SRIAFFA TNEDUTS
ASSOCIATE VICE CHANCELLOR CANDIDATE PROFILE
Overview To build on a strong foundation of achievement and contribute to the realization of its ambitious institutional goals, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) invites applications for the position of Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. As a premier metropolitan university, SIUE is committed to advancing social and economic mobility while shaping the workforce of the future. Grounded in a comprehensive, broad-based education and enriched by hands-on research opportunities, SIUE equips its students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a global marketplace and positively impact their communities. Why SIUE? Employing more than 2,400 faculty and staff members, SIUE is one of the largest employers in the Metropolitan St. Louis area. A study by SIUE School of Business faculty shows the University has a $471 million annual economic impact on the region. Each year, the University's presence generates almost 9,000 additional jobs and more than $250 million in labor income for the area. About the Division of Student Affairs The Division of Student Affairs at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville strives to engage SIUE students in services and programs that make lifelong learning possible. Our efforts are focused on providing a student experience in which every student feels supported by the campus environment, connected to the institution, and prepared for the challenges of today and tomorrow. Our mission is to support students as they learn from and navigate life’s opportunities and challenges. In 2025, the Division of Student Affairs launched 4WARD Focus, a student success framework with four identified priorities to guide divisional efforts that enhance student retention, persistence, and graduation. These priorities include: Student Basic Needs Student Health and Well-being Career-readiness Competency Fostering a Vibrant Campus Life This strategic approach addresses the interconnected elements essential for student success, inspiring divisional contributions to achievement of SIUE’s institutional goals.
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The Role of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, the Associate Vice Chancellor is an executive strategic partner with a focus on enhancing the student experience, increasing student success, and supporting overall campus engagement. The AVC directs complex critical programs and at times serves as the decision-maker in the absence of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. The AVC frequently represents the entire Student Affairs organization at campus and/or community events and activities, and while serving on internal and external committees. This high-impact role is focused on fostering student success, enhancing co-curricular learning, and advancing institutional priorities through innovative and inclusive practices and in meaningful collaboration with campus partners. The Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs has significant responsibility for and is expected to lead organization-wide initiatives, decisions, and policy matters involving students and student engagement initiatives throughout the organization and University. Programs under the leadership of the AVC affect a number of major aspects of academic and non-academic life for students at the University. The AVC must possess a passion for, and commitment to equity and is responsible for high-risk departments with sensitive issues and concerns pertaining to student recruitment, retention, and student success. This executive-level position seeks to accomplish organization, division, and department goals, thereby creating and promoting a culture of student engagement and success, while continuously representing the Student Affairs organization. The AVC will join a university community that is committed to making social mobility possible for all individuals and entire families through its high-quality educational experiences and commitment to inclusive excellence, as outlined in the University’s Strategic Plan. This includes the opportunity to help shape the future of SIUE by transforming the extra-curricular and co-curricular experience for students and making SIUE a destination of choice for students who seek something greater. The AVC will have significant responsibility for contributing to the institutional goals of reaching an enrollment of 14,500 while ensuring strategic growth that reflects SIUE’s commitment to inclusive excellence, our values and goals; reaching 90% first- to second-year retention, a four-year graduation rate of 45% and a six-year graduation rate of 75%, while ensuring that equity gaps are closed.
Key Priorities, Responsibilities and Expectations for Leadership Several key priorities exist for this position. The AVC will provide innovative and forwardthinking vision that leverages institutional strengths, best practices, and current trends, in partnership with academic affairs, to reimagine a co-curricular experience that prioritizes student engagement, belonging, and learning. Candidates must have demonstrated success in contributing to the creation of vibrant campus communities that foster belonging, engagement, and success. Strategic Leadership and Vision Provide executive level leadership of the Student Affairs organization of the following units: Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub (Sorority & Fraternity Life, Student Organizations, Student Leadership/Development, Community Engagement, Campus Activities Board, Student Government, Campus Programming, History and Heritage Month Programming), New Student and Family Programs, Career Development Center, Campus Recreation, Morris University Center, Dining Services, Textbook Service, Student Publications, and Cougar Store. Develop, manage, and support an effective, highly professional, and diverse team dedicated to student engagement, belonging, and success, and promote professional development to ensure a well-trained and motivated staff. Collaborate closely with the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and other members of the Student Affairs senior staff to share information, engage in issue-spotting, and creatively solve problems to benefit the university community. Remain informed about emerging issues and trends affecting the student experience and the field of student affairs and educate the university and campus partners accordingly. Proactively identify and implement innovative solutions to address areas of improvement and foster growth within the division. Collaborate with other University divisions to implement student development goals, initiatives, standards, policies, and procedures, and to achieve divisional and institutional goals. Actively engage in divisional planning, resource allocation and policy formulation, ensuring compliance with university and SIU System policies, and state and federal laws. Operational and Financial Oversight Strategically steward and enhance financial resources. Oversee operational excellence across units, ensuring resource optimization and compliance with institutional regulations. Administer and allocate unit budgets in alignment with university and divisional priorities and policies.
