Search Profile

Spring 2016

VICE PRESIDENT OF ENROLLMENT

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Nyack College is searching for a Vice President of Enrollment located at one of its New York campuses. The executive will have primary responsibility for growing undergraduate and graduate enrollment through the recruitment of new students and the delivery of a compelling marketing message to a global pool of potential students. The Vice President will report to the institution’s President and will sit on his cabinet. Qualified candidates must submit a cover letter explaining your motivation to pursue the position and your qualifications, a resume, and three professional references no later than March 1, 2016.

This document describes Nyack College and outlines the criteria required of the Vice President candidate.

The Context of Nyack College Nyack College has two campuses, one located in Nyack, NY, approximately 20 miles north of New York City, and another located in historic Battery Park. Nyack serves approximately 2,700 students at these two campuses and in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The college is a private, church-related institution and is sponsored by the Christian and Missionary Alliance (CM&A). Nyack College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. In addition, Nyack College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and Alliance Theological Seminary is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Nyack’s School of Education is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and its Social Work program has been granted accreditation with the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE). The School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Nyack College was founded in 1882 in New York City by the Rev. A.B. Simpson as the Missionary Training Institute. Simpson’s dynamic approach to ministry included a full panoply of social services to the indigent, homeless, imprisoned, abuse victims and immigrants then flooding the streets of the city, so from its inception the college has been proactive in taking the gospel of hope to the disenfranchised and to those existing on the margins of society. Simpson moved the school to Nyack in 1897, and after his death following World War I, the school lost much of its social activism and settled into a role as a Bible college and institute for ministry preparation. The end of World War II brought great change to the institution as it was granted a charter by the Board of Regents of the State of New York in 1944, changed its name to Nyack Missionary College in 1956, achieved Middle States accreditation in 1962, and began offering a wide range of liberal arts programs in the 1960’s in conjunction with beginning a seminary. The college changed its name to Nyack College in 1972 and began offering professional degree programs like education and business in the early 1970’s. By the late 1980’s the majority of the undergraduate students were majoring in these

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professional and liberal arts programs, although approximately 10% were planning to go on to seminary training. While the broadening of the college’s educational program following World War II was a significant change in the history of the institution, arguably the most far-reaching change was the return to New York City. This return to the college’s original roots began in the early 1990’s as a plan to bring diversity to the student body and recruit heavily in New York City. So successful was this plan that, by 1993, over 40% of the student body was composed of Asian-Americans, Blacks or Hispanics. Then in 1997, the college opened a branch campus in New York City, thus building upon the contacts that it had made through its city-wide recruitment efforts of the previous seven years. This branch grew rapidly to over 1,000 students by 2003 and spurred the development of a number of new professional undergraduate programs like Social Work and Criminal Justice and of many new master degree programs in the areas of business, counseling and education. The development of the city campus also spurred a return to the institution’s original mission of linking compassion to preparation for ministry. Current President Dr. Michael G. Scales has crafted and honed a vision for Nyack to become a university committed to educating men and women to become Christians who minister to society in relevant and meaningful ways. The move to establish Nyack as a university demanded that the gains of the 1990’s and early half of this decade be codified through new structures, policies and procedures, and indeed through the hiring of many new personnel. In 2013, the city campus moved to Battery Place to occupy double the space of the previous facility and to accommodate a growing student population. There are currently two unique undergraduate student populations - the residential campus in Nyack, NY and the commuter campus in New York City. The college is now searching for a new Vice President of Enrollment to lead recruitment functions at both campuses. This new leader will provide vision, expertise, integrity and energy to shape an enrollment program that is innovative and meets the college’s strategic enrollment goals for each specific program and site. As part of the search process, this paper defines the character of the college, outlines opportunities and challenges, summarizes the position, and briefly describes the qualities sought in the next Vice President of Enrollment.

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The Character of Nyack College

Mission Statement Nyack College, A Christian and Missionary Alliance Educational Institution, through its undergraduate, graduate and seminary programs, pursues its historic mission of preparing men and women to “take the whole Gospel to the whole world.”

