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Nebraska Wesleyan

University

Search

Vice President

For

Finance and Administration

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The Search

Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska, invites nominations and applications for the position of

Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA). The VPFA is a key member of the University’s

Administrative Council, contributing to overall institutional strategy and operations. This individual will

collaborate with the President, Provost and two other Vice Presidents to direct and oversee financial activities of

the University, protect and facilitate the growth of financial and capital assets, and assess institutional

opportunities and risks as Nebraska Wesleyan University continues its evolution from an undergraduate college

into a university with diverse academic offerings, still grounded in the values and practices of a liberal arts

education. This individual will lead and direct the budget process; provide administrative support and advice to

the Finance and Audit Committee of the Board of Governors; implement the Board’s investment strategy; and

oversee fulfillment of the campus master plan and construction projects. The VPFA currently supervises five

directors and has responsibility for business operations, payroll, financial reporting, facilities management, risk

management, information technology, contracting and purchasing, human resources, legal services, and the

bookstore. There are 55 full-time staff members in these areas. Reporting to the President, the VPFA will join

the Nebraska Wesleyan community in the Spring of 2015.

The University’s Mission and History

Founded in 1887 by the Methodist Church, Nebraska Wesleyan University is an independent, coeducational,

liberal arts university. It is proud of its heritage and affiliation with the Great Plains Annual Conference of the

United Methodist Church. Throughout its history the University has reflected the Judeo-Christian tradition in its

efforts to integrate questions about meaning and value with the pursuit of learning and understanding. Its

mission is: “Nebraska Wesleyan University is an academic community dedicated to intellectual and personal

growth within the context of a liberal arts education and in an environment of Christian concern.” Today the

University is Nebraska’s number one liberal arts institution with an enrollment of approximately 2,100 students.

It operates a Lincoln campus and an Omaha instructional site; and in the past several years has begun offering

courses at other locations as well.

The University is currently organized into two

academic divisions:

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, which

provides predominantly residential, full-time,

four-year undergraduate programs; and

University College, which offers both

undergraduate and graduate degrees designed

for non-residential students of whom many are

studying part-time.

The University is committed to excellence of academic

endeavor and to learning as a lifelong process. The curricula and programs are designed to assist students in

gaining and expanding knowledge and skills, in developing their competence in rational thought and

communication, in broadening their perspectives on humanity and culture, and in enhancing their spiritual,

physical, emotional and aesthetic resources. In 2014 the faculty began offering an innovative program of

general/liberal education, The Archway Curriculum, which has garnered national attention for a laddered

approach to building the fundamental skills of an educated person and drawing connections across academic

disciplines through course combinations called “threads.”

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All aspects of University life at Nebraska Wesleyan revolve around six Core Values that are evident in the

curriculum, instruction and daily living on campus. The Core Values are:

Excellence in all aspects of academic endeavor, the curriculum, educational facilities, residence halls,

and all programs available to students; in the hiring and professional development of faculty and staff; in all

administrative policies and procedures; and in processes that ensure continuing renewal of the academic

community. A focus on Excellence is essential in all areas of the University.

Liberal Arts and “those habits of the mind” that derive from the liberal arts. Intellectual curiosity, critical

and rational thinking, creative and artistic expression, respect for history and traditional values, independent

analysis, and effective communication continue to be the basic values of an academic community dedicated to

the joy and freedom of intellectual inquiry and learning. The University affirms the importance of professional

programs validated and enriched by the traditions of the liberal arts.

Personal Attention to Students. As unique individuals, persons of dignity and sacred worth, the faculty

and staff of Nebraska Wesleyan are committed to providing encouragement and opportunities for all students to

develop maturity, personal responsibility, and a sense of values and to enhance their intellectual, spiritual,

physical, emotional and aesthetic resources.

Diversity is affirmed at Nebraska Wesleyan through its commitment to provide programs, resources and

policies that broaden perspectives on humanity and its diverse cultural expressions locally, nationally and

internationally.

Community that “cultivates the desire for learning and nurtures the growth of the whole person” is

affirmed by the academic programs. The University affirms its commitment to collegiality and to a community

that unites students, faculty, staff, Board members, alumni, parents and friends in an “environment of Christian

concern.” Nebraska Wesleyan is a learning community whose members respect the dignity and worth of all

members of the University and who seek opportunities to serve the wider human community.

