"Executive Director, Mary Virginia Terry Center for Experiential Learning"

Job Details

Valdosta State University (VSU) seeks an innovative, dynamic, and data-driven leader to serve as the inaugural Executive Director for the Mary Virginia Terry Center for Experiential Learning. This is a transformational opportunity to coordinate signature experiential learning (EL) activities for our students throughout their college careers, both in and out of the classroom, and for our community.

We are looking for an individual with a passion for applied learning who excels in a dynamic environment, embraces change, and leads with vision and integrity. This is a full-time, non-tenure track faculty ranked, administrative position. Rank based on credentials. Position will report to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs with a dotted line to the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs. Appointment date is negotiable with hire date no later than July 1, 2026.

Located in South Georgia, VSU is a regional, comprehensive public university known for its welcoming campus culture, strong academic programs, and commitment to student success. The Terry Center will establish continuity, coordination, and growth of experiential learning at VSU while also providing financial support for students and relevant faculty needs. One critical role of the Center Executive Director is to ensure rigor and to provide guidance in evidence-based academic practices, curriculum, and assessment of experiential learning for credit-bearing EL while balancing EL opportunities in Enrollment and Student Affairs as vital to graduating career-ready individuals. Equally essential is the Center’s role in fostering strong community partnerships that expand learning beyond the classroom and connect students with real-world challenges and opportunities in the region.

The Executive Director of the Terry Center will play a key role in shaping the future of a new unit which will implement several areas of VSU’s Strategic Plan including the Blazer Summer Research Institute, the Undergraduate Research Symposium, a new Experiential Learning Exposition, study away opportunities in our region, and other experiential learning initiatives recognized through VSU’s Quality Enhancement Plan. The successful candidate will bring creativity, leadership, and enthusiasm to grow the experiential learning campus and community culture. They will work collaboratively with key partners across campus including units within Academic Affairs (e.g., Center for International Programs), Enrollment & Student Affairs, and the Center for South Georgia Regional Impact (SGRI).

Online application is required and should be submitted at https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/finance-admin/human-resources/employment-opportunities.php. For full consideration applications should be submitted no later than November 17, 2025. For more information contact Dr. Laura Wright, Search Committee Chair, via email lbwright@valdosta.edu.

Application materials should include:

• CV
• Letter of Interest
• Transcripts (unofficial)
• List of at least three professional references with contact information (to include email address)

Responsibilities

The Executive Director will be responsible for the following:

• Provide leadership to develop a mission, vision, and strategic plan for the Mary Virginia Terry Center with the key stakeholders involved in experiential learning (EL) activities across campus and the community
  • Include a timeline, goals, and assessments to ensure strategic plan goals are being met
  • Use existing university and USG data to inform decision making about the needed EL programming and growth
• Formalize a student-centered, centralized hub for experiential learning opportunities on campus which include course activities, programming in Enrollment and Student Affairs such as BlazerReady, and opportunities identified by the Center for South Georgia Regional Impact
• Supervise, coordinate, and/or collaborate with those involved in existing experiential learning opportunities (internships/practicums/apprenticeships, co-ops, study abroad/away, service learning) and groups (such as the Undergraduate Research Council, Experiential Learning Advisory Committee), working to enhance these experiential education programs
• Identify methods to recognize students completing one or more opportunities during their college experience
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to integrate experiential learning in the Core IMPACTS curriculum and academic programs, both face to face and online, as well as out-of-class programming
• Monitor student progress and provide guidance to ensure successful learning outcomes to include developing an assessment schedule for experiential learning endorsed courses/programs to ensure quality and student success
• Ensure equitable access to opportunities for all students (traditional, non-traditional, online, and commuters)
• Conduct assessments and compile reports on program effectiveness
• Apply for public and private grants as well as pursue other external funding opportunities to enhance and support experiential activities across campus
• Stay informed about current trends and best practices in experiential education Lead day-to-day coordination and operation of the Mary Virginia Terry Center for Experiential Learning
• Budget Manager
• Chair a Terry Center Advisory Board composed of campus and community stakeholders Intentionally cultivate a collaborative relationship with the Center for South Georgia Regional Impact (SGRI)
• Complete other duties necessary to fulfill the functions of the Center

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree with 10 years of work experience related to teaching and experiential learning OR terminal degree with 7 years of work experience related to teaching and experiential learning.
• Seven years of supervisory and/or leadership experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, internal and external partners
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development
• Demonstrated ability to secure grants and external funding
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Developing and managing experiential learning programs
• Proven track record of successful program assessment and evaluation
• Strong organizational and project management skills

This position is considered a 'soft money' position, as it is partially funded by an endowment provided to the University specifically for the Mary Virginia Terry Center for Experiential Learning; therefore, the University will incur no salary obligation for that portion of salary beyond funding derived from this source.

Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It is not the intent of the institution to discriminate against any applicant for admission, or any student or employee of the institution based on the age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation of the individual.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values are the foundation for all we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression, as stated in Board Policy 6.5, Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom, which can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.