Core Values Nyack College seeks to exalt Jesus Christ and fulfill its mission by being: Academically Excellent Pursuing academic excellence in the spirit of grace and humility. Globally Engaged Fostering a global perspective within a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural Christian academic community. Intentionally Diverse Providing educational access and support to motivated students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Personally Transforming Emphasizing the integration of faith, learning and spiritual transformation. Socially Relevant Preparing students to serve in ministerial, educational, healing and community-building professions.

Majors and Degrees The college is classified by Carnegie as a Masters Level II institution and offers one doctoral program, 17 master degree programs, 36 bachelor degree programs and five associate degree programs. The largest traditional undergraduate degree programs in terms of student enrollment (head count) are as follows:

B.S. in Business Administration B.A. in Psychology B.S. in Pastoral Ministry B.S. in Social Work B.S. in Nursing

The largest graduate degree programs are the M.Div. and the M.A. in Mental Health Counseling.

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Students Nyack College is committed to providing an affordable private Christian liberal arts education to students who, apart from Nyack College, would not be receiving this kind of education. The student body comes from 60 different countries and 40 different states. Nyack’s student body (shown in the following tables and charts) is one of the most diverse student bodies among institutions of higher education in the country and provides a rich learning environment.

Fall 2015 Enrollment Profile

All Students Traditional

Undergraduate Students Number of

Students% of Credit

StudentsNumber of

Students % Credit Students

Total Headcount 2,714 1,424 Credit Students 2,664 1,416 Gender Male 1,100 41.3% 554 39.1%Female 1,564 58.7% 862 60.9% Race/Ethnicity Black 814 30.6% 383 27.0%Hispanic 768 28.8% 463 32.7%White 496 18.6% 299 21.1%Asian 311 11.7% 124 8.8%Non-Resident Alien 158 5.9% 95 6.7%Unknown/Unclassified 69 2.6% 22 1.6%Two or More Races 34 1.3% 19 1.3%Native American Indian 9 0.3% 7 0.5%Native Hawaiian/Other 5 0.2% 4 0.3% Age Mean Age 32.4 25.2 Marital Status Married 652 24.5% 130 9.2%Single 1,998 75.0% 1281 90.5%Unknown 14 0.5% 5 0.4% Load Status* Full-Time 1,787 67.1% 1226 86.6%Part-Time 877 32.9% 190 13.4%

Full-Time is defined as at least 12 credits for undergraduate, 9 credits for graduate, and 6 credits for D.Min.

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The enrolled student populations at the two main campuses are unique with regard to ethnicity, age, and place of origin as visualized in the following charts.

At that Nyack, NY residential campus, there are 784 FTE in undergraduate studies. Undergraduate dorm capacity is 724 divided among 6 dormitories. At the Manhattan commuter campus, there are 480 FTE in undergraduate studies. 50% of traditional undergraduate students are Federal Pell Grant recipients. While the above information gives enrollment statistics as of Fall 2015, the following chart shows total student enrollment over the last 7 years. In general, while Nyack has added academic programs over this period, undergraduate enrollment has declined and graduate enrollment has remained relatively constant.

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Nyack students reach out to the world through overseas missions, Antioch Ambassadors, Global Service Learning trips, Watchmen teams, the More Than Conquerors Gospel Choir, ministry groups, TESOL outreaches, and more. There are more than 250 leadership positions for students who are interested in demonstrating real faith – faith that extends into the greater “campus” through Ministry Teams, Outreach Projects and specially tailored ministerial internships where students gain relevant hands-on experience in urban ministry and community development. Chapel services, small groups, Bible studies, Creative Arts, prayer times, and outreach ministries are part of the everyday Nyack experience. One alumnus, John Mwangi, Class of 1978, was honored for Outstanding

Service to Society and to the Kingdom. John was born in Kenya where he grew up in an impoverished environment. An African Inland Missionary took John under his wing and helped sponsor him to attend Nyack College. Today, John heads up the efforts of Childcare International for both Kenya and Uganda where he's responsible for over 4,000 orphans. John has had great success in raising funds from around the world to support very needy street children by feeding, clothing, housing, educating and sharing God's love with them. He's also started a business school complete with a computer lab. God has laid on his heart a burden to break the cycle of poverty upon the lives of children by equipping them with the skills necessary to succeed. A classmate said of John: "He believed, he acted, and was granted favor by God. He has the instinct of a politician, the wisdom of a sage, the determination of a hungry lion, and generosity the size of Texas. Along the way, he has impacted many, many lives in a manner that must thrill God."

