"Vice President of Student Affairs"

About the College

Great Basin College (GBC), established in 1967, is a public institution within the Nevada System of Higher Education. Serving over 3,500 students across a vast geographic service area, two-time zones, ten of Nevada's largest counties and borders five states; GBC offers a diverse range of associate and baccalaureate degree programs in academic, career, and technical education fields. The college is recognized for its commitment to delivering high-quality education through both in-person and online platforms, making it a leader in distance education. This flexibility allows students from various locations to access GBC's programs, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

The college's mission, "Transforming lives through education," reflects its dedication to student-centered learning and community engagement and actively emphasizes student experience, inclusion, diversity, equity, access, sustainability, workforce development, community involvement, and institutional effectiveness.

GBC's history is marked by a strong commitment to serving rural Nevada. Since its inception, the college has expanded its reach through branch campuses in Battle Mountain, Ely, Pahrump, and Winnemucca, as well as satellite centers in nearly 20 communities across the state. This extensive network enables GBC to provide educational opportunities to a wide and diverse student population. Great Basin College stands as a pivotal institution in Nevada, offering accessible and quality education tailored to the unique needs of its diverse student body, with a particular focus on serving rural communities through innovative distance learning and comprehensive on-campus experiences.

About the Area

Nestled in the heart of northeast Nevada, Elko is a dynamic and welcoming community that offers the perfect balance of charm, culture, and opportunity. As home to Great Basin College, Elko is more than just a place to work-it's a place to thrive. Renowned for its rich heritage, the town is a treasure trove of folk art, native and western crafts, and vibrant cultural events that celebrate its unique spirit.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of adventures, from scenic hiking trails, camping, and fishing to exhilarating winter sports. For those with a passion for the arts, Elko boasts a vibrant scene filled with festivals, galleries, and performances that captivate residents and visitors alike. Modern cuisine, steeped in Western tradition, adds to the town's distinct appeal.

Elko is the largest city in northeast Nevada and a thriving hub for industries like agriculture, mining, gaming, and tourism. Whether it's the sense of community, the opportunities for growth, or the endless recreational and cultural activities, Elko is more than just a place to live-it's a place to call home.

About the Position

The Vice President of Student Affairs reports directly to the college president and is the Chief Student Affairs Officer for the college. The Vice President works collaboratively with the members of the executive leadership team in the leadership, planning, policy and budget development, and management for a comprehensive student affairs program. The Vice President of Student Affairs oversees academic advising, admissions, career planning, disability resources & services, enrollment management, financial aid, graduation/commencement, international education, Student Government Association (SGA), recruitment & retention, military advisement, registration, records, housing, community outreach & events, student life and leadership, early outreach programs, testing & assessment, Veterans affairs, Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, and a few scholarship and mentoring program. The position leads twelve direct reports and a total team of approximately 120, overseeing a budget of nearly $35M.

Position Responsibilities

The Vice President of Student Affairs (VPSA) has full responsibility and accountability for the leadership of a comprehensive student affairs program. The VPSA is a senior-level executive position along with the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Vice President of Finance and Operations. The position participates and collaborates in institutional strategic planning, budgeting, and policy creation and implementation, as well as participates with colleagues in policy discussions and implementation within the Nevada System of Higher Education. The Vice President frequently meets with individuals on/for allegations/grievances, as well as mediator for various claims. The position has oversight and supervision of the following areas: recruitment; retention; admission/registration/student records; student information system; degree audit reporting; student financial services; student life & housing; admissions, advising and centers, disability and veteran services; as well as supervision of the student advocate, who is the advisory for the Student Government Association (SGA). The Vice President leads the Behavioral Intervention Team in conjunction with colleagues.