Stewardship recognizes the University’s distinctive United Methodist heritage and the values that derive

from that heritage. Nebraska Wesleyan is committed to the careful stewardship and wise use of human and

financial resources needed to accomplish the mission of the University. At the same time, wise stewardship of

resources also requires creativity and boldness in addressing the challenges that face independent higher

education.

The Academic Program and Faculty

Nebraska Wesleyan offers more than 50

undergraduate majors and 18 pre-professional

options that include pre-medicine, nursing and

forensic science. The University maintains a student-

faculty ratio of 13:1. In Fall 2014 the University

enrolled 1,956 undergraduate students and 222

graduate students for a total enrollment of 2,178. The

largest undergraduate majors are Biology, Business

Administration, Communication Studies, Education

(Elementary and Special Education), Exercise

Science, Psychology, and Theatre.

In University College students take undergraduate

and graduate courses at the main locations in

Lincoln and Omaha, as well as at two sites in Iowa. The largest numbers of University College undergraduate

students are enrolled in Nursing, Social Work, and Business. Graduate degrees are offered in Forensic Science,

Historical Studies, Business (MBA) and Nursing (MSN and a combined MSN/MBA). In Fall 2014 the

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University began offering the MBA in both Lincoln and Omaha. A proposed Master of Education degree is

under review by the Higher Learning Commission. Wesleyan Advantage offers working adults accelerated

baccalaureate programs in Lincoln and Omaha (Nebraska), and for nursing students in Clarinda and Council

Bluffs (Iowa). This program offers the personal attention associated with an independent, liberal arts education.

Academic programs at Nebraska Wesleyan give special attention to global service and experiential learning. An

urban setting in the state’s capital city provides opportunities to develop strategic business and government

partnerships that provide unique opportunities for students and faculty. One hundred percent of NWU students

complete internships or experiential credits. Global emphasis is best seen in NWU’s international programs.

The University has the highest proportion of students studying abroad per capita in Nebraska, with current

students studying in 44 countries. In addition, 22 countries are represented in the student body. Nebraska

Wesleyan is the only university in the nation with a student-run Global Service Learning (GSL) program. One

result of the emphasis on global education is that NWU ranks number one in Nebraska in Fulbright production

with 32 Fulbright Scholars in the last decade. For more than 20 years Nebraska Wesleyan had offered special

incentives to faculty on sabbatical leave who choose to go overseas for a full year. This program has had an

important effect in strengthening a global perspective at the institution.

The arts are an important part of academic programming at Nebraska Wesleyan, evidenced by more than 40

theater and music performances on campus each year as well as multiple recent performances at Carnegie Hall

in New York, the Holland Performing Arts Center in

Omaha, and on international tours.

Several academic programs stand out as leaders in

the state and region. Psychology and the natural

sciences are ranked number one in the production of

PhDs in those respective disciplines per capita in

Nebraska. An 86% medical school placement rate is

among the nation’s highest. Ninety-one percent of

NWU graduates have jobs or attend graduate school

within six months of commencement. The University

has produced 147 Academic All-Americans, the

eighth-highest at any NCAA institution, and dozens

of NCAA Postgraduate Scholars. NWU students

have won six Harry S. Truman Scholarships for

public service, including four in a recent span of five

years, and seven Goldwater Scholarships.

With a distinguished faculty who work closely with

students, a decade ago the Board of Governors

created the Student-Faculty Collaborative

Research Fund (SFCRF) to support student-faculty

research efforts at NWU. This tradition of faculty

working closely with students is a hallmark of

faculty work. It has enhanced students’ ability to

successfully compete for prestigious awards and

admission to outstanding graduate programs.

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The Students

The majority of students at Nebraska Wesleyan come from

Nebraska. In 2014 85% came from Nebraska with the second

most productive state being Colorado. Approximately 3% of

students are classified as international. Of traditional

undergraduates, 33% are commuters with the remaining number

living in on-campus residences. Residential students live in six

residence halls, a theme house, a Townhouse Village, Greek

houses and University-owned apartments. The University hosts

seven fraternities and sororities, most of them nationally

affiliated, though the Willard Sorority is the oldest continuously

operating independent sorority in the country. There are 70

student organizations.