Supervision and Staff Development Lead and manage a team of professional staff, including six direct reports, 175 full and part-time staff and 350 undergraduate student staff and leaders, fostering a culture of professional growth, accountability, and innovation. Make critical hiring decisions, provide coaching and mentoring, and oversee performance management processes to ensure team excellence. Student Engagement and Success Oversee a comprehensive, contemporary co-curriculum that supports student learning from first-year to career. Coordinate the development and delivery of high-impact, large-scale cultural and social programs for the student body. Provide leadership training and advisory support to campus colleagues, committees, and initiatives, fostering a vibrant campus life. Collaborate with institutional stakeholders to develop innovative support systems that ensure student success and retention. Collaboration and Advocacy Work closely with executive-level leaders and others across the University to develop and implement strategic, entrepreneurial, and data-driven strategies driven by institutional priorities. Provide leadership in fulfilling the University's strategic goals, including generating excitement and motivating University constituents to collaborate and unite in achieving those goals. Maintain open communication channels with the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs to align on institutional goals and priorities. Serve as an advocate for student needs and well-being, influencing policies and practices that enhance the overall student experience. Executive Leadership Lead the Student Affairs Co-curricular Planners Council and the Student Affairs Recognition Team and ensure execution of activities and initiatives. Serve as a member of assigned campus committees that foster belonging and engagement. Perform other related duties as needed, with the flexibility to adapt to evolving institutional priorities. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position. This role provides a unique opportunity for a transformational leader to advance the mission of the university by enhancing the student experience, fostering innovation, and shaping a supportive and inclusive campus environment.
Professional Qualifications and Qualities Educational Background: Master’s degree from an accredited institution is required; completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree is valued. Professional Experience: 7 years of relevant and progressive leadership experience in higher education. 10 or more years of experience is valued. The strongest candidates will also have demonstrated success in carrying out the responsibilities of a higher education administrator including personnel supervision, fiscal management, and external relations. Enrollment management, marketing, and analytical expertise: extensive experience and a track record of developing and implementing strategic, data-driven enrollment management plans based on effective use of marketing, information technology, predictive modeling, and CRM analytics. Extensive knowledge of regional, national, and international student enrollment trends, both undergraduate and graduate, particularly within public universities and research institutions. Strong competency in enrollment analytics, financial aid modeling, policy, and compliance. A demonstrated record of success increasing enrollment as well as net tuition revenue. Innovative thinking: evidence of entrepreneurial thinking that leads to new strategies and a strong vision; ability to strategically plan and serve as a catalyst for organizational change, cultivate a shared vision with others, and motivate others to transfer vision into action. Leadership aptitude: ability to shape a culture based upon the pillars of the institutional strategic plan with student success at the core. Evidence of effective staff management, including hiring, mentoring, and retaining excellent talent. Commitment to the professional development of staff. Supervision experience in a union-represented environment is valued. Commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion: demonstrated track record of recruiting, enrolling, and retaining diverse populations of students. Demonstrated understanding of the importance of anti-racist, diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments within a higher education setting. Collaborative Approach: demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with key partners, including but not limited to faculty, staff, senior administrators, students, alumni, K-12 partners, community college partners, civic leaders, corporations, and foundations. Evidence of significant partnership with campus constituencies to develop innovative enrollment and marketing strategies, that are appropriately adaptive for distinctive programs, schools/programs, and students.
About Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Emphasizing teaching, research, and public service programs, SIUE is a premier metropolitan university with more than 12,000 students enrolled. Founded in 1957, SIUE is a fully accredited public institution beautifully situated in Edwardsville, Illinois, on 2,660 acres just 25 miles from St. Louis, Missouri. SIUE provides students with a high quality, affordable education that prepares them for successful careers and lives of purpose. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education and enhanced by hands-on research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students receive equips them to thrive in the global marketplace. SIUE is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. In June of 2020, SIUE established an Anti-Racism Task Force to make substantive and transformative changes necessary to realize the University’s values through principled and intentional actions. SIUE is classified as a doctoral/professional institution in the Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education system. The University recently launched a new strategic plan and enhanced its brand position. SIUE welcomed Dr. James T. Minor as its new chancellor on March 1, 2022 and is poised to go forward with a bold vision, ambitious goals and a strong value proposition. University Mission Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a student-centered educational community dedicated to communicating, expanding and integrating knowledge. In a spirit of collaboration enriched by diverse ideas, our comprehensive and unique array of undergraduate and graduate programs develop professionals, scholars and leaders who shape a changing world. University Vision Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will achieve greater national and global recognition and academic prominence through innovative and interdisciplinary programs that empower individuals to achieve their full potential.
