16 Kutztown University has a long history of a strong student-focused culture, a community of active teachers and scholars, and a record of commitment to its community and region. The university faces both challenges and opportunities as it seeks to sustain and further strengthen programs and services for its students and the wider community. Areas of particular focus for the next president include: Enrollment Growth: Consistent with many other campuses, KU is in a region that is undergoing population declines within the traditional-age cohort, while competition for students has grown. KU will need to bolster admission and retention strategies to include new program development and more aggressive recruiting in both regional and expanded markets. The next president will spur strategic growth in existing programs and new program development that meets employer and prospective student demand and integrates the arts, liberal arts, and professional programs, including an expansion of graduate curriculum. Financial Sustainability: The new president will need to be both financially adept and a strong advocate for the university, finding ways to maintain and improve support for programs through strong legislative advocacy, energetic fundraising with alumni and other donors, the development of other resources through community and economic development, greater internal efficiencies and creative marshaling of campus finances. In partnership with the Kutztown University Foundation, the new president will have the opportunity to build upon the successful recent track record of fundraising and advancement and plan for the next campaign. PRESIDENT: The president is the chief executive officer of the university and reports through the PASSHE chancellor to the Board of Governors. With a proven record of excellent academic leadership, the next president must be a transparent, forward thinking, articulate, and inspiring communicator who will be asked to lead the collaborative effort with the university community to develop a strong shared vision for the next stage of development for Kutztown University. Skilled in external relations, the president will understand KU’s role in the region and will be deeply engaged with the community. Additionally, the president should be adept at navigating the political landscape to advocate for the institution’s needs and collaborate effectively within the PASSHE system. The ideal candidate will be student-focused and have a proven ability to build trust, increase enrollment, build strong partnerships, and actively fundraise. THE ROLE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
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