The student-athlete experience is an important part of

campus life. Athletics teams play 20 varsity sports in

Division III of the NCAA. Nebraska Wesleyan also holds

membership in the NAIA and participates in the Great Plains

Athletic Conference (GPAC). NWU is the only non-

scholarship member of that conference. The University plays

traditional sports (football, volleyball, soccer and others) but

is unique in that it is the only college or university in

Nebraska to offer men’s swimming as a varsity sport.

Swimming is also a part of the women’s sports program.

Nebraska Wesleyan has an exceptionally vibrant intramural

athletics program as well, run principally by the students.

The Campus and Community

Nebraska Wesleyan University is located in Lincoln, Nebraska’s capital city and the second-most populous city

in the state, after Omaha. Lincoln is the county seat of Lancaster County and home of the flagship campus of

the University of Nebraska. Lincoln's population in 2013 was estimated at 268,738. Opportunities to interact

with the governmental offices in the capital are a major benefit to students and faculty. This is where many

students complete their internship experience and get their first taste of government.

Lincoln has a vibrant arts and recreation scene with

numerous parks, public and private golf courses, and

biking and hiking trails. The Pinnacle Bank Arena, a sports

and entertainment venue, opened in 2013 and has a seating

capacity of more than 15,000. The Lied Center for

Performing Arts seats 2,250 and brings major theatre,

orchestral, solo music, and dance productions to town. A

2013 Gallup poll identified Lincoln as the best city in

America for well-being. Its public schools are highly

regarded, including 6 high schools, 11 middle schools, and

38 elementary schools. There are also three church-

sponsored high schools and affiliated elementary schools.

Since the 1980s thousands of refugees from around the world have settled in Lincoln, lending a growing

international flavor to the community. Children in the public schools speak more than 50 languages at home.

The Nebraska Wesleyan campus sits on approximately 50 acres in University Place, a residential neighborhood

in northeast Lincoln. The picturesque campus is part of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum and is comprised of

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30 buildings built between 1887 and 2003 as well as Abel Stadium and athletic practice fields. Old Main, the

original campus building, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2003 Nebraska Wesleyan

University opened White and Heim Halls, modern suite-style housing accommodating 224 students, and

Townhouse Village with rooms for 120 upper-class students. The Marion and Marian Weary Center for Health

and Fitness includes the 2,350-seat Snyder Arena for basketball and volleyball, classrooms and laboratories for

the Department of Health and Human Performance, the Gardner Foundation Strength Complex and natatorium.

The Financial Resources

Nebraska Wesleyan has demonstrated the ability to improve its financial position over time through diversifying

revenue sources while managing operating expenses carefully. While traditional student enrollment has

experienced some variation during the past dozen years, enrollment of non-traditional and graduate students has

increased steadily, growing four-fold during the same period. The strength of enrollment has been helped by

strong retention, which has typically been about 78 percent for first- to second-year students in the College of

Liberal Arts and Sciences. Net assets of the university have increased from $67 million in 2010 to $88 million

in 2014 while total assets have increased from $93 million to $115 million. Indicators of effective financial

management include a strong debt to endowment ratio with debt of $18 million and an endowment of $55

million, a viability ratio of 1.90 and primary reserve ratio of 0.95.

In its most recent review, Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services affirmed an “A-, Stable” rating on the

University’s outstanding Series 2012 educational facilities revenue and refunding bonds. The 2012 bond issue

was for approximately $20.3 million in serial, fixed rate debt and was used to refund the university’s

outstanding bonds and finance capital projects.

In 2014 approximately 76% of the university’s revenue was from tuition, fees, room and board. The university

is working to strengthen its overall financial foundation through diversification of tuition revenues and

increased philanthropic support. In order to reflect lower expectations for future investment returns and to grow

the endowment, the Board of Governors reduced

the endowment spending rate from 5.0% to 4.5%

in 2013.

The university takes a disciplined approach to the

use of debt by limiting it to revenue-producing

projects. The Archways Plan 2017 and the Campus

Master Plan call for significant facilities projects in

coming years that will require strong management

of current resources, an on-going, prudent

management of debt, and consistently successful

fundraising.