University Values Civic Engagement Social, civic, and political responsibility – globally, nationally, locally, and within the University Active partnerships and a climate of collaboration and cooperation among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the larger community Sustainable practices in environmental, financial, and social endeavors Excellence High-quality learning within and beyond the classroom Continuous improvement and innovation Outstanding scholarship and public service Inclusion A welcoming and supportive environment Openness to the rich diversity of humankind in all aspects of university life Respect for individuals, differences, and cultures Intellectual freedom and diversity of thought Integrity Accountability to those we serve and from whom we receive support Honesty in our communications and in our actions Wisdom Creation, preservation and sharing of knowledge Application of knowledge in a manner that promotes the common good Lifelong learning
About Chancellor Minor Dr. James T. Minor, Ph.D., became the 10th chancellor in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s history on March 1, 2022. “I am extraordinarily honored to serve SIUE and the SIU System,” Minor said. “We will go boldly forward as an institution that realizes human potential; amplifies access for all individuals with a critical focus on equity; and defines the region by our intellectual, social and economic impact.” Minor previously served as assistant vice chancellor and senior strategist in the office of the chancellor at California State University, which recently posted the highest graduation rates in its history. He has successfully advocated for hundreds of millions of dollars in support of graduation initiatives and served
Chancellor James T. Minor, Ph.D.
as principal investigator for $7.5 million in funded programs and research. Prior to his post at California State University, Minor served as deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Education where he administered more than $7 billion in federal higher education programming. A recognized thought leader in the field of higher education, Minor has a noted resume of teaching and scholarship in educational policy, administration in higher education, academic governance and more. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as well as a bachelor’s in sociology from Jackson State University and a master’s in sociology from the University of Nebraska.
About Vice Chancellor Roccia Miriam Roccia serves as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where she leads a comprehensive division of more than 300 professional staff and 700 student employees dedicated to fostering student success, belonging, and engagement. With over 25 years of progressive leadership experience in public higher education, Roccia has devoted her career to designing and implementing innovative programs and services that center students' voices and create pathways to persistence, retention, and success. Roccia's leadership philosophy is grounded in her commitment to structural belonging—the intentional design
Vice Chancellor Miriam Roccia, MPA
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physical,
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environments that ensure every student feels supported, connected, and prepared for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Under her leadership, SIUE has significantly expanded student basic needs support, increasing campus food pantry usage by 475% in one year; enhanced mental health access through innovative virtual platforms and in-person service transformation; and reimagined the co-curricular experience to integrate career-readiness competencies throughout the student journey. Throughout her career at institutions including the University of Missouri-St. Louis, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and Drake University, Roccia has orchestrated complex organizational initiatives, maintained relentless focus on meaningful outcomes, continuously adapted to emerging trends in higher education, solved problems with creativity and courage, and envisioned multiple pathways forward in dynamic situations. Roccia's ability to arrange people, resources, and opportunities for maximum impact has been instrumental in transforming SIUE's student experience. A passionate advocate for public higher education's role in creating social and economic mobility, Roccia believes deeply in the power of student affairs to transform lives and strengthen communities. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Drake University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Truman State University.
Local Community About Edwardsville/Glen Carbon The Edwardsville/Glen Carbon community is safe and welcoming with a small-town feel and easy access to the St. Louis metro area. Edwardsville and Glen Carbon are thriving centers of population growth and economic development. The community provides easy access to arts and entertainment opportunities presented in St. Louis and on the SIUE campus. Area residents also enjoy world-class dining and shopping, as well as an abundance of bike trails, parks and healthy living opportunities. Edwardsville/Glen Carbon, located within Madison County, provides access to more than 100 miles of trails and bikeways in the MCT Trails system. The City of Edwardsville is ranked among the nation’s top 15 safest college towns by Research.com in its 2023 Safest College Towns list. Ranked 13th nationally, Edwardsville was number three in Illinois and ranked ahead of all Missouri college towns. Edwardsville and Glen Carbon, as well as surrounding communities, benefit from strong public school systems. Area school districts provide safe and supportive learning environments where students can grow through academic and extra-curricular opportunities. About the Greater St. Louis Region Just 25 miles from the SIUE campus, Greater St. Louis offers all of the amenities of a major metropolitan city. With more than 2.8 million residents, St. Louis is the 20th-largest metropolitan area in the country. St. Louis is a biotech and business hub and is home to nationally known Fortune 500 companies. St. Louis Lambert International Airport provides convenient travel to anywhere in the world. The St. Louis region offers easy access to a variety of attractions and activities. SIUE employees enjoy entertainment and cultural offerings including the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and live, outdoor performances at The Muny in Forest Park. St. Louis is also home to popular professional sports teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Major League Baseball St. Louis Blues, National Hockey League St. Louis City SC, Major League Soccer
Applications The Search Advisory Committee invites applicants to submit a complete application for full consideration by December 1, 2025. A complete application includes: A fully completed online application An uploaded curriculum vitae or resume A letter of interest Three professional references While applications will be accepted until the position is filled, interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible to assure consideration. Initial review of applications will begin December 1 2025; however, the University reserves the right to end or extend the application and nomination process following this date. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville nurtures an open, respectful, and welcoming climate that facilitates learning and work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce, we will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, national origin, religion, disability, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. For more information and to apply visit https://tinyurl.com/SIUEAVC2526.