President

Presidential Profile

Southeast Arkansas College

The Board of Trustees of Southeast Arkansas College invites nominations and applications for the position of President of Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK).

The College

The mission of Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK) is to build a community of lifelong learners committed to becoming the leaders of tomorrow. Formerly Pines Vocational Technical School (1959), Southeast Arkansas College was created by Act 1244 of the 78th General Assembly of the State of Arkansas, which was signed into law by the Governor on April 17, 1991. SEARK is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. With 2,324 credit and 118 non-credit students in the 2023 academic year, SEARK provides a comprehensive community college education and services, and serves students from a rich variety of backgrounds. The College offers applied associate degrees, certificates, and university transfer associate degrees, as well as high school dual enrollment partnerships, apprenticeship programs, customized workforce training, and personal enrichment opportunities.

The President is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of SEARK College’s Strategic Plan, which focuses on the fulfillment of the College mission and meets the needs of Southeast Arkansas. The President is also responsible for securing resources and developing and maintaining the budget aligned with the priorities to the College’s mission, goals, and long-range plan. The President's role extends to both internal and external constituencies, involving the campus and support of an effective leadership team within SEARK College and the external advocacy for the institution and SEARK students. This includes understanding state and federal trends and legislation and representing the needs of the College to federal and state legislators and agencies. Also, collaboration with local business, industry, economic development entities, education, and community leaders, as well as philanthropic organizations and nonprofits to fulfill the College mission and deliver high-quality educational programs to the communities it serves.

The Region

Pine Bluff, a city of over 40,000, is located approximately 40 minutes south of the metropolitan Little Rock area with recreational opportunities including golf, tennis, pickle ball, swimming, hiking, fishing, hunting, numerous historical sites and landmarks, Southeast Arkansas Arts and Science Center, Saracen Casino and Resort and access to the Arkansas River.

Presidential Profile

Southeast Arkansas College

The Position

Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK) has a history of stable leadership, and the next President of Southeast Arkansas College will be a leader committed to addressing the following challenges and opportunities:

Challenges and Opportunities

• To continue to invest in the tradition of academic excellence and develop innovative approaches to increase enrollment, student success and retention.

• To strategically build and expand programs and partnerships to meet the educational and workforce needs of the community.

• To develop opportunities that will successfully address economic challenges within the state and region especially those presented by a decreasing population throughout SEARK’s service area.

• To work collaboratively to identify and implement opportunities for underserved communities.

SEARK is seeking an innovative and collaborative leader who will make a long-term commitment to the College and community, and is:

Ideal Characteristics

• A passionate, student-focused, and student-centered leader with academic, student support, and workforce experience and successful past performance with student recruitment, retention, and success.

• A strategic and visible leader who will serve as an effective advocate for SEARK’s mission and vision throughout the region.

• A community-focused leader who will energetically serve a role in current civic, economic, and quality of life initiatives.

• A collaborative leader who will be an integral part of the current efforts to increase

regional employment opportunities and build a strong and successful workforce.

• A leader who fosters a culturally inclusive environment and promotes cultural

diversity where individuals are valued and empowered to achieve.

• A seasoned fundraiser with a successful record of identifying and creating new revenue sources and working with a college foundation.

• An accomplished fiscal steward who has experience working with large and complex budgets. Demonstrated success aligning budget allocations with institutional mission

and strategic priorities.

• A data-driven leader prepared to implement new strategies to expand and develop programs and services in the best interests of the institution and community.

• An educational partner who builds relationships with K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions.

• A proven administrator able to work effectively with governing boards, faculty, staff, students, and governmental and community members.

Presidential Profile

Southeast Arkansas College

• A compassionate individual with the highest level of integrity and honesty.

• An energetic, approachable, decisive, and participatory team builder who will work collaboratively and transparently with faculty, staff, and students.

Skills/Experience

• Experience in crisis management and safety planning.

• Experience with athletics, student housing, and housing management.

• Experience with advocacy at the local, county, state, and federal levels.

• Experience in recruiting and retaining quality faculty and staff and supporting professional development opportunities for all employees.

• Experience in the areas of dual credit, general and technical education, and allied health programs.

• Experience working with institutional and programmatic accreditation.

• Experience working with business and industry partners.

Qualifications

• 3 years Senior level administrative experience, preferably at a two-year college.

• Teaching experience, preferably at a two-year college.

• Earned doctorate (from an accredited institution) is highly preferred.