Vice President for Student Life
Apply NowCompany: Berea College
Location: Berea, KY 40403
Description:
Location : Berea
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Division: President
Department: Student Life Adminstrative Office
Opening Date: 04/16/2025
FLSA: Exempt
Salary Grade: 18
Labor Supervisor?: No
Please note that references provided at the time of application for staff positions will not be contacted until the applicant has been offered the position.
Description:
Berea College is seeking a dynamic and student-centered leader to serve as the The Vice President for Student Life (VPSL). This senior-level administrator will be responsible for shaping a holistic and engaging student experience that aligns with the institution's mission and values. Reporting to the President and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the VPSL will oversee student engagement, residential life, counseling and wellness services, public safety, and student leadership development.
The VPSL will collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to foster a vibrant, inclusive campus environment that promotes personal growth, well-being, and student success.
Your Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Student Engagement
What You'll Bring:
Education required to ensure success in this position:
Experience required to ensure success in this position:
Special Skills, knowledge and abilities:
License, certification, or registration necessary:
Physical Requirements:
Environmental Conditions:
Ability to operate the following vehicles or equipment:
Founded in 1855, Berea College is nationally recognized as the first coeducational and interracial college in the South. Berea has a longstanding commitment to interracial education and is one of the most racially diverse private liberal arts colleges in the United States. With an emphasis on service to Appalachia and beyond, Berea enrolls more than 1,500 students from 46 states and U.S. territories and more than 70 countries. Berea College admits students who are unable to afford tuition and provides all of them with a no-tuition promise, valued at more than $204,000. Berea's students excel in the College's supportive yet demanding academic environment, and most are the first in their families to attend college. As one of only nine federally recognized Work Colleges, all Berea students are expected to work 10-12 hours weekly in various positions across campus. Berea College is listed #20 in overall ranking in the U.S. by the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse college rankings, 2023. The Washington Monthly ranks Berea College #2 Best Liberal Arts College and #1 in Social Mobility, 2023. Money Magazine ranks Berea #20 Best Overall College and #10 for Best in the South, 2023. Berea College is also the only institution in Kentucky to receive the 5-Star Rating from Money Magazine, 2023.
Located where the Bluegrass Region meets the Cumberland Mountains, the town of Berea (pop. 16,000) lies forty miles south of Lexington and is approximately two hours from Cincinnati, Louisville, and Knoxville. More information about Berea College is available at
Berea College, in light of its mission in the tradition of impartial love and social equality, welcomes all people of the earth to learn and work here.
Berea College is always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team. If you think you are ready to be a part of an exciting team, then we encourage you to continue with this applicant friendly, online job application!
Berea College is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
Our Benefits:
Berea College offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees and their families including health care, dental, vision, retirement, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability and an Employee Assistance Program. The benefit package also includes access to the for children of College Staff, ages 6 weeks to 6 years, Membership, Staff Development Funds and Tuition Reimbursement.
Eligible staff employees also receive paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time employees who work an average of 24 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at
Our Unique Culture:
Berea College strives to be a place where people with various Christian interpretations, different religious traditions, and no religious traditions work together in support of
Over the past century, various leaders of the College have applied the College's inclusive scriptural foundation and spirit to their expanding world and welcomed those whose beliefs were consistent with the Christian gospel of impartial love. Therefore, Berea College today affirms its inclusive Christian tradition even as it respects the traditions of Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus, as well as other faiths, and those holding no religious beliefs. We strive not to ignore our differences, but rather seek to understand each other honestly and respectfully, and together create a climate where anyone can openly discuss what they believe without fear of sanction. To that end, all persons who are willing to share in the spirit and the work of the Great Commitments as shaped by its preamble are welcome to study, to teach, and to work at Berea
Labor Supervision:
In support of Berea College's great commitments, staff and faculty serve as labor supervisors. Our fourth great commitment, The Dignity of Labor, promotes learning and serving in community through the student Labor Program, honoring the dignity and utility of all work, mental and manual, and taking pride in work well done. Student Labor Supervision includes scheduling, assigning, and approving student work, developing students' workplace acumen, and providing tangible work experience. To learn more about the labor program office please see the following link
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Division: President
Department: Student Life Adminstrative Office
Opening Date: 04/16/2025
FLSA: Exempt
Salary Grade: 18
Labor Supervisor?: No
Please note that references provided at the time of application for staff positions will not be contacted until the applicant has been offered the position.
Description:
Berea College is seeking a dynamic and student-centered leader to serve as the The Vice President for Student Life (VPSL). This senior-level administrator will be responsible for shaping a holistic and engaging student experience that aligns with the institution's mission and values. Reporting to the President and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the VPSL will oversee student engagement, residential life, counseling and wellness services, public safety, and student leadership development.
The VPSL will collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to foster a vibrant, inclusive campus environment that promotes personal growth, well-being, and student success.
Your Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Student Engagement
- Develop and implement a vision for student life that enhances student engagement, leadership development, co-curricular learning.
- Oversee student government, student organizations, leadership programs, and campus traditions.
