Associate Vice President for Inclusive Access & Belonging - Michigan State University

Provide visionary leadership for programs, services, and initiatives that advance inclusive access, belonging, and student success.
• Partner with the Vice President for Student Affairs to shape divisional strategy and align priorities with university-wide goals.
• Serve as a visible, accessible advocate for students, addressing concerns and ensuring equitable, student-centered policies and practices.
• Lead the development and implementation of policies and procedures that enhance student learning, engagement, and well-being.
• Apply evidence-based practices and student development theory to strengthen programs and identify innovative approaches to student support.
• Represent Student Affairs in university committees, task forces, and external engagements.

• Provide executive oversight for a broad portfolio of units, including:
  • Center for Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students
  • Gender and Sexuality Campus Center
  • MOSAIC Center for Education and Outreach (Religious, Spiritual, and Secular Identities; Women and Gender Equity)
  • MSU Multicultural Center
  • Office of Multicultural Enrichment and Advocacy
  • Partnering for Access, Success, and Support
  • Student Parent and Caregiver Resource Center
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee budgeting, resource allocation, and long-term financial planning for assigned units.
• Align unit-level priorities and learning outcomes with divisional and institutional strategy.
• Participate in annual budget planning and partner with Advancement and others to pursue external funding and philanthropic support.

• Champion institutional policies and initiatives that improve student retention, persistence, graduation, and sense of belonging.
• Collaborate with campus partners including Inclusive Excellence, Undergraduate Education, and Residential & Hospitality Services to create integrated student success strategies.
• Support and elevate Registered Student Organizations that promote cultural, historical, and educational observances.
• Provide senior leadership during complex and critical student situations, including behavioral concerns, mental health emergencies, campus disruptions, and safety-related incidents.

• Master's degree in higher education, student affairs, or a related field.
• 7-10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in student affairs or a closely related area within higher education.
• Significant experience overseeing comprehensive student services and development functions.
• Demonstrated success advancing student success, well-being, and belonging through impactful programs and services.
• Proven ability to lead large teams, manage complex budgets, and oversee multifaceted operations.
• Strong political acumen and the ability to navigate complex organizational environments.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills across students, faculty, staff, senior leaders, donors, and external partners.
• Experience collaborating effectively across divisions and with academic leadership.

• Doctorate or terminal degree in a related field.
• Experience leading organizational change initiatives in large, research-intensive universities.
• Knowledge of student success strategies related to belonging, retention, and graduation.
• Familiarity with threat assessment protocols, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to build and mentor high-performing teams.
• Experience overseeing large student-serving facilities.

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