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Mercy University invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice Provost for Experiential Education and Career Development (Vice Provost). The Vice Provost for Experiential Education and Career Development is an innovative leader who will help shape the future of student success at Mercy University. Reporting directly to the Provost and Senior Vice President, this position will champion the university’s strategic vision for experiential learning and industry engagement. The Vice Provost will partner with Mercy’s staff and faculty to expand on our current essential partnerships with employers, community organizations, and industry leaders and help grow the number and quality of internships and career opportunities. The Vice Provost will position Mercy at the forefront of higher education, making Mercy a national model of success by producing graduates who are ready to launch successful careers and make a positive difference in the world.

The Vice Provost will develop and implement a university-wide strategy for experiential education, including internships, co-ops, service learning, and project-based learning, with a focus on creating high-impact experiences that prepare students for success in their chosen fields.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
Mercy University is a thriving, financially strong, independent, coeducational, comprehensive, and student-centered institution serving the New York Metropolitan region. Mercy's mission is to provide motivated students the opportunity to transform their lives through higher education by offering liberal arts and professional programs in personalized and high-quality learning environments. A Mercy education prepares students to embark on rewarding careers, to continue learning throughout their lives, and to act ethically and responsibly in a changing world. The University's Strategic Plan focuses on four goals that directly tie to the mission: Teaching and Learning, Student Success, Affordability and Financial Health, and the University Community.

Mercy University stands as the largest private minority-serving institution and Hispanic-Serving Institution in the region, reflecting its long-standing commitment to educational access. Mercy students come from non-traditional backgrounds and are often the first or second generation in their families to earn a college degree. The University is the region's largest private, nonprofit minority serving institution (designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution [HSI] by the federal government). Mercy's over 9,000 students (75 percent undergraduates) are exceedingly diverse: undergraduates are 67 percent female, 48 percent Hispanic, and 26 percent Black; 75 percent of first-time, full time undergraduate students are Pell grant eligible; and 24 percent are aged 25 or older. Graduate students are 79 percent female, 30 percent Hispanic, and 21 percent Black.

Affordable tuition rates, a nationally recognized advising program, laser focus on student success, and over 100 academically rigorous programs in fields ranging broadly from nursing, physical therapy, and physician assistant to education, business, criminal justice, and computer science make Mercy a regional leader in preparing the next generation of professionals, citizens, and scholars. Guided by the Mercy Student Success Toolkit, our talented and student-centered faculty and staff deliver Mercy's educational experience, grounding their work on evidence-based practices taken to scale, designed to result in equitable outcomes. Due to this campus-wide commitment to student success, equity gaps at Mercy have significantly narrowed over the last 10 years, positioning the University as a leader in higher education.

Mercy University has three campuses in the New York metropolitan area to serve our mix of students, who commute or live on campus (12 percent of undergraduate students participate in residential life, including 25 percent of the freshman class).

• The Dobbs Ferry campus, situated in Westchester County, 20 miles north of New York City, encompasses 65 acres along the picturesque Hudson River. The campus features eight programmatic and residential buildings, along with athletics facilities, an artificial turf field, indoor gym, fitness center, and outdoor recreational courts. The library at the main campus serves as a resource and informal gathering hub. Recently renovated academic facilities provide state-of-the-art teaching technology to facilitate in-person
  and hybrid instruction, as well as specialty spaces for hands-on learning including: health professions simulations labs, a music recording studio, business school trading room, and cybersecurity labs. The campus has two residence halls with a capacity of over 625 residents.
• Mercy's Manhattan Campus is in the heart of Midtown, at Herald Square (West 34th Street and Sixth Avenue). The campus features innovative learning environments, expanded academic offerings, and a new 130-bed residence hall. The high-tech space provides resources that prepare students for careers in emerging fields such as cybersecurity and business analytics.
• Centrally located in the Hutchinson Metro Center, the Bronx Campus is situated in a rapidly developing
  complex of corporate and healthcare organizations and businesses in eastern Bronx. The campus provides state-of-the-art facilities for the health professions programs, including simulation labs with multiple high-fidelity mannequins and health assessment labs to simulate exam rooms, along with a Business Incubation Center.

Mercy University offers associate and bachelor's degrees to incarcerated men at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York, in collaboration with Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison. The program has enabled students to make a positive impact on their own lives, their families, and communities. The program's alumni have lower rates of recidivism and higher rates of employment, and many have gone on to make significant contributions to community regeneration, cohesiveness, and reciprocity.

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT
Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1950, Mercy College became a four-year college offering programs leading to the baccalaureate degree in 1961. The College was accredited by the Middle States Association's Commission on Higher Education in 1968. In the next half-decade, Mercy College boldly set a course for its future with a series of actions including declaring itself independent, nonsectarian, and coeducational. In addition, it doubled the size of the existing physical plant and initiated the first of many community outreach efforts.

Mercy College's innovative spirit soared in the 1970s when it broadened its outreach through the establishment of extension centers and branch campuses throughout communities in Westchester County and New York City. This expansion enhanced the College's reach to the traditional college market and positioned the College on the leading edge of higher education for those who were the first generation in their families to seek college degrees and the adult student market.

Always seeking ways to expand academic and career opportunities for its students, Mercy College was authorized to offer its first graduate program (in nursing) in 1981. Since then, 30 diverse graduate programs have been introduced, and in 2006, the College was granted authorization to offer its first doctoral program (in physical therapy). Mercy has become one of the regional leaders in the preparation of health care professions as well as a leading provider of teacher education for the New York City schools and those in the surrounding communities.

