Lehigh University, a private residential research university in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, currently seeks a visionary leader to support and sustain a vibrant and inclusive campus culture as our next Vice President of Student Affairs. Lehigh has been recognized two years in a row (2023-2024) as one of the top places to work in Student Affairs and has received the HEED award for excellence in diversity in higher education for five consecutive years (2019-2024).
Reporting directly to the President, the VPSA holds a pivotal role within the university’s executive leadership team as part of the President's cabinet. The VPSA is charged with shaping and driving the strategic vision for student life, fostering a dynamic and inclusive campus culture that prioritizes student well-being and success. This role is integral in ensuring that student services, programs, and resources align with the university's mission to empower students academically and personally. Lehigh's Inspiring the Future Makers strategy sets a goal for the university to be a leader in student outcomes. Read more about our progress toward this and other goals on the Inspiring the Future Makers data dashboard.
The VPSA's portfolio includes oversight of key departments that are essential to the student experience, including Dean of Students, the Health and Wellness Center, Student Counseling and Psychological Services, Military Science and Leadership, Residence Life, Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, Survivor Support and Intimacy Education, Student Affairs Research and Assessment, Writing and Math Center, and Student Center Operations. The VPSA leads a dedicated team of 80 staff members, including 10 direct reports, all committed to enhancing the development of Lehigh’s students.
As the leader of the Student Affairs division, the VPSA will:
- Develop and Execute Strategy: Craft and implement a comprehensive strategy that aligns with the university’s Inspiring the Future Makers strategy, its mission and its goals.
- Foster an Inclusive Campus Culture: Provide visionary leadership to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive campus environment. Work collaboratively with university leaders to integrate student affairs initiatives with academic programs, enhancing the overall student experience.
- Enhance Student Engagement and Success: Oversee programs and services that drive student outcomes and engagement, including residential life, student involvement, the Health and Wellness Center, and Counseling services.
- Ensure Excellence in Student Affairs: Maintain a high-quality, student-centered approach across all student affairs operations and programs, prioritizing the needs and well-being of students.
- Manage Division Resources: Oversee the budget for the Division of Student Affairs, ensuring responsible allocation of resources. Supervise and support a team of directors, managers, and staff, ensuring adherence to university policies, procedures, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Advocate for Student Needs: Act as the primary advocate for student needs and concerns within the university administration, ensuring that the student voice is heard and addressed at the highest levels.
- Lead Crisis Management Efforts: Develop and oversee protocols for responding to student crises, emergencies, and conflicts. Serve as the principal media spokesperson for all sensitive student-related incidents and issues.
Professional Qualifications and Personal Qualities:
- Academic credentials: A Masters degree from an accredited college or university in Higher education administration, student affairs, counseling, or a related field. A Doctoral degree is preferred.
- Experience: A minimum of ten years of progressive leadership experience in student affairs or a related area within a higher education setting.
- Ability to build collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. An appreciation of difference, a strong commitment to inclusiveness, an understanding of nuance, and the ability to think intentionally with an awareness of the various ways in which the campus is experienced differently by different people is essential
- Deep commitment to the LU mission. The ideal candidate will possess experience mentoring and developing staff in effective change management. As we continue to implement our strategic plan, Inspiring the Future Makers, the execution of new strategies will be essential.
- Proven track record of innovation and improvement in student affairs. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle complex situations with diplomacy and tact.
Meet Our Students
About Lehigh University
Overview
Founded in 1865 by industrial pioneer Asa Packer, Lehigh University was established to foster the “intellectual and moral improvement” of its students, preparing them to contribute to a strong national economy. Lehigh remains dedicated to its mission of teaching, research, and service, challenging students through academic rigor, an entrepreneurial mindset, and collaborative opportunities to become future leaders.
Today, Lehigh is one of the most selective private research universities in the U.S., offering programs across five colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, College of Education, and College of Health. Graduate and doctoral programs are available in all five colleges.