Faculty The college’s academic programs are grouped under the following schools and divisions:

Alliance Theological Seminary and the College of Bible and Christian Ministry College of Arts and Sciences

o Liberal Arts and Sciences o School of Music o Division of Student Success

College of Graduate and Professional Programs o Alliance Graduate School of Counseling o School of Business and Leadership

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o School of Education o Cheryl Phenicie School of Nursing o School of Social Work

Division of Adult and Distance Education Division of Library Services Division of Student Development

As of fall 2015, 100 full-time instructional faculty members teach in these schools and divisions and are supported by 159 full-time administrators and staff. 44% of the instructional faculty are members of ethnic minority groups. 63% are male and 37% are female. The composition of Nyack faculty and staff reflect the core value of being “intentionally diverse.” 82% of the full-time instructional faculty members hold terminal degrees. An excellent core of adjunct faculty, many of whom come from the business and professional world, enrich their teaching with examples of their practical experiences in the world of work. The Nyack faculty, are student oriented, professionally active, and experience a strong sense of collegiality. Student satisfaction surveys repeatedly demonstrate that students are most pleased with the quality of the faculty.

Facilities Nyack College has two New York campuses. The campuses in Nyack comprise approximately 125 acres on which sit 40 buildings. There are multiple choices for undergraduate and graduate housing. Opened in August 2013, the New York City campus is located in historic Battery Park, close to the Trinity Chapel, Fraunces Tavern, and the Freedom Tower. Classrooms are newly renovated with state- of-the-art facilities available to commuter students.

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Opportunities and Challenges

Nyack College and the Vice President of Enrollment have opportunities and challenges. The college seeks to be an excellent, affordable higher education ministry, while providing appropriate compensation and benefits to faculty and staff and our vision. The Vice President seeks to accomplish revenue-producing goals while extending opportunities for education and growth to people with financial or academic struggles.

Nyack College Nyack College is a Christian and Missionary Alliance educational institution that provides undergraduate, graduate and seminary programs for the diverse global community. It seeks to prepare men and women to "take the whole Gospel to the whole world." While working daily to fulfill the vision and mission, the faculty and staff address several opposing forces such as:

Providing great academics, at low cost, using multiple delivery models (e.g. on-site, online)

Holding to Christian principles in a fast-paced and connected world that challenges conventional thinking and seeks instant gratification

Keeping to increasing academic compliance standards yet meeting the needs of people who have a wide variety of education, financial and social backgrounds

How do they do this? The faculty and staff remain deeply rooted in the core values. The values are foundational to decisions, communication, coordination and actions. This common foundation ensures consistency, speed, agility and flexibility when providing a healthy and supportive student environment. What’s next for Nyack? In recent years, Nyack restructured the senior administration of both the college and seminary, adopting what has become known throughout the college community as “the university model.” This new model was impelled by the significant

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changes that have occurred at the institution in the last decade—the growth and development of a branch campus (Manhattan), the growth of graduate programs and the strengthening of the faculty. Bringing together the different locations and many programs of the college into a structure that is easily recognizable promotes faculty development and enhances student-learning outcomes.

