Position Description
President, Texas Tech University
The President is the chief executive officer of Texas Tech University (“Texas Tech” or “University”) and is responsible for the executive management of its operations. The President provides overall leadership in the planning and management of the academic, research, international, athletic, service, fiscal, administrative, operational and auxiliary enterprise mission of Texas Tech.
The President is appointed by the Chancellor (the chief executive officer of the Texas Tech University System), with the prior approval of the Board of Regents of the System (“Board”). The President reports directly to the Chancellor, and the performance of the President is evaluated annually by the Chancellor, with a report of the evaluation provided to the Board for concurrence or modification.
A national research university established in 1923, Texas Tech is located in Lubbock, Texas, a city of more than 233,000. The University has an enrollment of more 32,000 students and offers 106 bachelor’s, 103 master’s and 56 doctoral degrees and is the only school in the state in a system that houses an undergraduate institution, law school and medical school in the same location.
Texas Tech recently fulfilled the state-mandated requirements to become a National Research University in Texas and is now eligible to receive additional research funding of $8-10 million annually. Since 2006, total research expenditures at the University have increased from $48.7 million to more than $142.7 million in 2011. Inclusion in the fund moves Texas Tech a step closer toward its ultimate goal of being recognized as a nationally competitive research university.
Within the policies and regulations of the Board and under the supervision and direction of the Chancellor, the President has general authority and responsibility for the administration of Texas Tech University. Specifically, the President is expected, with the appropriate participation of the staff, to:
- develop, administer, and coordinate all operations and programs of the University;
- develop and administer policies relating to students;
- ensure that all facets of the University provide a customer service orientation to its internal and external constituencies;
- ensure that the University provides a high quality of educational curriculum and faculty for the benefit of its students;
- recommend operating budgets and supervise expenditures under approved budgets;
- nominate all members of the faculty and staff under the jurisdiction of the President, and make recommendations to the Board for the award of tenure for faculty members;
- maintain efficient personnel programs;
- ensure the proper administration of the financial affairs of the University, including the accounting, financial oversight, and financial report preparation functions required;
- prepare and submit to the Chancellor the operating policies, procedures, rules, and regulations for the governance of the University, provided that any policy, procedure, rule, or regulation in any such institutional operating manuals that is in conflict with any policy, procedure, rule, or regulation in the Regents' Rules, is null and void and has no effect;
- assume initiative in developing long-range and strategic plans for the programs of the University, and develop a plan to cause Texas Tech to be numbered among the top public research institutions in the country;
- work actively to ensure that the University acquires the necessary public and private resources for successful achievement of its goals and objectives; engage in fundraising activities that increase the University's endowment and address the needs of all the University's schools and colleges in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Chancellor and the Regents' Rules;
- provide for the proper administration and oversight of the operations of the Department of Athletics, and ensure that the University's intercollegiate athletic programs and activities adhere to the highest standards of integrity and the rules and requirements of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Big XII Conference;
- develop and implement plans and policies to ensure that the University remains in compliance with any accreditation requirements appropriate to the University or its programs, including the accreditation of the student health clinic and patient-care facility; and
- carry out all other duties and responsibilities assigned to the President by the Board or the Chancellor. Provides academic leadership for Texas Tech University.
Texas Tech seeks a strong and visionary leader who has the following characteristics:
- Terminal professional degree or earned doctorate.
- “Right” blend of experiences: as a senior professional … in management and administration of a complex organization … in research … and in communicating clearly and effectively with people inside and outside the organization.
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and integrity in an academic, research and/or service environment.
- Ability to ensure efficient operations throughout the organization while fostering growth in enrollment and preserving high academic standards.
- Knowledge of and/or experience with the business operations of large and comprehensive organizations.
- Exemplary record of scholarly, professional, and individual achievement.
How to Apply
Inquiries, applications and nominations may be submitted electronically in total confidence. The 17-member search committee is chaired by Texas Tech University System Board of Regents Chair Jerry E. Turner of Blanco, TX.
Review of applications will begin immediately, with applications accepted until the position is filled, but applications should be submitted no later than November 21, 2012 in order to assure full consideration by the Search Committee. Application materials must be electronically submitted (in MS Word or PDF format) to PresTTU@agbsearch.com and include:
- A letter of interest
- A curriculum vitae
- Names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of five references (who will not be contacted without permission)
Assisting in this search is:
Robert W. Lawless, Ph.D., Search Consultant
AGB Search
rwl@agbsearch.com
806-799-1329 or 918-284-1395
Interested individuals are encouraged to visit the web site for Texas Tech University at www.ttu.edu. A position profile for the President may be found at http://agbsearch.com under “Current Searches.”