In the Wall Street Journal's 2025 Best Colleges in the US, Lehigh ranked 15th among the top 500 U.S. colleges and universities, and US News & World Report consistently ranks it among the top 50 national universities. Lehigh’s Inspiring the Future Makers strategy, reflects our commitment to empowering students to take leadership roles and create unique student experiences that foster community and growth.
Lehigh employs more than 584 full-time faculty, including 460 tenured or tenure-track professors, and nearly 1,200 staff members. The university has a vibrant alumni network of over 85,000. With approximately 5,811 undergraduate and 1,779 graduate students, Lehigh maintains a small student-faculty ratio (10:1), allowing for close collaboration. First- and second-year students live on campus, engaging in leadership activities and over 200 clubs. Lehigh fields 25 NCAA Division I teams and 40 intramural and club sports, with multiple Patriot League and NCAA tournament championships.
Lehigh University has embraced “The Principles of our Equitable Community,” which details the collective responsibility to foster a welcoming and collaborative environment. The Board of Trustees’ Committee on Diversity, the Council for Equity and Community, and the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity all play key roles in promoting inclusivity at every level of the institution. Lehigh’s dedication to inclusive excellence and belonging is stronger than ever.
Location and Campuses
Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (population 76,000), Lehigh University spans over 2,300 acres in the scenic Lehigh Valley, making it one of the largest private universities in the U.S. Its approximately 1,600 continuous acres of campus include three areas:
- Asa Packer Campus: The original and primary undergraduate residential campus.
- Mountaintop Campus: Formerly a corporate research facility, now housing the College of Education, Iacocca Hall, several academic departments, and major research facilities.
- Murray H. Goodman Campus: Home to the athletic complex, including Murray H. Goodman Stadium, Stabler Arena, and other sports facilities.
Lehigh is frequently listed among the Top 20 Most Beautiful Campuses in America (Business Insider, College Consensus) for its distinctive architecture and historic buildings. The university is located in the vibrant, diverse mid-sized city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which has been listed as among the Top 100 Best Places to Live in America. The city recently had its Moravian Church settlements added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites joining just 25 other sites in the United States. Lehigh is 50 miles from Philadelphia and 75 miles from New York City.
Governance and Finance
Lehigh University is governed by a board of trustees, primarily composed of distinguished business, civic, and academic leaders, many of whom are alumni and major donors with a strong commitment to the university’s mission.
The university boasts a robust financial position with total assets nearing $2.5 billion, minimal debt, and an endowment valued at approximately $2 billion. Its annual budget is $511 million. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition and fees total $82,200, including room and board. Lehigh prioritizes keeping tuition increases modest and provides financial aid to over 50% of its students based on need and merit. In FY 2023, the university awarded more than $125 million in grants and scholarships. Lehigh has been recognized among the nation’s “Best Value” universities by The Princeton Review and US News & World Report.
Mission
To advance learning through the integration of teaching, research, and service to others.
Leadership
President Joseph J. Helble, '82 became his alma mater's 15th president in August of 2021. After graduating with highest honors from Lehigh in 1982, Helble earned his PhD in chemical engineering, with a minor in Spanish, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1987. He worked for several years in the private sector as a research scientist at Physical Sciences, Inc., during which time he also spent several months on leave as a science policy fellow with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Later, as the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Revelle Fellow, he spent a year in Washington, D.C., on the staff of the United States Senate, working on environmental and technology policy. He came to Lehigh from Dartmouth College, where he served as provost from 2018-2021 and dean of engineering from 2005-2018. Prior to arriving at Dartmouth, Helble served as professor and chair of chemical engineering at the University of Connecticut.
Helble’s research interests have included studying the environmental impacts of fossil energy utilization with an emphasis on mercury and particulate matter (PM) air pollutants, exploring technologies for CO2 capture, and developing approaches to produce nanostructured ceramic powders. He has authored more than 100 publications and holds three U.S. patents.
In his first 3 years he has led the development of an ambitious vision for Lehigh's future. Click here to read about Lehigh's exciting 10 year strategy, Inspiring the Future Makers.
We invite you to explore this opportunity and welcome your application.