St. Petersburg College
P R E S I D E N T

President

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After more than 43 years of dedicated service to St. Petersburg College - 31 as president - President Carl M. Kuttler Jr. is retiring. The college Board of Trustees is looking for a dynamic, entrepreneurial visionary in whom to entrust the leadership of St. Petersburg College.

The successful candidate in this highly competitive national search will embrace SPC's dual two-year/four-year mission, will be eager to collaborate with the existing faculty and staff responsible for keeping SPC on the leading edge, and will reach out to college partners and friends.

About the college

From the beginning, St. Petersburg College has been a leader. It was Florida's first two-year college (founded in 1927) as well as the state's first community college to offer four-year degrees (2001). Today, SPC is one of a handful of the state's newly designated State Colleges. The college has nine learning sites throughout Pinellas County, serves more than 65,000 credit and non-credit students annually, and consistently ranks among the nation's top 10 community colleges for degrees awarded.

The vast majority of SPC students are pursuing an Associate in Arts degree. Many can continue their studies without leaving home - due to SPC's growing number of baccalaureate degrees as well as the numerous offerings of SPC's University Partnership Center (UPC). Collaboration (not competition) is the cherished watchword.

Besides the UPC, the college's collaborative partners include those in the business, arts and international communities. "SPC is proud to act on the local and world stages," according to the authors of The Entrepreneurial Community College.


About the area

St. Petersburg College is located on the beautiful West Coast of Florida in the Tampa Bay area. Bordered by 234 miles of shoreline and surrounded by water on three sides, Pinellas County is the home of The Florida Orchestra, the Tampa Bay Rays, world-class museums, and dozens of public parks and recreational facilities.

The mission

SPC's mission is to provide accessible, learner-centered education for students pursuing associate degrees, four-year degrees, technical as well as continuing education. As a comprehensive multicampus state college, SPC seeks to be a creative leader and partner with students, communities and other educational institutions to deliver enriched learning experiences and to promote economic development.

The college boasts an outstanding, diverse faculty and staff; advanced technology; distance learning; innovative teaching techniques; outstanding library and information resources; a climate for student success; and an enduring commitment to excellence.

Candidate attributes

It is desirable for SPC's new president to possess the following QUALITIES and CHARACTERISTICS
  • Ethical, principle-based visionary who communicates high standards and expectations for teaching and learning as a priority.

  • Thorough understanding of higher-education accreditation and academic programs.

  • Strong record of effective leadership with the ability to motivate and lead through ideas, persuasion, relationships and by examples.

  • Effective written, listening and oral communication skills.

  • Ability to promote and advocate for the college and its students.

  • Proven ability to work within a structure that requires substantial participation and consultation.

  • Strong interpersonal skills.

  • Experience with strategic and long-range planning including fiscal, staffing and technical planning.

  • Experience with systems, processes and work alliances in a complex, collaborative organization.

  • Evidence of an entrepreneurial spirit.

  • Proven commitment to workforce preparation, economic development, and community partnerships.

  • Willingness to learn and respect the culture of St. Petersburg College.

  • Extensive budget experience and fiscal expertise.

  • Committed to professional development for all employees.

  • Proven commitment to Equal Access/Equal Opportunity.

  • Demonstrated commitment to community involvement.

  • Proven ability to work effectively with a governing board.

  • Successful experience working with a foundation, legislature or other sources of fundraising.

  • An effective record in understanding and working within the political processes at the local, state and federal levels.

  • Understanding of and commitment to the mission of St. Petersburg College.

  • Commitment to international programs, initiatives, partnerships and outreach.

  • Good sense of humor

Credentials

  • Earned doctorate from a regionally accredited institution is required.

Experience

  • At least 5 years of high-level successful leadership in higher education or its equivalent.

The application process


For more details about the search and how to apply, go to the St. Petersburg College Web site at www.spcollege.edu. Click on the "Presidential Search Information" near the center of the home page. Applications being accepted through Nov. 30, 2009. Review of candidate applications and materials will continue until a new president is selected. Dr. Jeff Hockaday is serving as search consultant and can be reached at 919-718-9812 or e-mail JFHockaday@windstream.net.

The search is being conducted under Florida's laws governing public records and public meetings. These require that all documents related to the search process be available for public inspection and that all meetings of the Search Committee and the SPC Board of Trustees be open to the public. St. Petersburg College is an Equal Access/Equal Opportunity institution.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation is negotiable.

Application Information

Contact: St. Petersburg College
Online App. Form: http://www.spcollege.edu/central/hr/jobopenings.php

More Information on St. Petersburg College

St. Petersburg College is dedicated to the concept of equal opportunity.