Position announcement in
The Chronicle of Higher Education

President
Ouachita Baptist University
Arkadelphia, Arkansas

The Board of Trustees of Ouachita Baptist University invites nominations and applications for the position of President.  The President is the chief executive officer and reports directly to the twenty-four member board.

The trustees anticipate that the next president will possess the qualities that have provided for stable and inspired leadership since 1886:  a deep appreciation for the life of the mind and the role of the university in the advancement of education; an empathy for the unique mission of Ouachita to combine the love of God with the love of learning; and a sensitivity to the historic connections to Ouachita’s Baptist heritage and to nurturing a Christ-centered environment for the campus.

The next President must bring to the position a variety of skills:  an excellent capacity to communicate; demonstrated fund-raising ability; an eagerness to listen; and leadership qualities necessary for success within the context of a complex environment.  The ideal candidate will have an earned doctorate or appropriate terminal degree; a history of intellectual and professional achievement; a record of strong strategic capabilities and sound fiscal management; a global perspective; and a willingness to embrace the university’s mission, vision, and values statements.

Ouachita Baptist University has a distinguished record of service and a strong academic reputation.  Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (North Central Association of Colleges and Schools), specific programs are accredited by:  American Dietetics Association; Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business; Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; National Association of Schools of Music; and National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.  The university consists of eight academic schools offering four baccalaureate degrees with 49 majors, 33 minors, and 16 pre-professional programs.  All programs have a solid foundation in the liberal arts emphasis of the university’s unique CORE Curriculum.

Ouachita employs 117 full-time faculty members.  Fall 2005 enrollment was 1,502 undergraduates, with students from 34 states and 62 foreign countries.  The largely residential student body is offered a vital program of religious activities and community service, effective student government, strong student publications, vigorous intramural sports, and several local social clubs for men and women.  Opportunities are available for international study and exchange.  Student-athletes compete in the NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference.

Additional information about Ouachita and the presidential search process is available on the university web site at the following address:  http://www.obu.edu/presidentialsearch.  Screening of applicants will begin March 15 and will continue until the position is filled.  Nominations and letters of interest may be sent in writing to the address below.  All nominations and expressions of interest will be acknowledged and held in confidence.

Mr. Phil Hardin, Secretary
Presidential Search Committee
Ouachita Baptist University
OBU Box 3753
Arkadelphia, AR 71998-0001

Ouachita Baptist University welcomes applications for employment and educational programs from all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, disability, or national or ethnic origin.