Director of the Houston H. Harte Center for Teaching and Learning
Washington and Lee University seeks an innovative and collaborative leader to join the university as its next director of the Houston H. Harte Center for Teaching and Learning. This on-site administrative position may qualify for faculty (non-tenure-track) rank and status. The anticipated start date for the director is January 2024.
Washington and Lee University (W&L) is a top-ranked private institution in Lexington, Virginia, where the rigorous inquiry and critical thinking of a liberal arts curriculum are integrated with nationally accredited undergraduate programs in business and journalism and a graduate School of Law. One of the hallmarks of the W&L experience is the accessibility of its faculty. With an eight-to-one student-to-faculty ratio and 96 percent of classes enrolling fewer than 25 students, students can immerse themselves in courses while benefiting from the faculty’s personalized attention and guidance.
W&L is the ninth-oldest institution of higher education in America, and its historic campus, situated in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, is home to a vibrant, welcoming university community. With an enrollment of 1,867 undergraduates and 376 law students (Fall 2022), Washington and Lee’s small size enables students to find mentors and develop personal relationships across campus. W&L students hold each other to the highest standard of integrity, united by the student-run honor system. And when they graduate, they do so with a network of support, lifelong friendships, and a degree that opens doors.
The Position
The director of the Houston H. Harte Center for Teaching and Learning (director) will lead a dynamic, comprehensive teaching and learning center at a top liberal arts university. As a member of the provost’s leadership team and in collaboration with various campus partners, the director will advance teaching excellence and student academic success. Reporting to the associate provost for faculty development, the director will oversee a state-of-the-art center that opened in fall 2021 and provide management and operational oversight of the Houston H. Harte Center for Teaching and Learning (Harte Center), including budgeting, communications, and facilities.
The successful candidate will possess a leadership style that fosters a culture of collaboration and idea-sharing across disciplines to capitalize on W&L’s vibrant liberal arts tradition. To this end, the director will assess, create, and implement professional development opportunities for faculty and professional staff at all career stages to ensure the advancement of knowledge and skills necessary for teaching excellence and creating inclusive learning environments. Further, the director will manage Harte Center staff and partner with colleagues across the university to actively engage with students to provide resources, including writing, reading, math, learning strategies, study skills, test-taking, and time management.
The director oversees a team of three full-time professionals and three faculty teaching scholars. This group works closely with W&L faculty, staff, and students to support meaningful, inclusive, and data-informed teaching, learning, and student development innovations.
Qualifications
A doctoral degree, or a combination of experience and education from which a similar background would be acquired, experience with teaching in higher education, and a strong record of excellent teaching and scholarship are required. The search committee is particularly interested in candidates with knowledge and experience with innovative pedagogy, the science and scholarship of teaching and learning, inclusive and equitable student support, and an established record of successful academic administrative experience. The successful candidate must have strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.
Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to this environment and demonstrate excellence in their areas of expertise.
Application and Nomination
Washington and Lee University has retained the services of Spelman Johnson, a leading national executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin Friday, October 13, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. A resume or CV with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website atwww.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Michel R. Frendian, Senior Consultant, at mrf@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.
Visit the Washington and Lee University website at www.wlu.edu and the Houston H. Harte Center for Teaching and Learning website here.
In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and all other applicable non-discrimination laws, Washington and Lee University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran’s status, or genetic information in its educational programs and activities, admissions, and with regard to employment.
