The Presidential Search Application Process Has Ended.
Thank you to all of our applicants.
2024
Presidential Search
Overview
Knoxville College stands at a pivotal juncture in its storied history, facing significant opportunities for revitalization and growth. The next President will guide the institution through this critical period, ensuring its sustainability and success. This role demands a leader with a deep understanding of higher education, exceptional fundraising capabilities, unwavering integrity, strategic vision, and strong staff development skills. Additionally, the President must possess astute business acumen and political savvy to navigate the complexities of this leadership position.
Search Committee Members
Dr. Eric Barnes
Search Committee Chair
Vice Chair, Board of Trustees
Brenda Gardner
Trustee
President, KCNAA
Sheryl Houston
Trustee
Rev. Jimmy King
Secretary
Board of Trustees
Frank Shanklin
Trustee
Dr. Jaclyn Anderson
Faculty Representative
Dr. Tyvi Small
Vice Chancellor of UT-Knoxville
Higher Education Representative
Gussie Cherry
Alumni Representative
Rev. Greg Goodwiller
Presbyterian Church Representative
Presidential Search Timeline
June 10, 2024 – President’s Position Posted
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Search Committee will begin national recruitment with a deadline of July 15.
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National Presidential Search Website launched.
June 10 – July 15, 2024 – Search Committee Strategic Recruitment and Screening
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Search Committee will continue to engage in strategic recruitment and sourcing, targeting potential candidates, reviewing application materials and conducting preliminary conversations to identify qualified and preferred candidates.
Late July 2024 – First Round of Virtual Interviews
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The Search Committee will review candidates and identify semi-finalists for interviews based on the selection criteria in the leadership profile established by the Board.
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The search committee will conduct first-round interviews and assists with selecting finalists for second-round interviews. Knoxville College Human Resources will verify education, credentials, and employment history.
Early-August 2024 – Second Round of On-Campus Interviews
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Second-round interviews will take place on campus, including candidate presentations for the entire campus community and meetings with Trustees, alumni, faculty, community members, etc. Finalists meet with additional constituents as needed.
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Search Committee will conduct in-depth review of references.
Mid- August 2024 – Board of Trustees
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Search Committee recommends acceptable candidates to the Board of Trustees.
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Board of Trustees votes to select the next President of Knoxville College
Late August 2024 - Offer Extended and Announcement of President
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The Chair of the Board of Trustees or her/his designee will extend an offer to the desired candidate. The final candidate accepts the offer, and an appointment will be announced.
Accommodations will be made in this timeline should circumstances warrant and it will be updated as the search progresses.
Presidential Position Profile
Comprehensive Presidential Position Description for Knoxville College
Position Title: President of Knoxville College
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Higher Education Leadership
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Provide visionary leadership to guide Knoxville College through the reaccreditation process, ensuring compliance with all academic standards.
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Foster partnerships with other higher education institutions, particularly within the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) network.
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Oversee the development and implementation of innovative educational programs that meet the needs of current and future students, both online and on-campus.
Fund Development/Fundraising
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Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure necessary resources for the College’s operations and strategic initiatives.
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Cultivate relationships with alumni, donors, and philanthropic organizations to expand the College’s donor base and increase financial support.
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Leverage the reaccreditation process to unlock new funding opportunities and reestablish access to financial resources.
Integrity and Trust
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Build and maintain a culture of transparency, accountability, and trust within the College community.
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Address internal and external perceptions of the College’s integrity, working to unify diverse stakeholder groups and rebuild the institution’s reputation.
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Serve as a model of ethical behavior and decision-making, reinforcing the College’s commitment to its core values.
Strategic Leadership
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Lead the development and execution of a strategic vision that aligns with the College’s mission and long-term goals.
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Balance the immediate operational needs of a predominantly online institution with the strategic objective of revitalizing the physical campus.
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Engage with the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, and community partners to create and sustain a shared vision for the College’s future.
Supervision and Staff Development
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Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing leadership team and faculty committed to the College’s mission and goals.
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Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages professional growth and development for all employees.
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Implement effective performance management systems to ensure accountability and excellence in all areas of the College’s operations.
Presidential Position Profile
Business Acumen
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Utilize strong business management skills to oversee the College’s financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation.
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Develop and implement strategies to enhance the College’s financial stability and long-term sustainability.
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Explore innovative revenue-generating opportunities, including real estate development and strategic partnerships.
Political Savvy
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Navigate the political landscape at local, state, and national levels to advocate for the College’s interests and secure governmental support.
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Engage with community leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to build strategic alliances and garner support for the College’s initiatives.
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Address and mitigate potential political challenges that could impact the College’s progress and success.
Qualifications
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An advanced degree (Doctorate preferred) from an accredited college or university.
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Three years in higher education with progressive leadership experience which includes the effective management of professional staff and collaboration with faculty.
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Time management and organizational skills.
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Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Personal Attributes
Integrity
Unquestionable ethics and a commitment to transparency and accountability.
Visionary Leadership
The ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve shared goals.
Resilience
The capacity to navigate and thrive in a challenging and dynamic environment.
Inclusivity
A commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae (CV), and three references to the Knoxville College Search Committee at search@knoxvillecollege.edu.
Knoxville College is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
By leading Knoxville College at this critical time, the President will have a profound impact on the future of the institution, its students, and the broader community. This is an extraordinary opportunity to shape the legacy of a historic institution and guide it toward a bright and sustainable future.
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