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The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), the state’s historically black, 1890 land-grant institution, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Experience (VPEMSE).

University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a Top Public HBCU.  Founded in 1886 (under the aegis of the United Methodist Church) and one of only 19 prestigious 1890 Land Grant universities, UMES has spent 140 years committed to the power of diversity and inclusion, investing in people of all backgrounds to foster intellectual and social growth.   UMES is located on 1,100 acres in the historic town of Princess Anne on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, only three hours from the abundant cultural and recreational amenities of Annapolis, Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia.

The VPEMSE at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is the chief enrollment executive and student affairs officer, leading a comprehensive array of critical student relations and services from initial exposure to the University through career and alumni success.  The ideal candidate will be well-versed in enrollment metrics and high-impact student engagement and retention practices, a superb communicator with both internal and external audiences, and an empowering team leader, who collaborates and advocates for the best of the University. This is a cabinet-level position reporting to President Heidi M. Anderson.

The Division of Enrollment Management and Student Experience (EMSE) consists of eleven functional departments, each of which is responsible for providing a variety of student support services, and educational programs that promote access, leadership, exploration and growth within the UMES community. From the moment students consider becoming a Hawk to the moment they walk across the stage at commencement, programs and resources in EMSE support and enrich their journey to and through college. EMSE professionals build institutional traditions and lifelong affiliations through creative programs, vibrant student organizations, and a living/learning environment built on core values and uncompromising principles.

The University seeks a Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Experience who will:

• Lead student success efforts in collaboration with campus partners to enhance comprehensive student support services in keeping with the Student Success Strategic Plan. The VPEMSE also leads the Strategic Enrollment Management Task Force that further reinforces this effort along with enrollment planning.  These planning activities address student success, recruitment, retention, and graduation through data-informed practices.  It is imperative that the VPEMSE champion these thoughtful processes and continue the successful momentum.
• Celebrate, promote, and advance efforts that create a sense of belonging and family community for (students, faculty, staff) in keeping with the Student Success Strategic Plan and University values.
• Align resources and organization strategy to respond to emerging needs of students. This means analyzing department capacity and resources in a collaborative and thoughtful manner, providing concrete and data-informed recommendations

Academic Search is assisting UMES in this search. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be held in strict confidence. Applicants should submit three separate PDF documents to: UMESVPEMSE@academicsearch.org:

1. A cover letter which clearly summarizes how the applicant addresses each of the listed required qualifications, preferred qualifications (as applicable), and leadership agenda/characteristics.
2. A current curriculum vitae (CV) that includes responsibilities and accomplishments, as well as scholarly achievements.
3. Names and contact information for five references with a note indicating the relationship to the applicant. (References will not be contacted without permission.)

The position will remain open until filled, with full consideration given to applications received by March 7, 2026.

Nominators and prospective candidates may arrange a confidential discussion about this opportunity with Stacey Morgan Foster, JD, senior consultant, at stacey.foster@academicsearch.org.

If submitting a nomination, please include the nominee’s full name, position, institution/organization, and email address. Academic Search will notify people of their nomination, provide details about the position, and encourage them to apply. Academic Search will not disclose the nominator.