The position requires travel throughout the 86,514 square mile service area to other Great Basin College campuses, sites and centers, the Nevada System of Higher Education system office, sister institutions, and other locations. The Vice President works closely with the State of Nevada Department of Veteran Services, State of Nevada Department of Education, Job Connect, and many other local and state agencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible higher education administrative experience and leadership in student affairs, including supervisory experience
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated experience in the following areas: Title IX management, enrollment management, financial aid, student behavioral issues, budget development and strategic planning, staff and organizational development

Desired Credentials and Experiences

• Earned doctorate from a regionally accredited institution in a related discipline
• Openly communicative and visible on campus
• Experience building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external agencies, such as Nevada System of Higher Education constituencies & institutions, K-12, non-profits, advisory boards, etc.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; the ability to work effectively with a variety of individuals and groups for a synergistic and supportive college community.
• Collaborative approach to problem solving, consensus builder, proficient multi-tasker
• Ethical, honest and of the highest integrity along with the ability to bring levity and positivity
• Strong, visionary leadership skills to include a track record of frequent and consistent communication to all stakeholders and an open, welcoming and approachable demeanor
• Supportive of innovation and measured risk taking to achieve a holistic student experience and student success
• Experience in a comprehensive community college with multiple campuses
• Demonstrated leadership, management, and policy development experience in a comprehensive community college
• Proven knowledge of the needs, trends and new developments in community college student affairs and the business and industry sector
• Proven ability to make timely and collaborative decisions
• Proven record of staff development by providing clear expectations, necessary support and the ability to hold people accountable
• Preference for working in a diverse, highly productive, often hands-on environment with effective teamwork, problem solving and follow-through
• Knowledge and understanding of college governance including the role of faculty leadership, executive management, and governing board and the related decision-making processes

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Great Basin College matches the needs of our students, industry, and state, preparing for careers in an evolving workplace now and in the future through a robust and flexible mixture of degrees, certificates, workforce training, and community education-with open access, through innovative delivery, with an interdisciplinary and equity lens, and by dedicated faculty and staff. GBC creates innovative solutions to respond to challenges, and as such the institution's Strategic Plan addresses opportunities in areas of student experience, teaching and learning, professional development/communication and workforce development.

STUDENT SUCCESS

Improve and maximize the outreach and recruitment efforts to special populations through participation in targeted events, outreach campaigns, high school and university partnerships, targeted marketing, as well as communities surrounding each college location. Enhance the student experience by improving, encouraging, and reinforcing the use of student support services and participation in student engagement-related activities. Increase student goal attainment annually by improving persistence and completion time.

TEACHING AND LEARNING

Great Basin is engaged in innovative interventions to increase student learning through analysis of outcomes-driven assessment, delivering courses that incorporate innovative teaching models to increase successful course completion across all learning environments and providing strategies, tools, and training to all faculty that will increase successful course completion across all learning environments.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATION

Reinforce employees' attainment of core competencies. Enhance professional development strategies across all employee groups. Reinforce employees' knowledge and implementation of the GBC culture. Reinforce communication processes that build an atmosphere of inclusiveness and engagement. Enhance communication strategies with transparency and kindness to increase effectiveness for student success and reinforce their connection to GBC community.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

GBC is committed to strengthening relationships with educational institutions, employers, and industry leaders to create seamless pathways for student success. Key initiatives focus on strengthening Great Basin College's partnerships, aligning education with workforce needs through data-driven stakeholder engagement, and collaborating with Nevada high schools and workforce development organizations to build a strong, job-ready talent pipeline.

How to Apply

The soft application deadline for a second review of applications is July 20th, 2025. While the position is open until filled, materials received after this date are not guaranteed full consideration and will be reviewed at the sole discretion of the search committee.

Application materials include:

• A letter of interest that aligns experience and skills with the position requirements (not to exceed 5 pages)
• A resume (chronological preferred)
• Contact information including email and direct telephone number for a range of at least 6 professional references

Send application materials to: vpsa.gbc@cizekassociates.com

Or securely upload application materials to: https://cizekassociates.com/contact/

Search Consultant:

Sheila Lehker, President

Cizek Associates, Inc.

vpsa.gbc@cizekassociates.com

602-553-1066