Open Searches

Academic Search specializes in executive searches for colleges, universities, and related organizations—partnering with institutions to assemble the strongest teams possible. We recognize that recruiting strong leaders is crucial to the success of any higher education institution and it is our goal to find the right candidate for each role. We are committed to building exceptional and deep pools of candidates for all searches, and we encourage you to look through our open searches to learn more about the opportunities available at our partner institutions.

President

Application deadline: March 10, 2026

Senior Consultant: Gwendolyn Joseph
Gwen.Joseph@academicsearch.org

Consultant: Disa Mason
disa.mason@academicsearch.org

The Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) invites applications and nominations for the position of President of Cleveland State Community College (CLSCC). Situated in scenic southeast Tennessee, 30 miles northeast of Chattanooga, Cleveland is surrounded by natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. The President is the chief executive officer of the College and reports to the TBR through the Chancellor.

Cleveland State is an accredited public community college committed to quality education. The College employs approximately 200 full-time employees and enrolls more than 3,100 credit-seeking students and an additional 1,500 non-credit students each fall. For more than 58 years, Cleveland State has focused on responsive delivery of the highest quality education and training at the lowest possible cost in support of workforce development, liberal arts transfer, and cultural enrichment.

The main 105-acre campus has 10 major buildings that house modern classrooms, laboratories and student activity centers. Cleveland State has additional offices and classrooms in Athens and Monroe County and offers classes throughout our service area of Bradley, Meigs, McMinn, Monroe and Polk counties.

Cleveland State has been recognized as an innovative and entrepreneurial college and seeks a President to continue to move the college forward as a leader in higher education reform nationwide. It is anticipated that the President will assume office by June 1, 2026. The full list of preferred qualifications and instructions on the application process can be found in the position profile: https://academicsearch.org/open-searches-public/

Confidential discussions about this opportunity are welcomed and encouraged. Please contact Senior Consultant Dr. Gwendolyn G. Joseph <Gwen.Joseph@academicsearch.org> / (281) 889-9299 or Consultant Disa Mason <Disa Mason Bookings Link>.

Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted in confidence to ClevelandStatePres@academicsearch.org. Materials received by March 10, 2026 can be assured full consideration from the search committee. The application should consist of a substantive cover letter, a curriculum vitae and a list of five professional references. References will not be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate.

The Community College System of Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity employer. Under state law, applicants may request that their application and related materials be confidential and not open for public inspection until such time the candidate is selected as a finalist for the position.