Berry College in Mount Berry, Georgia, has embarked on a comprehensive search for its next president to succeed Dr. Steven C. Briggs, who announced his retirement earlier this year. The search committee, chaired by Board of Trustees member William C. Young Jr., is seeking an experienced and visionary leader who will build upon the college’s strong foundation and guide it to even greater heights.
Key Responsibilities and Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of higher education and a proven track record of success in academic leadership. They should be a strategic thinker with the ability to create and implement a compelling vision for the future of Berry College.
Specific responsibilities will include:
- Providing strategic direction for the college and its academic, administrative, and financial operations
- Ensuring the academic excellence and integrity of the college’s programs
- Cultivating a vibrant and inclusive campus community
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader community
- Securing financial resources and managing the college’s endowment
Qualifications for the position include:
- A terminal degree from an accredited institution
- At least 10 years of experience in academic leadership, including at least 5 years as a president or provost
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, fundraising, and community engagement
- A deep commitment to the liberal arts and sciences
- A passion for student success and a commitment to diversity and inclusion
Search Process
The search committee is being assisted by WittKieffer, a leading executive search firm specializing in higher education. The committee will review applications and conduct confidential interviews with potential candidates. The goal is to identify a final pool of candidates for the Board of Trustees to consider.
The search committee is committed to conducting a thorough and inclusive search process that will result in the selection of an exceptional leader for Berry College. The committee welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of gender, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability status.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit the following materials:
- A letter of interest outlining their qualifications and experience, and why they are interested in the presidency of Berry College
- A curriculum vitae
- A list of three references
Applications should be submitted electronically to the following address:
[email protected]
The deadline for applications is April 15, 2023.
About Berry College
Founded in 1902, Berry College is a private liberal arts college located on a 27,000-acre campus in Northwest Georgia. The college offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, and enrolls approximately 3,000 students from 50 states and more than 50 countries. Berry is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and other publications.
Berry College is distinguished by its commitment to providing a transformative educational experience that integrates academics, work, and service. The college’s unique work program, which provides students with practical experience in a variety of fields, has long been recognized as a hallmark of the Berry experience.
Vision for the Future
The next president of Berry College will lead the college into a new era of growth and innovation. The search committee is seeking a candidate with a bold vision for the future of the college, and who is committed to building upon Berry’s strengths while also exploring new opportunities.
The college is particularly interested in candidates who have experience in the following areas:
- Developing and implementing innovative academic programs
- Enhancing student success and engagement
- Expanding research and scholarship
- Building partnerships with business and community leaders
- Securing financial resources and managing the endowment
The next president of Berry College will have the opportunity to shape the future of one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges. The search committee is confident that it will find an exceptional leader who will lead Berry College to even greater heights of excellence.
Additional Information
For more information about the presidential search, please visit the following website:
https://www.berry.edu/about/president/search/index.html
Tables
| Table 1: Key Responsibilities of the Berry College President |
|—|—|
| Provide strategic direction for the college |
| Ensure academic excellence and integrity |
| Cultivate a vibrant and inclusive campus community |
| Build and maintain strong relationships |
| Secure financial resources and manage the endowment |
| Table 2: Qualifications for the Berry College President |
|—|—|
| Terminal degree from an accredited institution |
| At least 10 years of experience in academic leadership |
| Demonstrated success in strategic planning, fundraising, and community engagement |
| Deep commitment to the liberal arts and sciences |
| Passion for student success and commitment to diversity and inclusion |
| Table 3: Stages of the Presidential Search Process |
|—|—|
| Application review |
| Confidential interviews |
| Candidate screening |
| Final pool selection |
| Board of Trustees consideration |
| Table 4: Timeline for the Presidential Search Process |
|—|—|
| Application deadline: April 15, 2023 |
| Search committee interviews: May-June 2023 |
| Candidate screening: July-August 2023 |
| Final pool selection: September 2023 |
| Board of Trustees consideration: October-November 2023 |