Vice President Meeting budgeted enrollment expectations is critical because more than 90% of revenue is based on tuition and student fees. This enables the college to produce its high standard of excellence, programs, events, and attract renowned professors. Yet, enrollment production must be done in concert with the college’s vision and mission and in accordance with the core values. The values implore the faculty and staff to provide opportunities for the less fortunate no matter if financial, academic, social or emotional. The college seeks to provide opportunities for those who may have not received adequate support and educational preparation. It desires to help students who are the first in their family to attend college. The college seeks to reflect Christ’s heart by welcoming students who’s walk-in-life has been outside the norm or unusual when compared to a majority. How does this impact the Vice President of Enrollment? The successful candidate will embrace the challenge. He/she will possess the experience to provide effective selling disciplines and procedures while exhibiting a heart for students who want to change their world, community, church, family, or themselves. What’s the opportunity for the Vice President? The leader can influence the entire institution. The admissions function does not and cannot operate successfully on its own. It relies on financial aid, registrar, academics, marketing, student life etc. to provide aspects of what make up a student’s Nyack College experience. Therefore, the connection between the Vice President of Enrollment and all institutional functions will be determined by the inclusive nature of the Vice President and his/her ability to work with others. In doing so, the institution’s core values will come to life for prospective and existing students.

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Vice President of Enrollment Criteria Nyack College’s Vice President of Enrollment has overall responsibility for admissions.

Personal Qualities The Vice President must embody the values of Nyack College and be able to live those values on a daily basis, possess the highest degree of integrity, and steadfastly promote the value of diversity and nondiscrimination. Applicants must be in sympathy with the objectives of the Christian & Missionary Alliance. The successful candidate will:

Be skilled in listening to others; respectful and understanding Have an open communication style to all constituencies Exhibit high energy and enthusiasm for Nyack College Be self-confident to admit mistakes and move on Possess a good sense of humor

Professional Qualifications The Vice President must be a leader who has the ability to inspire others, a collegial and consultative style, a belief in the power of teamwork, and a commitment to reaping the benefits of diversity and differences. The Vice President must have at least fifteen years of progressive customer-facing management experience preferably in higher education admissions, recruitment or marketing. Other career histories may be applicable so long as the experiences are appropriate to leading admissions at a college. The Vice President must have a Bachelor’s degree. Advanced degree is preferable. Candidates should also demonstrate the following qualifications:

Ability to provide flexible leadership within a presidential cabinet and with recruitment teams

Goal and task oriented Strong relational and motivational skills Technologically inclined with inbound marketing experience

Responsibilities The Vice President will:

Ensure every enrolled student fits Nyack College’s core values and culture.

Lead and guide recruitment teams in Manhattan and Nyack, NY to meet targeted goals (revenue and volume) for specific programs and sites. This includes residential, commuter, online, cohorts, undergraduate, graduate and seminary. The Puerto Rico campus is not included in this specification at this time.

Establish and implement recruitment goals and objectives, strategies, tactics, processes and plans that will enable Nyack College to fulfill its core values and attain enrollment and revenue growth goals and objectives.

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Implement disciplined processes and procedures to drive and track recruitment effectiveness including pipeline activity, prospect identification, prospect qualification, productivity and counselor performance results, and overall forecast accuracy.

Contribute to the development of integrated marketing plans, public relations and branding strategies as a member of the marketing team.

Oversee development of admissions materials, tools, literature and promotions.

Supervise staff as noted below. Recommend and implement appropriate personnel actions across organization including performance improvement, hires, salary, disciplinary actions, and terminations.

Develop, monitor and manage financial budgets for all recruitment and marketing functions.

Partner with the President and executive team in directing the institution’s strategic direction and future growth. Provide input and advice on the expansion of online programs.

Serve as advisor to the campus community on enrollment and marketing matters.

Recommend admissions policies and institutional grant programs.

Administrative Structure The Vice President of Enrollment reports to the President. The Vice President leads a team of Directors and their staffs including Admissions offices at both the Nyack, NY campus and the Manhattan campus. The following is the related organizational chart in the current structure.

Compensation Salary is comparable to Vice Presidents at other private Christian colleges and reviewed by the Board annually. Our generous benefits package includes rich health insurance and four weeks of vacation per year.

Deadline Date Nyack College is soliciting nominations and expressions of interest. Please submit a cover letter explaining your motivation to pursue the position and your qualifications, a resume, and three professional references no later than March 1, 2016.

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Contact Karen L. Davie Director of Human Resources Nyack College 1 South Blvd Nyack, NY 10960 Phone: (845) 675-4608 Fax: (845) 353-4829

Email: karen.davie@nyack.edu