Chancellor Search

CHANCELLOR

EXCELLENCE. SPIRIT.

TRADITION.

OVERVIEW

Founded as a private institution in 1890, Henderson State University offers comprehensive academic programs in the areas of business, innovation, and entrepreneurship; applied professional sciences and technology; health, education, and social sustainability; and the arts and humanities. The university encourages scholarly and creative activities in a caring, personal atmosphere that reflects the university’s motto for more than a century, “The School with a Heart.”

Henderson is located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, a community of 11,000 residents one hour south of Little Rock. The community is home to two universities, a strong public school system, two recreational rivers, and DeGray Lake. Arkadelphia is 35 miles from historic Hot Springs National Park.

Henderson enrolls approximately 1,500 undergraduate students and 650 graduate students in programs of study that address the diversified needs of higher education for Arkansas and the region. Henderson serves a high percentage of rural and low-socioeconomic communities and takes pride in empowering these students—many of them first-generation college students—to achieve their educational goals and promote economic development in their communities.

KEY OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

In January 2022, Henderson faced a $12.5 million projected budget shortfall for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, long-term debt of $78 million, and depleted financial reserves, even after receiving a $6 million dollar advance from the State of Arkansas in July 2019.

Henderson needed to restore financial integrity and stabilize its finances for sustainable operations. This included eliminating its annual operating deficits, improving its overall cash position, and aligning its instructional spend with the revenue generated by specific academic programs. A declaration of financial exigency in March 2022 led to the elimination of approximately 40 percent of academic porgrams.

Henderson has made significant progress to restore fiscal integrity. Henderson progressed from a low of seven days of cash on hand in 2019 to 50 days of cash on hand in 2022. The institutional financial progress was recognized by the Higher Learning Commission in its June 2023 focus visit report.

Remaining challenges include addressing long-term debt, retention, and recruitment.

Henderson’s chancellor will build on a rich 133-year legacy of educational excellence to forge a new path for the university as part of the Arkansas State University System. The chancellor serves as the chief executive officer for Henderson State University and provides leadership and oversight for all aspects of the university, including academics, finance and administration, student affairs, enrollment, marketing and communications, alumni and development, athletics, and other key areas. The provost, vice chancellors, and several other staff members report to the chancellor. The chancellor works closely with the provost and vice chancellors to ensure that the strategic direction and policies of the university are aligned with its mission.

The chancellor reports to the president of the Arkansas State University System and works with a Board of Visitors and the ASU System Board for governance and to set the strategic direction for the institution.

The chancellor has primary responsibility for the planning, development, implementation, assessment, and improvement of all programs and policies. To lead Henderson forward, the chancellor will:

■ Lead efforts to develop and execute the university’s new strategic plan

■ Enhance and ensure Henderson’s financial stability

■ Nurture Henderson’s role as a member of the Arkansas State University System

■ Steward community engagement and economic development efforts

■ Build a campus culture centered around communication

■ Expand the university’s resources through external fundraising, including cultivation and solicitation of donors

■ Demonstrate well-developed leadership and management skills and a professional and personal commitment to diversity and inclusion

■ Function as an active and accessible member of the community, frequently interacting with constituencies both on campus and outside the university

MISSION

Henderson State University opens the door of access and opportunity to college for all students and builds pathways from school to work.

We believe in the potential of all learners to acquire competencies and skills for career readiness.

HISTORY

VISION

Henderson State University prepares students to be career ready in high-demand fields that drive community and economic development.

Henderson State University has a unique history. The only Arkansas university which has been controlled by both church and state, Henderson is also the only public university in Arkansas named for an individual. Of the nine Arkansas public universities, Henderson is one of only two originally established as a four-year, degreeconferring institution and is the second oldest university under state control. The university has operated for a century under six names: Arkadelphia Methodist College (1890-1904), Henderson College (1904-1911), Henderson-Brown College (19111929), Henderson State Teachers College (1929-1967), Henderson State College (1967-1975) and Henderson State University (1975- ).

Henderson State University had its beginnings on November 6, 1889, when Arkadelphia civic leaders and members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, held a town meeting at the church to discuss establishment of a Methodist college for Arkadelphia and south Arkansas. Leaders of the movement, however, became convinced that the interest of the community could best be served by securing Hendrix College, an established Methodist institution then subject to relocation. Arkadelphia’s failure to secure Hendrix College resulted in implementation of the original plan.

The institution was founded on March 24, 1890, and was incorporated as Arkadelphia Methodist College. It was chartered as a four-year, coeducational baccalaureate liberal arts college. The college opened on September 3, 1890, with 110 students and 10 faculty members. The name was changed to Henderson College in 1904 to honor Charles Christopher Henderson, a trustee and prominent local businessman. In 1911, the name was amended to

Henderson-Brown College to honor Walter William Brown, who was also a trustee. From its founding in 1890 until 1925, the college also operated an academy, which provided instruction for students desiring high school courses and for those not prepared to enter the collegiate curriculum.

Henderson was a sister institution of Hendrix College. In 1929, the educational commission of the Arkansas Methodist Conferences proposed that the two colleges be merged in Little Rock. However, through the efforts of Arkadelphia citizens and religious and political leaders of south Arkansas, the institution, then known as HendersonBrown College, was offered to the State of Arkansas. The Arkansas General Assembly enacted legislation (Act 46) to “establish a standard Teachers College in Arkadelphia,” and Henderson became a state university.

Henderson State University became the second four-year institution in the Arkansas State University System on February 1, 2021.

THE REDDIE SPIRIT

Upon its establishment in 1905, the Henderson State football team became known for wearing red jerseys. Absent a traditional nickname or mascot, the team was appropriately dubbed the “Reds.” Eventually, the name shifted to “Reddies,” which remains in use today.

