Director, Mahurin Honors College

About Western Kentucky University:

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 15,035 students (29% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority, 1% international) and nearly 2,508 faculty and staff employees*.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our ever-evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about .

Job Description:

The Director of the Mahurin Honors College (MHC) is responsible for oversight of the Mahurin Honors College while collaborating closely with the college deans to align honors education with Western Kentucky University's (WKU) overall academic mission. The Director provides leadership, strategic planning, and administrative oversight to ensure the delivery of a high-quality, enriched academic experience for honors students. This role is responsible for fostering a culture of academic exploration to enhance intellectual curiosity, student engagement, and experiential learning. The Director works collaboratively with faculty, staff, university administration, and external stakeholders to advance the mission and goals of the Mahurin Honors College.

The Director will

• Engage internal and external stakeholders to foster strong relationships to actively advance and champion the College's mission.
• Cultivate collaborative relationships and open communication with members of the MHC leadership team while providing mentorship and development opportunities as they excel and grow professionally.
• Provide support to the Assistant Director of Academics to promote curricular innovation and to deliver a variety of excellent honors experiences.
• Collaborate with Deans, Department Chairs/School Directors, the Office of Research and Creative Activities, and community partners to promote undergraduate research, study away, study abroad, scholar development, leadership opportunities, community engagement, and other experiential learning opportunities.
• Build upon the strong sense of community within the MHC and better integrate the College and students into the larger campus community.
• Provide leadership and collaborate with the Assistant Director of Enrollment and Brand Management and campus stakeholders in recruiting, retaining, and supporting a high-achieving, high-potential, goal-oriented, diverse student population.
• Partner with the MHC leadership team and academic deans to shape and execute the strategic vision, goals, and financial management of the MHC, ensuring alignment with the university's overarching strategic plan.
• Develop and oversee the MHC budget and resource allocation priorities, leveraging the RAMP budget model to ensure strategic and efficient financial management.
• Serve as the primary philanthropic officer for MHC, leading fundraising initiatives, donor relations, and development efforts in collaboration with the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement to secure financial support for student recruitment, retention, and success.

Requirements:

• Earned doctorate and a scholarly record consistent with appointment as a tenured associate or full professor in an academic discipline at Western Kentucky University.
• Experience in managing a complex organization including people, resources, and operating budgets.
• Administrative experience in a university or college honors program or another academic unit.
• Extensive knowledge of honors pedagogy and best practices in honors education across the disciplines.
• Possess a persuasive, diplomatic, emotionally intelligent and collaborative leadership style needed to maintain constructive alliances with the variety of people needed to navigate the rapidly changing university environment.
• Record of team building with strong commitment to creating and sustaining a positive university work environment, while promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Ability to nurture relationships with honors alumni and ability to build development opportunities with a variety of stakeholders.

Additional Information:

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu .

Application Instructions:

The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system by March 28, 2025, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled:

• Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vita
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Statement of Leadership Philosophy

Names and contact information of three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee through an online process at a later date.

You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process.

Candidates with questions about the position should contact the search chair, Dr. Rob Hale, rob.hale@wku.edu, 270-745-5776.