Position Announcement
President
The Utah Board of Higher Education invites nominations and applications for the position of President of Snow Col- lege, one of 16 institutions within the Utah System of Higher Education.
Founded in 1888, Snow College is located in scenic central Utah and is the degree-granting institution and technical college for the region. It serves over 5,000 students from throughout Utah, 36 states, and 42 countries. Snow College has campuses in Ephraim and Richfield and a learning center in Nephi, with 33 buildings on over 140 acres. Snow College is the educational, artistic, cultural, musical, and athletics center of the region, and is a key driver of economic development. It has been named a “Best Value College” and is a top option for Utah students because of its combination of high academic quality and low cost. Snow College is unique in the region as its state-directed mission is to be both a degree-granting and technical education institution.
Encouraged by Snow College’s dedication to the pursuit of knowledge, many graduates go on to earn additional degrees at universities throughout the country, while others graduate fully prepared for employment in a wide variety of fields. Students earn associate degrees focusing on general education and many areas of study, as well as bachelor’s degrees in software engineering and music. Snow College also offers numerous career and technical education certificates and awards. Students enjoy small classes and a highly personalized learning environment with world-class, diverse faculty.
The president is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Utah Board of Higher Education and—with oversight from the college’s Board of Trustees—is responsible for the overall administration of the college. The president, as executive officer, owes a responsibility first to the System of Higher Education and then to the college, which is part of the System.
The ideal candidate should demonstrate an understanding of Snow College and its mission and be willing to commit to Snow College long-term. The ideal candidate should also have demonstrated leadership and higher education experience and show a commitment to, and understanding of, both academic and technical education. The ideal candidate will understand delivery of education in a rural setting and local communities’ desires for access to full academic opportunities. The ideal candidate must also have the ability to effectively communicate and build relationships with students, faculty, staff, donors, local and state elected officials, and industry and K-16 education partners. The ideal candidate will also oversee the college’s participation in the K-16 alliance and will establish and fortify CTE pathways into Snow College’s academic and technical programs. The ideal candidate will be expected to prioritize student success while working with faculty and staff in shared governance to further the college’s mission. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion for all of Snow College’s students, staff, and faculty. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated fundraising experience. The ideal candidate will also commit to establishing a presence at Snow College’s two campuses and the Nephi Learning Center and strengthening/strategically growing all three physical locations.
A master’s degree is required, and a terminal degree is preferred. Interested parties are encouraged to submit a current CV and a detailed letter addressing how the candidate’s experience matches the position requirements and articulating the candidate’s vision for the institution and its mission moving forward. Applications should be submitted by March 10, 2023. Please direct confidential inquiries, nominations, and application materials to:
For more information about Snow College, visit snow.edu/presidential-search. To learn more about the Utah System of Higher Education, visit ushe.edu.
Snow College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educator. The College strongly encourages individuals from underrepresented groups, women, veterans, and those with disabilities to apply.
Opportunities and Expectations
First and foremost, the president will be excited to make a long-term commitment to, and develop a long-term vision for, Snow College. The president of Snow College should also place particular emphasis on the following short-term initiatives and longer-term strategic priorities:
Vision and strategic planning
The president will develop a long-term vision for Snow College and develop a strategic plan that includes all Snow College campuses and goals that align with Snow College’s mission, builds on its strengths, and meets the strategic priorities (system leadership, access, affordability, completion, and workforce alignment) of the Board of Higher Education. The president will guide faculty and staff across the college to develop milestones in support of the strategic plan.
Understand the unique demographics of Snow College’s current and potential students
Snow College consists of underrepresented, transfer, low-income, non-traditional, rural, international, and first-generation students. The president should understand the unique needs and challenges of Snow College’s students and potential students and will be actively engaged in student life. The president will find ways to support each and every student in their success, whether they are on the technical education or academic degree track.
Support Snow College’s dual mission of technical education and degree-granting
The new president will recognize the importance of both academic and technical education. They will work to meet the needs of transfer students and to prepare all students for successful futures through degrees, certificates, and short-term workforce entry via work based-learning opportunities.
Develop relationships with and seek support from strategic partners
The president will leverage Snow College’s reputation to advocate for and seek support for the college from strategic partners. The president will develop relationships of trust with the Board of Higher Education, the Legislature, alumni, and donors to seek support for Snow College’s needs, including funding.
Effective and transparent communication
The president will develop a culture of feedback. The president will communicate transparently and effectively with the faculty, staff, students, and all stakeholders.
Build partnerships
The president is expected to maintain and foster partnerships including with local city and county leaders, as well as K-16. This person will prioritize building relationships with industry partners to ensure that Snow College’s programs continue to develop to meet workforce demands.
Develop pathways
The president will work with K-16 partners to develop pathways for students into Snow College’s academic degree and technical education programs and will work with degree-granting partners across the state to expand opportunities, including scholarships, for transfer students. The president will work with industry partners to establish pathways into the workforce.
Maintain affordability while ensuring quality
The president will be innovative and adaptive in their approach to continuing Snow College’s legacy of providing quality, yet affordable instruction in both academic and technical education.
Oversee growth
The president will oversee the growth and expansion of academic and technical education programs and certificates to meet industry demand and students’ desires, including at Snow College’s Richfield campus and the Nephi Learning Center.