The Points of Distinction and Strengths

Nebraska Wesleyan University has the highest proportion of students studying abroad per capita in

Nebraska.

Since 2002 a total of 35 students have received Gilman Scholarships, available only to Pell Grant-

eligible college students.

Thirty-two Nebraska Wesleyan University students have been selected as Fulbright Scholars in the last

ten years.

Seven students have been selected as Goldwater Scholars.

In a recent five-year span, four students received the Harry S. Truman Scholarship for public service.

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Nebraska Wesleyan student-athletes rank #8 in the nation among all universities and colleges in all

divisions throughout the years for Academic All-American awards, which total 146.

For the last 20 years all first-year students have participated in Lend a Hand to Lincoln, a day of service

to the community.

One hundred percent of students participate in internships or experiential studies.

The Archway Curriculum has been cited nationally for its innovative qualities.

Four members of the faculty have been honored since 2001 as Nebraska Professor of the Year.

The Vice President for Finance and Administration: Opportunities for Leadership

The Vice President for Finance & Administration (VPFA) currently oversees the work of the Assistant VP and

Controller, Assistant VP for Human Resources, Assistant VP and Director of Physical Plant, Director of

Information Services Infrastructure and Director of Administrative Systems. The VPFA also manages contracts

for outsourced functions of the University. The VPFA has overall responsibility for development and

management of an operating budget of approximately $36 million each year with 275 full-time faculty and staff.

Of that total there are 108 full-time faculty.

The expectations of this leader will be to work with the other members of the President’s senior leadership

team, the Board of Governors, faculty and staff to:

Make timely progress on Nebraska Wesleyan’s on-going evolution into a university with diverse

academic offerings.

Maintain existing strengths of the University while working with the campus community to shape

future initiatives and implement the objectives found in the Strategic Plan.

Use the Strategic Plan as the guide for managing the finances of the University, to assure continued

program and physical plant development consistent with institutional mission and goals.

As a key member of the President’s Administrative Council, contribute directly to the senior leadership

team and bring a crucial financial perspective to issues that affect the entire institution. Ensuring

positive working relationships within this team will require candor, authenticity, mutual respect,

flexibility and collaboration.

Serve the various beneficiaries of the finance and administrative units in the division.

Communicate effectively with internal and external communities and in doing so sustain a high level of

mutual trust.

The VP for Finance and Administration has many responsibilities relating to the management of the financial

and administrative operations of the University. To effectively provide leadership, the VP for Finance and

Administration must focus strategically on achieving, and view as opportunities, the following goals:

To contribute to the attainment of the strategic objectives in the Archways Plan 2017. As a member of

the Administrative Council, the VPFA will be involved in the total plan, with primary attention given to

work with the President, Provost, Vice President for Advancement and Vice President for Enrollment

Management to assist in attaining goals to:

o Grow and Diversify Beneficial Revenue Streams, including

Diversify tuition revenues

Grow the Archway Fund

o Focus on Essential Programs and Expenses

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Rebalance academic resources to control expenses and to enhance opportunities for

revenue growth

Reallocate operational dollars by identifying activities and initiatives that do not match

with strategic priorities and move their time, effort and dollars to strategic priorities

o Create a Dynamic Living and Learning Environment—work closely with architects, contractors

and technology staff to fulfill these goals:

Begin construction of science facility—Phase I

Renovate Pioneer Hall, a 75-bed residence hall

Implement a technology-rich teaching and learning environment

The VPFA will have primary responsibility in the development of the NWU Campus Master Plan. This plan

projects the development of the campus to the year 2037, which is Nebraska Wesleyan’s 150th anniversary year.

The aim is to make the campus “the sought-after destination for students, faculty and staff to take risks while

surrounded by supportive systems and resources necessary to achieve his or her strategic goals.”

Phase One, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2016, focuses on work to be undertaken by a

private developer to build new retail and office space a block away from the campus.

Phase Two is scheduled to be realized by 2023. It focuses on connecting the projects included in Phase

One to the campus. Among the significant projects in Phase Two will be the new NWU science facility.

