Vice President for Student Experience

Capital University seeks an innovative, student-centered, and collaborative leader to serve as the inaugural Vice President for Student Experience (VPSE). Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the President's Cabinet, the VPSE will advance the University's mission to transform lives by empowering an inclusive community of learners through engaging academic, co-curricular, and professional experiences.

The Vice President will lead the newly formed Division of the Student Experience, integrating student affairs, student success, retention, and persistence efforts to provide a seamless, holistic student journey from orientation through graduation. The VPSE will serve as Capital's chief advocate for student well-being and belonging - ensuring that every student thrives academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually within a community grounded in Lutheran values and a deep commitment to inclusion and open inquiry.

The University delivers undergraduate and graduate programs to over 2,400 students in the arts, sciences, humanities and professions, including graduate degrees in law, business, clinical mental health and school counseling, divinity and theology, social work, music, and education.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Division of the Student Experience, aligning innovative, data-forward initiatives with Capital's mission, values, and strategic priorities. The VPSE oversees the following departments/areas:
• Academic success (Tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, Academic Coaching, and the Writing Center)
• Student Success (Student Success Coaching, Early Alerts/Interventions)
• Career Development
• Student & Community Engagement
• Clubs & Organizations
• Leadership Development
• Orientation & Transition Programs
• Parent and Family Programs
• Campus Activities
• Community and Civic Engagement (Cap Cupboard/Cap Closet and America Reads)
• Student Government
• Student Union Activities
• Wellness and Prevention Programs (Certified Peer Educators and The Mezz Fitness Center)
• Fraternity & Sorority Life
• Diversity and Inclusion (Smooth Transition and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Learning)
• Residence & Commuter Life
• ADA/Accessibility Services
• Title IX
• Student Conduct
• Global Education & International Student Support Services
• Center for Health & Wellness
• University Pastor & Religious Life
• Partner with Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, Athletics, and other divisions to promote a cohesive student experience centered on success, belonging, and purpose.
• Lead campus-wide efforts to drive high-impact, measurable strategies to improve student retention, persistence, and engagement, using data-forward insights and national best practices.
• Serve as a visible, trusted member of the President's Cabinet and a key voice for the student experience in institutional planning and decision-making.

Student Success and Well-Being

• Oversee an integrated network of student success functions, including academic support, advising partnerships, persistence and retention initiatives, career development, counseling, wellness, and basic need for resources.
• Champion the holistic well-being of students through coordinated care models, proactive interventions, and programs that enhance belonging, identity development, and life skills.
• Ensure effective systems for early alerts, case management, and student support services to address barriers to student success.
• Work to identify and collaboratively address barriers to access for students, faculty, and staff with disabilities to build a more accessible campus and college experience.

Student Life and Engagement

• Foster a vibrant campus community that celebrates Capital's CapFam culture through residence life, student engagement, leadership development, athletics, faith and spiritual life, community engagement, and student organizations.
• Promote opportunities for civic engagement, experiential learning, and leadership that reinforce Capital's commitment to vocation, values, and learning through doing.
• Partner with students, faculty, and staff to enhance the culture of inclusion, safety, and respect on campus.

Administrative and Operational Oversight

• Supervise and support all units within the Division of the Student Experience
• Develop and manage budgets and staffing to ensure strategic use of resources and accountability for outcomes.
• Lead divisional assessment, planning, and continuous improvement processes that align with institutional KPIs and student success measures.

Collaboration and Partnership

• Serve as a bridge-builder and convener across the University to strengthen communication, coordination, and care for students, especially with Dining Services, Public Safety, Information Technology, Facilities, and Athletics
• Collaborate with Enrollment Management to ensure smooth transitions from admission through orientation, and with Academic Affairs to integrate co-curricular learning outcomes and experiential education.
• Represent the University externally with parents and families, community organizations, and professional associations to enhance Capital's visibility and reputation as a student-centered institution.
• Provide administrative support and guidance through a dotted line structure to the student experience areas at Capital Law School and Trinity Lutheran Seminary by collaborating with the deans of each area.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in higher education administration, student affairs, or related field.
• Minimum of eight years of progressive leadership experience in student affairs, student success, or related areas.
• Demonstrated record of advancing student engagement, retention, and well-being initiatives.
• Proven ability to lead diverse teams, manage complex budgets, and build collaborative, cross-divisional partnerships.
• Strong communication, data-informed decision-making, and crisis management skills.
• Deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging consistent with Capital's Lutheran heritage and values.

Preferred Qualifications

• Earned doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in higher education or related field.
• Experience as a senior student affairs officer or cabinet-level leader.
• Demonstrated success in developing retention and persistence strategies yielding measurable outcomes.
• Experience with high-impact practices, living-learning communities, and integrated student success models.

APPLICATIONS, NOMINATIONS, AND EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Confidential discussion, nominations, and inquiries about the position are encouraged and may be arranged by contacting the search chair, Dr. Darrell Bailey, Director of Athletics and Recreation at Capital University at CapuVPSE@capital.edu.

• To apply, candidates should prepare a letter of interest addressing the leadership agenda and desired qualities, characteristics, and experiences outlined in this profile prospectus. Current curriculum vitae/resume is also required. All applications must be submitted through Capital's career portal at https://capital.applicantpro.com/jobs/. References will be requested later in the search. The position is open until filled, but only applications received by January 13, 2026, will be guaranteed full consideration.

Capital University offers a rich benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, family education benefits, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance and free parking.

Capital University is an equal opportunity employer. Capital University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion, sex, gender, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by the law.

Capital University is currently unable to sponsor employment Visas or consider candidates who will require Visa sponsorship.