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Concord University
Concord University is a four year public liberal arts institution and part of the West Virginia Higher Education System. It was founded in 1872, as Concord State Normal School, and was officially opened on May 10, 1875. Since that time, Concord has established a distinguished legacy of delivering quality education for many generations. Concord's current president, Dr. Jerry L. Beasley, assumed office in 1985. During Dr. Beasley’s 22-year tenure, the University’s enrollment has continued to grow, and Concord developed one of the largest endowments of any West Virginia public college or university. Concord has also enjoyed national attention for its progressive efforts during Dr. Beasley’s administration. These include the Summer Academy and Teacher's Institute, enriching learning in West Virginia public schools; the Concord Quest for Scholars; and the Bonner Scholars Program. Concord is the only public college or university in the nation to participate in the Bonner Scholars program. The University also established the Beckley Center and developed a master's program in Teacher Education, with other master’s programs under discussion.
Concord University’s programmatic accreditations are held with the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, the West Virginia Department of Education, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and the Council on Social Work Education. Concord is a member of the National Association for Business Teacher Education. The institution is fully accredited by the North Central Association of the Higher Learning Commission. The campus also features the most complete library in southern West Virginia, the J. Frank Marsh Library, which is a depository for federal documents. The library offers computer labs and facilities, microfiche, copying services, a juvenile section, and the University's archives. Also housed in the library is the Center for Academic Technologies, which features a television studio, radio station and studio, a DNA laboratory, as well as distance education and technology classrooms. Concord University is home to many intercollegiate and intramural athletics teams. The intercollegiate men's teams include: football, basketball, baseball, golf, tennis, track and field, and cross country. The women's intercollegiate teams include basketball, softball, cheerleading, soccer, tennis, track and field, and cross country. Concord University is a NCAA Division II school, and a member of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Office of Student Affairs provides intramurals in many athletic activities, including flag football, volleyball, and basketball.
Athens is a growing community of nearly 1200 residents in Mercer County, which was recently listed among the 100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise Alliance. It is part of a greater micropolitan area, which has a population of approximately 108,000. Athens is situated in a popular vacation area and is just a few miles from Bluestone Lake and State Park, Pipestem Resort State Park, and the Bluestone National Scenic River. Concord is located close to major four-lane highways (Interstates 64 and 77 and U.S. 460), but is far away from the traffic, crime, and distractions of big city life. THE OPPORTUNITY Concord University provides an excellent opportunity for an accomplished leader who will be able to leverage the solid foundation established under the leadership of President Beasley over more than two decades. The President is appointed by and reports to a twelve member Board of Governors that has been supportive and generous to the University through the years. The President’s cabinet currently consists of a Vice President and Academic Dean, a Vice President for Business and Finance, a Vice President for Admissions and Financial Aid, an Associate Vice President for Development, a Vice President for Student Affairs, the Director of Public Relations/Marketing, and the Director of the Concord Beckley Center operations at the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center.
Goals for the new president include:
Academic credentials should include a terminal degree with appropriate scholarly accomplishments. Evidence of successful teaching experience on a tenure track is preferred. A commitment to high academic standards and support for reasonably balanced resources between academics and athletics is expected. Experience should include successful tenure as a leader at or near the presidential level with line responsibility for the performance and accountability of other senior administrators in a similar, public or private, college or university. A thorough understanding of the public budgeting process and experience in the successful handling of financial matters of a university are needed. A passion for successful fundraising to include interacting with state legislators and other external funding sources should be evident. Personal traits should include refined interpersonal skills with a reputation for good judgment and credibility with people at all levels. A sincere commitment to shared governance is essential. The ability to communicate effectively with groups and individuals and to be a good listener is expected. The President must be open to considering the views of others, yet resolute. Successful experience in enrollment management, faculty and staff development, and student life improvements will be needed, both on the main campus and at the Beckley Center. Extra curricular activities, facilities, and other enhancements that nurture a stronger sense of community should be pursued. Impeccable integrity, morality, trustworthiness, sensitivity to human dignity, and well balanced self-esteem are imperative. Please direct inquiries, nominations and expressions of interest to jma@jonmcrae.com.
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THE INSTITUTION
As a learning community, Concord University is committed to furthering knowledge through professional development activities and programs, through research, and through the application, publication and appreciation of scholarly efforts. The primary purpose of Concord’s mission is academic; however, the service the University provides to its state and region goes beyond the classroom. Concord University contributes to the quality of cultural and economic life in southern West Virginia through collaboration with both public and private organizations and agencies and through extension of its support and assistance in the region it serves. Ultimately, Concord University measures its success by the fulfillment alumni find in their careers and throughout their lives.
Concord is known for its picturesque, 123-acre campus, affectionately referred to as “The Campus Beautiful.” Nestled on a plateau of the Appalachian Mountains with panoramic views from its lofty elevation of 2600 feet, the University is located in Athens, West Virginia. 
The University serves a student body of approximately 3000, with students from 27 states and 22 countries. The annual budget is approximately $31 million, with a $25 million endowment, and less than $200,000 in long term debt. There are 250+ employees. Physical plant improvements in recent years include renovation of the administration and science buildings, and the new Nick Rahall Technology Center -- a state-of-the-art facility that is home to the Entrepreneurial Studies Program, and the University Computer Center.
Concord University seeks a leader who will embrace and articulate the mission of the University, with emphasis on academic excellence, quality campus life, and community service. The President should be a public intellectual who is compelling, creative, energetic, and entrepreneurial.