Job Summary

The Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students (VP/DOS) will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for student affairs, fostering a vibrant and supportive campus environment. This senior leader is responsible for re-imagining and elevating the student experience through dynamic programming, wellness initiatives, and support services that align with the institution's mission, values, and student-first promise. The VP/DOS serves as a highly visible and accessible, and enthusiastic advocate for students while advancing student engagement, success, and retention.

This position requires some work outside normal operating hours, including nights and weekends.

Major Responsibilities/Duties/Critical Tasks

• Provide vision, leadership and supervision of staff and programs across all areas of student life – including campus activities, student organizations, residence life, wellness, leadership development, and judicial affairs. 
  
  
• Develop and implement bold initiatives aligned with the university’s strategic plan that enhance engagement and the student experience - fostering a fun, connected, student centric culture.
  
  
• Partner with all university divisions to provide support for enrollment, recruitment, and alumni initiatives.  Lead cross-campus collaborations and partnerships with academic and administrative colleagues as well as external partners to strengthen the student experience.
  
  
• Serve as a highly energetic and accessible Dean of Students, advocating for the needs, voices, and experiences of students in social, academic, and campus life matters. Act as a trusted and visible presence across our campuses – someone who students know and see at events, games, performances, and key moments in their journey.
  
  
• Lead student conduct, conflict resolution, and crisis response processes that are fair, educational, and grounded in the values of respect and care.
  
  
• Build transparent communication channels with students, families, faculty, and staff, ensuring two-way listening and visible responsiveness.
  
  
• Ensure compliance with University and UT System policies and procedures and federal and state guidelines.
  
  
• Oversee the budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support strategic priorities, ensuring accountability and alignment with divisional priorities.
  
  
• Represent the Division of Student Affairs on institutional committees and at key university functions.
  
  
• Cultivate philanthropic, grant, and corporate partnerships to fund new student initiatives, leadership programs, and signature campus experiences.
  
  
• Champion and model an engaging, memorable campus experience, creating “moments that matter” for students and a sense of pride and belonging that lasts long after graduation.
  
  
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Required Education/Experience

• Master’s degree in Higher Education or related field.
  
  
• Seven (7) years of experience in higher education in related areas. 
  
  
• Five (5) years leadership and supervisory experience.
  
  
• May accept a combination of education and experience. 

Preferred Education/Experience

• Experience building innovative, student-centered programs or signature events.
  
  
• Experience in budget management.
  
  
• Experience with PeopleSoft.

Accompanying Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• Strategic leader with a creative mindset, able to envision and execute new ways of engaging students, enhancing culture, and building community.
  
  
• Utilize a variety of communication styles to achieve successful outcomes and negotiate agreements.
  
  
• Establish, nurture, and maintain productive relationships with internal and external audiences.
  
  
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, working both independently and as a team member.
  
  
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated record of completing assignments.
  
  
• Outstanding organizational skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, and coordinate events and activities.
  
  
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
  
  
• Demonstrated flexibility and initiative in a dynamic work environment.

About The University of Texas at Tyler and UT Tyler Health Science Center

The University of Texas at Tyler is part of the prestigious University of Texas System that includes 14 institutions located throughout the state. Founded in 1971, UT Tyler today enrolls 10,000 students and consists of six colleges. 

Designated an R2 research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, UT Tyler supports our surrounding region through innovation intended to uplift communities, spearhead sustainability initiatives, preserve ecosystems and support entrepreneurship. UT Tyler has the highest Carnegie classification in East Texas.

Providing exceptional patient care, comprehensive education and innovative research, The University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health East Texas combine to serve as the university medical center for Northeast Texas and beyond.

For more information, please visit https://www.uttyler.edu/about.

Additional Information

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code Section 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.

For more information regarding benefits offered by UT Tyler, please visit https://www.uttyler.edu/offices/human-resources/employees/benefits. 

EEO Statement

The University of Texas at Tyler is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.