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Augsburg University invites nominations and applications for its 11th president. Building on a legacy of growth and transformation, Augsburg seeks a visionary, mission-driven leader to guide a vibrant, urban university into its next chapter—strengthening its distinctive commitment to student success, community engagement, and equity in higher education.

Located in the dynamic Cedar-Riverside neighborhood near downtown Minneapolis, Augsburg is a private university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), welcoming students of all faiths and backgrounds. Nearly 3,500 students pursue more than 50 undergraduate majors and 13 graduate degrees in a setting defined by close faculty engagement, experiential learning, and a deep commitment to service.

Augsburg is recognized as the most diverse private college in the Midwest, with nearly two-thirds students of color, over half first-generation students, and strong representation of students from low-income backgrounds. This diversity is not incidental—it is central to Augsburg’s identity and mission as a student-centered, equity-focused institution.

With a 150-year legacy grounded in faith, learning, and service, Augsburg has earned national recognition for community engagement, social mobility, and student achievement, including a strong record of Fulbright and other prestigious fellowship recipients.

Distinctive Strengths

• Mission-driven, student-centered education rooted in the integration of liberal arts and professional studies
• Experiential learning for all students, with 100% participation in internships, research, or community-based experiences
• National leadership in access and equity, including innovative enrollment practices and high-impact student support programs
• Deep community engagement, anchored in Minneapolis and expressed through partnerships and civic leadership
• Strong momentum, with sustained enrollment success, effective fundraising campaigns, and a clear strategic framework

Augsburg’s urban location is a defining asset—offering students direct access to one of the nation’s most economically vibrant and culturally rich metropolitan areas, while positioning the university as an anchor institution committed to its neighborhood and region.

The Leadership Opportunity

Augsburg offers a distinctive leadership opportunity: a university with a powerful sense of purpose, a diverse and engaged community, and a proven ability to innovate in service of students and society. Its identity as a “new kind of urban, student-centered university” is not aspirational—it is lived daily through teaching, partnership, and impact.

The next president will join a community that values integrity, service, and bold thinking—and will have the opportunity to shape a future defined by meaningful access, educational excellence, and civic purpose. Building on the university’s strengths and reputation, the president will prioritize affordability and financial sustainability, inclusive excellence, student success, and community engagement while embracing the university’s Lutheran heritage. The president must lead with integrity, listen deeply, foster a sense of belonging across the campus, and be visible and engaged on campus and in the surrounding community.

Augsburg seeks a leader who combines strategic vision with authentic commitment to its mission and community. The successful candidate will possess an advanced degree and be a member of either an ELCA congregation or a congregation of one of the denominations that is in full communion partnership with the ELCA (i.e., United Methodist, Moravian, Episcopal, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Reformed Church in America, or United Church of Christ).

A search profile with detailed information about Augsburg University and the leadership agenda and qualifications, attributes, and qualities desired for the next president is available for download at the link above.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected salary range for this position is $395,000 to $575,000, commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, and leadership profile. In addition to base salary, Augsburg University offers a competitive and comprehensive executive compensation package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• A 403(b) matching retirement program with an employer contribution of up to 8% upon eligibility
• Eligibility for a supplemental executive retirement plan
• Paid time-off
• Employer-paid disability and life insurance
• Housing and automobile allowances to support the responsibilities of the role
• Eligibility for performance-based bonus compensation, as determined in collaboration with the Board of Regents
• Voluntary access to optional dental, vision, and supplemental insurance plans

While the salary range offers a general guideline, starting compensation may not reach the maximum of the range. A final compensation package will be negotiated in good faith with the selected candidate and will reflect the individual’s experience, accomplishments, and alignment with the university’s leadership priorities.

Applications, Nominations, and Inquiries

Academic Search is partnering with Augsburg University in this search. Confidential discussions about the position are welcome and may be arranged by contacting a member of the Academic Search team:

• Mike Maxey: maxey@academicsearch.org
• Jay Lemons: lemons@academicsearch.org
• Jennifer Kooken: kooken@academicsearch.org

Nominations and inquiries may be sent to AugsburgPresident@academicsearch.org.

To apply, candidates should submit a current curriculum vitae and a letter of interest addressing, as appropriate, the leadership agenda and desired qualifications and attributes outlined in the search profile. The position will remain open until filled but only applications received by September 13, 2026, will be guaranteed full consideration by the Search Committee. Applications may be submitted at Augsburg President Application.

Augsburg University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact Academic Search at (202) 332-4049 or AugsburgPresident@academicsearch.org.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Augsburg is committed to cultural diversity in its workforce.