Tragedy struck the college early on the morning of February 3, 1914. A fire broke out in the main building and quickly engulfed the entire structure. Thanks to the efforts of students from both Henderson-Brown and Ouachita Baptist, the entire library, several pianos, and countless personal effects were saved. The building itself was a total loss. Subsequently, the entire student body met in a pine grove near the remains of the building and discussed the next steps in the future of the college. Out of an enrollment of nearly 300, only seven students decided to leave.

The decision of most of the students to stay and rebuild their school is known as the birth of the Reddie Spirit. At the beginning of each fall semester, the Pine Tree Speech Assembly introduces a new generation of Reddies to this legacy of overcoming obstacles, which is the heartbeat of Henderson.

ACADEMICS

Henderson State University is committed to preparing students for employment in high-demand fields in Arkansas and our region. We offer undergraduate and graduate degrees through four learning communities. Students and alumni have achieved national and international recognition, including Rhodes, Fulbright, and Rotary International Scholarships.

Applied Professional Sciences and Technology

The Applied Professional Sciences and Technology learning community prepares students to meet the demands of an evolving workforce through scientific knowledge, technological skills, and logical problem solving. Engaging in community and industry partnerships, project-based coursework, and experiential learning opportunities, students are prepared for careers and/or graduate studies in STEM fields.

Arts and Humanities

The Arts and Humanities learning community promotes student creativity, self-expression, and originality. Arts and Humanities students become leaders and vibrant contributors to their profession, community, and the common good.

Business, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

In the Business, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship learning community, students, faculty, and partners collaborate in equipping our graduates with the tools necessary for the ever-changing business world. We accomplish this by encouraging students to consider potential business solutions with a growth mindset in an experiential learning environment.

Health, Education, and Social Sustainability

In the Health, Education, and Social Sustainability learning community, students, campus professionals, and community partners value public service, community building, and human engagement. We study and promote inclusive practices that embrace differences and enhance learning within a community of service-oriented leaders.

Graduate Programs

Henderson offers graduate-level programs in business, education, nursing, counseling, and sports administration. These degrees are administered by their respective learning community.

CHANCELLOR

The chancellor of Henderson State University will function as the chief executive officer of the institution and will report directly to the Arkansas State University System President.

The institution seeks a visionary, inclusive, decisive, creative, courageous, and progressive leader to further strengthen and develop the institution. The successful candidate will have the character and integrity that are deserving of the public trust, a demonstrable commitment to the ideals of excellence and diversity, and a successful track record working in an environment of strong shared governance. An earned doctorate or recognized terminal degree, a minimum of five years of executive leadership experience with progressively increasing responsibilities and a demonstrated record of innovation and success, and a strong track record of fiscal management are preferred.

The successful candidate will have the following characteristics, abilities, and responsibilities:

■ Ability to provide strategic leadership and articulate a vision for the institution that is based on student success, collaboration, exemplary academic programming, and sound fiscal management;

■ Knowledge and understanding of current educational trends, issues and challenges for a comprehensive public university including access and affordability, innovation, change management, and the importance of enrollment management in a tuition-driven budget environment;

■ Strong knowledge of higher education fiscal affairs, including budgeting, accounting, human resources, and higher education law;

■ Possession of strong analytical skills with the ability to develop creative and effective strategies to address challenges and opportunities;

■ Ability to communicate effectively and transparently, and work cooperatively with faculty, staff, students, and the system president;

■ Desire to be a willing and visible servant leader, who earns the confidence and respect of faculty, staff, students, and alumni in an environment of shared governance by being an effective listener and who fosters an excellent rapport with campus constituency groups through open, transparent, and substantive communication;

■ Ability to prepare and recommend to the president regulations, policies, rules, and procedures useful for the welfare of the institution and the system;

■ Ability to work with multiple institutional constituencies, including a local Board of Visitors, ASU System Board of Trustees and personnel, Arkansas Department of Higher Education personnel, and other statewide policymakers;

■ Knowledge of, and leadership in, emerging instructional and administrative technologies;

■ Record of fundraising with demonstrated success in identifying, soliciting, and securing alternative revenue, including private fundraising gifts and governmental or private foundation grants;

■ Ability to develop relationships locally, statewide, regionally and nationally with school districts, community colleges, other universities, and the business and industry community, to increase the visibility of the university and communicate a commitment to community engagement and economic development;

■ Organizational skills that produce an efficient and responsive structure for the management of academic, student, and financial components of the campus administration consistent with board and institutional policies;

■ Diversity of experiences and knowledge, including experience managing complex organizations;

■ Recruiting, appointing, and evaluating the executive staff of the campus, and making staffing decisions as needed;

■ Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the vision and mission of a historic regional public university and to chart a future vision and mission for the university;

■ Knowledge of the operations of a Division II intercollegiate athletics program.

Review of applications will begin October 27, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled. The new chancellor will assume office on a date mutually agreed upon with the System President. Compensation is commensurate with experience, and there is an outstanding benefits package including an on-campus residence. Application materials (to include a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of five references) must be electronically submitted (MS Word or Adobe PDF) via PRESIDENT@ASUSYSTEM.EDU .

Read the full position description, including an institutional profile and prospectus, at HSU.EDU/CHANCELLOR and WWW.ASUSYSTEM.EDU

Under the provisions of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, applications are subject to public inspection. All other communications should be directed to:

PAM KAIL EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE ASU SYSTEM PRESIDENT 870.933.7903

PRESIDENT@ASUSYSTEM.EDU

Henderson State University and the Arkansas State University System are Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employers.