Phase Three is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2030. Coming after the large investments

required for Phase Two, this phase focuses primarily on landscape improvements, existing building

renovations, and new parking areas for the campus.

Phase Four, to be completed by the end of 2037, will primarily involve the construction of a new

Campus Center and an adjacent oval green space.

Within the scope of the Archways Plan and the Campus Master Plan, the new VPFA will have the challenge to

address issues that relate to the total campus. Among the key opportunities and challenges are:

To assure strong communication within the area of direct responsibility and extending across the campus

To preserve and enhance the long-term financial health of Nebraska Wesleyan University

To ensure that resource allocation is aligned with the University’s strategic priorities

To provide a competitive, safe and contemporary teaching, learning, working and living environment

To mitigate institutional risk and preserve University assets

To assure successful internal and external partnerships for campus development

o The intersection of technology with academics

o Continue to build infrastructure for technology throughout the campus (academics and

administrative support)

o The overall challenge of managing resources, analyzing workloads and assessing salaries

To develop partnerships with the Advancement and Enrollment Management VPs to support key

initiatives

o Assist in financial forecasting/modeling for future revenue-generating goals through

Advancement, Marketing, Admissions and Financial Aid

o Work closely with Advancement in the design, management and promotion of planned giving,

the Archway Fund and other efforts to attain Archways Plan goals

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To support student achievement and the distinctive features of learning for traditional students in a

residential campus setting

To develop suitable facilities and support systems for the distinctive needs of adult and graduate students

To assure that adequate and quality facilities are provided and maintained that support academic, student

development and athletic programs

To work effectively with the Board of Governors, Administrative Council, faculty, staff and students in

providing visionary leadership for the future of the University

The Desired Attributes of the Vice President for Finance and Administration

To provide the leadership required in this position, the VPFA will need a combination of strong personal

qualities and substantial professional experiences. S/he should possess deep integrity, a high level of energy, and

an outstanding work ethic.

The new VPFA will have a proven track record of strategic decision-making management and leadership

as well as knowledge and understanding of:

o treasury and endowment management

o facilities planning and management

o risk management

o debt management

o budget development and management

o financial reporting and taxation

o human resources management

Preference will be given to those with a master’s degree in a related field and/or a CPA.

Candidates with experience in higher education are encouraged to apply; however, candidates from other

areas of financial management will receive full consideration.

In addition, the VP for Finance and Administration should possess the following attributes:

An appreciation for liberal arts education aligned with strong professional programs

Superior skills that reflect an understanding of the accounting, financial management, technological,

human resources, campus operations and facilities areas of the University. It is expected that these skills

will be attained from extensive experience in a financial administrative role.

A leadership style that generates trust and displays a commitment to teamwork with the Board of

Governors, Administrative Council, faculty, staff and students

A demonstrated ability to communicate transparently to all constituents with the focus on assuring a

clear understanding of the financial affairs of the University

Visionary thinking that supports effective contributions to strategic planning and assessment, and a

commitment to using the Archways Plan 2017 to establish priorities and assess outcomes

An understanding of the marketing, financial modeling and campus environmental factors that influence

enrollment management

A demonstrated commitment to the diversity of the campus community

A campus leader who acts with integrity and demonstrates flexibility in problem solving, including

recognizing an appropriate balance of the risks and opportunities inherent in a University that combines

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traditional residential education grounded in the liberal arts with a set of strong bachelor’s and master’s

professional programs for non-traditional students

An ability to interact effectively with all sectors of the community

The Nomination and Application Process

The VP for Finance and Administration search committee will begin reviewing applications in December with

the goal of filling the position by Spring 2015. Applications will be received and considered until the position is

filled; however, for full consideration applications should be submitted by January 8, 2015. Applications must

include a letter of interest, resume and five professional references with email and telephone numbers

(references will not be contacted without prior authorization from the applicant). Applications and nominations

should be sent electronically (MS Word preferred) to:

nebraskawesleyanfin@agbsearch.com

The search is being assisted by:

Oscar C. Page, Ph.D.

Senior Consultant, AGB Search

ocp@agbsearch.com, 903.870.8303

Nebraska Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity employer and supports diversity among its staff and

faculty.