertise, facilities, cultural activities and, most significantly, students, employees, and
graduates with the schools, city government and downtown and area businesses.
The College’s historic role as the place where the community gathers—fulfilled
since the 1920s by Pfeiffer Hall and Merner Field House—took on significant new
dimensions in the last 15 years, with the construction of Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium
(1997-2000), Zimmerman Stadium (1998) and the Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts
Center (2008) and the renovation of historic Meiley-Swallow Hall for theatre and art.
These arts facilities were designed after an extensive community survey by a national
fine arts consultant and were envisioned from inception as shared resources—a key
element in the successful $30 million fundraising effort that attracted nearly 500 new
community donors.
Another important relationship exists between the College and immediate
neighborhood—residents of the charming Historic District. The College addresses
neighborhood concerns through a multi-faceted and consistent investment in
communication, building adaptation, landscaping, parking and traffic management,
and the sharing of facilities.
In fact, the donors of the magnificently restored $3.5 million A.A. Smith House (home
of North Central’s first president) in 2008 cited the College’s record of stewardship as
one of the reasons for their gift.
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17
North Central College
Quick Facts
academic degrees
»» Bachelor of Arts
highlights and accolades
»» Bachelor of Science
»» One of “America’s Best Colleges” by
U.S. News & World Report
»» Master’s degree in seven areas
»» A 2013-2014 “College of Distinction”
»» Top 5 majors of 2012-2013 graduates:
Psychology, Management, Elementary
Education, Marketing and Interactive
Media Studies
»» A “College for High-Achieving
Students” by Peterson’s Competitive
Colleges
curriculum
»» Interdisciplinary core courses
»» College Scholars Honors Program
»» Study Abroad Program
»» Chicago Term
»» Three 10 ½ week terms
»» Three-week December Term
»» Summer session for credit
»» Advanced Placement credit available
»» International Baccalaureate credit
available
costs 2014-2015
»» Tuition . . . . . . . . . . . . $34,050
»» Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $180
»» Room and Board. . . . . . . . $9,795
»» One of “America’s Best Colleges” by
Forbes
»» A “Best in the Midwest” College by
Princeton Review
»» Named a “High Return on Investment
College” by Affordable Colleges Online
»» Among North America’s “322 Green
Colleges” by Princeton Review
»» A member of the President’s Higher
Education Community Service Honor
Roll by the Corporation for National
and Community Service
Admission data
»» Freshman acceptance rate. . . 64%
»» Freshman yield rate. . . . . . . 20%
»» Undergraduate. . . . . . . . . 2,800
»» New transfers - 2013-2014 . . . 452
»» Graduate. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
»» New graduate
students - 2013-2014. . . . . . . 132
»» Minority . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18%
»» States represented. . . . . . . . 27
»» Countries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
faculty
»» Full-time . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135
»» Tenure-track. . . . . . . . . . 106
»» Faculty with Ph.D. or terminal
degree in field. . . . . . . . . 91%
»» Full-time administrative
and support staff. . . . . . . . . 259
»» New freshmen - Fall 2013. . . . 529
»» Women. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56%
»» Overall undergraduate
tuition discount - Fall 2013 . . 44.8%
»» A “Military Friendly School” by G.I.
Jobs magazine
enrollment
»» Men . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44%
»» First-year tuition discount
rate - Fall 2013. . . . . . . . . 54.9%
»» Half-time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
»» Average ACT score Freshmen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
»» Illinois residents. . . . . . . . . 93%
»» Average debt of graduating
students - 2012-2013. . . . $29,047
»» A “Great College To Work For” by the
Chronicle of Higher Education
student population
full-time undergraduate statistics
financial aid
alumni
»» 25,530 living alumni
»» 2,398 live in Naperville
»» 15,039 live in the Chicagoland area
»» No teaching assistants
»» Average class size. . . . . . . . 21.5
»» Student / Faculty ratio . . . . . . 15:1
»» % Teaching by
full-time faculty . . . . . . . . . 68%
»» % Teaching by
half-time faculty. . . . . . . . . 11%
»» % Teaching by
part-time faculty. . . . . . . . . 21%
revenue (fiscal year 2013)
»» Net tuition and fees. . . $46,783,743
»» Total revenue . . . . . . $76,618,364
»» Net tuition and fees (as percentage
of total revenue). . . . . . . . . 61%
endowment
»» Market value of endowment March 31, 2014 . . . . $105,767,000
»» Net assets March 31, 2014 . . . . $215,149,000
»» Total giving five-year average. . . . . $9,772,828
position specification
Procedure for Candidacy
The anticipated start date for the selected candidate will be in Summer 2015.
Nominations, expressions of interest, and applications are invited. Interested
individuals should provide a letter describing their interest in and qualifications for
the vice president for academic affairs and dean (dean) of faculty position, current
curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of five references. This
material should be sent via email to the College’s consultants, Dennis M. Barden and
Elizabeth K. Bohan, at: [email protected].
This search will be conducted with respect for candidate confidentiality. References will
not be contacted without the candidate’s prior knowledge and approval. Recruitment
will continue until the position is filled. To receive full consideration, applications
should be received by September 15, 2014. Review of candidate materials will begin
in Fall 2014 with the goal of having the new dean announced by Thanksgiving 2014.
Confidential inquiries, recommendations of possible candidates, and questions
concerning this search may be sent by email to [email protected]
or directed to Dennis M. Barden at (630) 575-6167 or Elizabeth K. Bohan at (630)
575-6161.
Applicants who would enrich the diversity of the campus community
are strongly encouraged to apply. EOE.
The material presented in this Position Specification should be relied on for informational purposes only.
This material has been copied, compiled, or quoted in part from North Central College documents and
personal interviews and is believed to be reliable. Naturally, while every effort has been made to ensure
the accuracy of this information, the original source documents and factual situations govern.
18
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