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Wilkes University, a dynamic four-year private institution located in the heart of downtown Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, invites nominations and applications for its eighth President. The University seeks an inspiring and collaborative leader who will champion its student-centered mission and guide it through a period of strategic growth and renewal.

Wilkes University offers a mix of in-demand undergraduate, master’s and terminal degree programs online and on campus to more than 2,000 full-time undergraduate and 3,000 graduate students through its three colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences; the College of Business and Engineering, which includes the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership and the School of Engineering; and the College of Health and Education, which includes the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy and the Passan School of Nursing. The University is known for its close mentoring relationships, professional and liberal arts excellence, strong student life, and deep commitment to first-generation and diverse learners. Wilkes students engage in a robust array of academic offerings, partner with faculty to conduct research, are active in service projects and the Bonner Leader Program, and compete in 24 NCAA Division III sports.

Located on a compact 35-acre campus, Wilkes offers a unique architectural and academic environment where historic mansions stand alongside modern facilities. The campus is situated in the heart of a vibrant downtown district and is conveniently located within two hours of Philadelphia and New York City.

The next President of Wilkes will have a graduate degree, with a preference for an earned terminal degree, and a successful track record of senior leadership experience that demonstrates the ability to manage a complex organization with multiple stakeholders. The successful candidate will have a commitment to student success, experience with budgets and financial planning, experience leading within shared governance, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to articulate and execute a compelling vision. Wilkes seeks a visionary leader who will embrace an agenda that includes bolstering community and culture, ensuring financial integrity and stability, establishing a shared vision, and growing resources and partnerships for the University.

A search profile with additional information about Wilkes University and the leadership agenda and qualifications, characteristics, and experiences for the next President is available for download: https://www.academicsearch.org/WilkesPresident

How to apply: Academic Search is partnering with Wilkes University in this search. Confidential discussions about the position are encouraged and may be arranged by contacting the Academic Search team:

Stuart Dorsey at stuart.dorsey@academicsearch.org

Jay Lemons: jay.lemons@academicsearch.org

Jennifer Kooken: jennifer.kooken@academicsearch.org

Applications, nominations, and inquiries should be sent to WilkesPresident@academicsearch.org.

Applications should include a current curriculum vitae and a letter of interest addressing, as appropriate, the leadership agenda and qualifications, characteristics, and experiences outlined in the search profile. The position will remain open until filled, but only applications received by April 13, 2026, will be guaranteed full consideration by the Search Committee.

Wilkes University is constantly seeking to become a more diverse community and to enhance its capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. The University strongly encourages applications from persons with diverse backgrounds. Wilkes University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.