Vice President for Academic Affairs
Department: Office of the President
Reports To: President
FLSA Classification: Exempt
About Lane College
Founded in 1882, Lane College is a proud HBCU with a rich history of empowering students through faith, knowledge, and service. As a Christ-centered institution, Lane is committed to developing leaders prepared to meet the global challenges of tomorrow with moral character, academic excellence, and a commitment to community.
At Lane, we are advancing toward our Next Level of Excellence, a strategic initiative grounded in six pillars: Community Engagement, Academic Excellence, Experiential Learning, Differential Advantage, Financial Vitality, and Strategic Enrollment Growth. These pillars drive our mission and shape the future of our academic vision. The Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) will play a pivotal role in actualizing this vision across the College.
Position Summary
The Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) serves as Lane College's chief academic officer, providing visionary and inclusive leadership for all academic functions. Reporting directly to the President and serving on the President's Cabinet, the VPAA is responsible for strategic academic planning, institutional effectiveness, curriculum development, and fostering a dynamic and innovative academic environment that supports Lane's mission.
This role is ideal for a transformational leader who is deeply committed to student success, academic integrity, and inclusive excellence. The VPAA will lead initiatives that elevate academic performance, expand learning opportunities, support faculty development, and promote the values of community, faith, and leadership that define Lane College.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Lead the development and implementation of academic strategies that align with Lane's Next Level of Excellence pillars.
- Collaborate with Cabinet leadership to advance institutional goals, including strategic enrollment growth and financial vitality.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the President and act on behalf of the President and Executive Vice President in their absence.
Academic Excellence & Innovation
- Oversee all academic programs, ensuring quality, rigor, and relevance in curriculum design and delivery.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement through regular assessment, accreditation compliance, and data-informed decision-making.
- Champion academic innovation through the integration of technology, digital learning platforms (e.g., Blackboard), and interdisciplinary programming.
Faculty Engagement & Development
- Lead recruitment, retention, and development of a diverse and talented faculty committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service.
- Promote inclusive pedagogy, academic freedom, and intellectual collaboration.
- Cultivate leadership opportunities for faculty and academic staff through mentoring, training, and cross-functional initiatives.
Student-Centered Academic Support
- Collaborate with student affairs and support services to enhance academic advising, career readiness, and experiential learning opportunities.
- Expand initiatives that support first-generation, underrepresented, and non-traditional learners.
- Partner with Career Services to align academic programs with workforce trends and employer needs.
Institutional Management
- Manage academic budgets, resources, and staffing with fiscal responsibility and transparency.
- Ensure coordination and synergy across academic departments, policies, and institutional goals.
Required Qualifications
- Doctorate degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field.
- Minimum of ten years of progressive academic leadership experience in higher education.
- A minimum of five years' supervisory experience (Dean, Assistant or Associate VP or above).
- Demonstrated success in academic planning, accreditation, curriculum design, and faculty leadership.
- Commitment to inclusive excellence and a track record of promoting student achievement.
- Strong communication, strategic thinking, and collaborative problem-solving skills.
- Experience with educational technology and digital learning platforms.
Preferred Qualifications
- Three (3) years of experience teaching full-time in higher education.
- Experience securing grants, partnerships, or external funding to support academic initiatives.
- Knowledge of career and workforce education, especially within an HBCU or mission-driven institution.
- Familiarity with community engagement and experiential learning best practices.
Work Environment & Physical Expectations
Requires occasional walking, standing, stair climbing, and lifting up to 15 lbs (approximately 10% of time). Must be able to engage across campus and represent Lane College at external events and community functions.
Why Join Lane College?
Lane College is more than a place of employment-it's a mission. Join a campus community where faith, purpose, and learning converge to uplift generations of students. Here, you' will lead with purpose, collaborate with compassionate and driven professionals, and make an impact that resonates beyond the classroom. We offer a supportive work environment that values equity, professional development, and the well-being of our faculty and staff.
Lane College's Commitment
Lane College is an equal opportunity employer and is deeply committed to creating a diverse and inclusive academic community. We encourage applications from candidates who reflect the broad range of backgrounds and experiences of our students.