Open Searches

The University of Saint Mary (USM) is seeking nominations, inquiries and applications for President. Located in Leavenworth, Kansas, part of the Greater Kansas City area, USM is an esteemed applied liberal arts university with a range of programs and a focus on health care education, and a well- earned reputation for supporting the social mobility of its students. The University is seeking a dynamic, mission-focused, and visionary leader who will build upon the achievements of the past decade and its distinctive contributions. The successful candidate will be expected to expand institutional resources, enhance engagement with neighboring communities, and articulate a clear and compelling vision that motivates the campus community, alumni, and philanthropic supporters to propel the University’s pursuit of continued excellence. The new president will take office on or before July 1, 2026.

Founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL), with whom the university shares its spacious grounds, USM celebrates the SCL’s hard-working and pragmatic tradition as well as their deep trust in God. It strives for excellence in every aspect of teaching and learning in order to develop the whole person in students. In adapting to the needs of the contemporary world, the curriculum meets students where they are educationally and helps them develop their God-given potential. Students today learn in modern classrooms and facilities on the university’s historic Main Campus, as well as at a satellite location in Johnson County, Kansas, (the KC-area’s largest county), and online in a number of undergraduate and graduate offerings

The next president of the University of Saint Mary must be a Catholic who supports the USM mission, vision, and values with a demonstrated track record of leadership experience in higher education and an earned doctorate or terminal degree. More information about the position, including the full list of preferred attributes and instructions on the application process, can be found in the position profile: https://academicsearch.org/open-searches-public/

Inquiries, nominations, and applications can be submitted in confidence to USMpresident@academicsearch.org. Conversations with the consultants are invited and encouraged before the submission of an application, so they can share information that might be helpful in discerning your interest and preparing materials. If you are interested in a confidential discussion please schedule a time with Senior Consultant and Senior Executive Coach Suzanne K. Mellon, Ph.D. (Suzanne’s Direct Booking Link) or Consultant Disa Mason (Disa’s Direct Booking Link).

The search committee will begin reviewing applications in December. Though applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled, only those materials received by January 15, 2026 are assured full consideration.

The University of Saint Mary is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).