- Serve as a key advocate for student concerns and ensure that student voices are integrated into institutional decision-making.
- Supervise housing and residence life programs, ensuring a safe, supportive, and engaging living-learning environment.
- Develop policies and initiatives that enhance the residential experience and foster a sense of belonging among students.
- Address student conduct and disciplinary matters in alignment with institutional policies and values.
- Provide strategic leadership for campus public safety, emergency preparedness, and risk management.
- Oversee counseling, mental health services, and wellness initiatives to support student well-being.
- Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including Title IX, the Clery Act, and ADA accessibility requirements.
- Lead efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable campus climate, supporting underrepresented student populations.
- Develop initiatives that promote cross-cultural understanding, civic engagement, and social justice.
- Collaborate with campus partners to implement policies and programs that address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in student affairs.
- Serve as a key advisor to the President and senior leadership on matters related to student life.
- Work closely with academic affairs, admissions, and retention teams to support student success.
- Represent student life interests in Board of Trustees meetings, providing updates and strategic recommendations.
- Build partnerships with local community organizations, government agencies, and higher education networks.
What You'll Bring:
Education required to ensure success in this position:
- Masters degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field (Doctorate preferred)
Experience required to ensure success in this position:
- Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive leadership experience in student affairs or related areas, preferably within a liberal arts college setting.
Special Skills, knowledge and abilities:
- Demonstrated expertise in student development, crisis management, and campus safety administration
- Experience overseeing student support services, including counseling, wellness programs, and diversity initiatives
- Strong leadership, organizational, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Knowledge of federal and state regulations related to student life, including Title IX, Clery Act, FERPA, and ADA.
- Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across institutional divisions
- Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
- Experience in developing and implementing student-centered programs that enhance engagement and retention.
- A deep understanding of the role of student affairs in a liberal arts educational model.
- A commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and supportive campus environment.
License, certification, or registration necessary:
- Valid Drivers License
Physical Requirements:
- Sit for long periods and able to get from one building to another
Environmental Conditions:
- General office
Ability to operate the following vehicles or equipment:
- Standard office equipment
Founded in 1855, Berea College is nationally recognized as the first coeducational and interracial college in the South. Berea has a longstanding commitment to interracial education and is one of the most racially diverse private liberal arts colleges in the United States. With an emphasis on service to Appalachia and beyond, Berea enrolls more than 1,500 students from 46 states and U.S. territories and more than 70 countries. Berea College admits students who are unable to afford tuition and provides all of them with a no-tuition promise, valued at more than $204,000. Berea's students excel in the College's supportive yet demanding academic environment, and most are the first in their families to attend college. As one of only nine federally recognized Work Colleges, all Berea students are expected to work 10-12 hours weekly in various positions across campus. Berea College is listed #20 in overall ranking in the U.S. by the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse college rankings, 2023. The Washington Monthly ranks Berea College #2 Best Liberal Arts College and #1 in Social Mobility, 2023. Money Magazine ranks Berea #20 Best Overall College and #10 for Best in the South, 2023. Berea College is also the only institution in Kentucky to receive the 5-Star Rating from Money Magazine, 2023.
Located where the Bluegrass Region meets the Cumberland Mountains, the town of Berea (pop. 16,000) lies forty miles south of Lexington and is approximately two hours from Cincinnati, Louisville, and Knoxville. More information about Berea College is available at
Berea College, in light of its mission in the tradition of impartial love and social equality, welcomes all people of the earth to learn and work here.
Berea College is always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team. If you think you are ready to be a part of an exciting team, then we encourage you to continue with this applicant friendly, online job application!
Berea College is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
Our Benefits:
Berea College offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees and their families including health care, dental, vision, retirement, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability and an Employee Assistance Program. The benefit package also includes access to the for children of College Staff, ages 6 weeks to 6 years, Membership, Staff Development Funds and Tuition Reimbursement.
Eligible staff employees also receive paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time employees who work an average of 24 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at
Our Unique Culture:
Berea College strives to be a place where people with various Christian interpretations, different religious traditions, and no religious traditions work together in support of
Over the past century, various leaders of the College have applied the College's inclusive scriptural foundation and spirit to their expanding world and welcomed those whose beliefs were consistent with the Christian gospel of impartial love. Therefore, Berea College today affirms its inclusive Christian tradition even as it respects the traditions of Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus, as well as other faiths, and those holding no religious beliefs. We strive not to ignore our differences, but rather seek to understand each other honestly and respectfully, and together create a climate where anyone can openly discuss what they believe without fear of sanction. To that end, all persons who are willing to share in the spirit and the work of the Great Commitments as shaped by its preamble are welcome to study, to teach, and to work at Berea
Labor Supervision:
In support of Berea College's great commitments, staff and faculty serve as labor supervisors. Our fourth great commitment, The Dignity of Labor, promotes learning and serving in community through the student Labor Program, honoring the dignity and utility of all work, mental and manual, and taking pride in work well done. Student Labor Supervision includes scheduling, assigning, and approving student work, developing students' workplace acumen, and providing tangible work experience. To learn more about the labor program office please see the following link