The College expanded its offerings to include online programs in the 1990s, and was soon granted the ability to offer entire degree programs online. In 2023, Mercy College became Mercy University, reflecting its evolution into a comprehensive institution with expanded graduate offerings, increased research opportunities and broader academic impact.

At the heart of Mercy University is its dedication to the motivated student, and the university’s commitment to quality, student support, and affordability - as well as innovation - remains as strong today as ever.

GOVERNANCE
The University is governed by Mercy's Board of Trustees led by a Chair, Vice Chairs, and up to 25 additional Trustees who serve the University through their work on committees, supporting events and initiatives, and by providing expertise, guidance, and support. The Faculty Senate, which meets regularly and convenes several committees, represents the Full-Time Faculty and provides shared governance in academic matters, while also serving as consultative partner to the University's administration.

FACULTY AND STAFF
Mercy's experienced and highly qualified faculty comprises approximately 230 full-time members, 40 percent of whom are tenured or on the tenure track. In addition, approximately 650 part-time faculty members provide a high level of expertise and professionalism. The faculty includes Fulbright Scholars, published authors, and national authorities dedicated to excellence in teaching and clinical practice. As experts and national and international leaders in their fields, they bring timely, relevant, real-world experience into the classroom, blending theory with practice. The University's more than 500 staff members are distinguished by their dedication and loyalty to the institution's mission and students.

ACADEMICS
Mercy's over 100 academic programs are designed, delivered, and assessed by faculty in departments organized across six schools.

• The School of Business provides students the opportunity to be mentored by faculty with real-world experience. Classes are taught by former executives, CEOs, CFOs, CPAs, and entrepreneurs—industry leaders from Wall Street to Main Street, who bring their extraordinary professional experience into the classroom. Students learn through hands-on experiences, often for real clients, and internships. Students learn about investment in an actual trading room equipped with Bloomberg terminals and a stock ticker, and the curriculum includes opportunities for Bloomberg and Excel certification. Networking opportunities are abundant and aid undergraduate and graduate students in standing out when seeking employment.
• The School of Education prepares students to become teachers or school leaders. The School offers
  master's degrees and certificates, all of which are nationally recognized and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Professionals (CAEP). Students work with an outstanding faculty and participate in fieldwork and teaching practica. The School offers innovative, flexible, and accessible online and in-person programs of study. Mercy's School of Education was the first institution in the United States to be awarded initial national accreditation by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), CAEP's predecessor.
• The School of Health & Natural Sciences provides premier health and natural science undergraduate and
  graduate educational programs to equip students with the intellectual, technical, and professional competencies they need to excel and advance as science specialists, health care providers, health promotion experts, and science/health educators. The School's goal is to prepare students to use their knowledge and abilities in the health and natural sciences—in clinical and research-oriented programs like Biology and Clinical Laboratory Science or in professional tracks like Communication Disorders, Physician Assistant, or Physical Therapy—to be compassionate and caring health care providers and inquisitive scientists.
• The School of Liberal Arts provides the cornerstone of a University education, through courses and programs that prepare students with lifelong skills including problem-solving, critical thinking, effective communication, creative expression, and mathematical and computational literacy. The liberal arts afford students meaningful opportunities for higher-order learning, essential for real-world problem solving and requiring skills that employers are seeking now more than ever, as well as providing preparation for jobs that do not yet exist. The School also offers professional programs in diverse fields such as Music Production, Cybersecurity, and Design and Animation.
• The School of Nursing houses both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Undergraduate programs prepare students to respond to the dynamic healthcare needs of a diverse population. Graduate programs assist students in expanding their capacity to diagnose and treat individuals, educating the next generation of nurses, or becoming healthcare leaders.
• The School of Social & Behavioral Sciences provides an education that can lead to a career of caring. With access to world-renowned faculty and innovative programs, students are prepared to become part of a global environment and make a difference in their communities. Students pursue breakthrough scientific research, study diverse cultures, and prepare for diverse professions including Criminology, Psychology, and Social Work.

Mercy's Libraries provide our students and faculty with a robust library system featuring significant holdings (physical and electronic) and services. Librarians are available online and on-site at all three campuses to provide research assistance, consultations, and information literacy instruction. Users have access to the libraries' online catalogs, e-books, and databases through the Mercy University libraries' website.

Mercy University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which reaffirmed the University's accreditation in 2024; the next Self-Study Evaluation is in 2031-32.

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND CAMPUS LIFE
Mercy University offers a robust campus life experience for both its commuter and residential populations. Students participate in over 65 active student clubs and 15 honor societies. The University's Student Government Association is a highly dedicated group of students who advance the general welfare of the institution by fostering collaboration and meaningful dialog between students, faculty, and administration.

Mercy University sponsors intercollegiate athletics in 10 varsity sports at the Division II level. The University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the East Coast Conference (ECC). Varsity men's programs include baseball, basketball, lacrosse, and soccer. Women's athletic teams compete in basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and volleyball.

In addition to the PACT mentor program, students have access to a robust suite of student support services at each campus, including career hubs, accessibility services, health office, mental health counseling, and tutoring. The Mav Market food pantry serves over 1,240 student members across our Bronx, Dobbs Ferry, and Manhattan campus locations. Since its inception in 2017, it has provided nearly 75,000 meals to members and their families through the donations and service of community volunteers.

The University has a long tradition of initiatives that celebrate and promote community service and engagement through international medical missions in Africa and Latin America, clean-up and recycling projects, reading clinics, and crop harvesting for local food pantries. Students partner with a variety of organizations including the Afya Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Hearing Loss Association of America, and Volunteer Center of the United Way.

UNIVERSITY DISTINCTIONS
Mercy University has emerged as a leader in higher education. Mercy consistently ranks as a top school—in the nation and New York State—for affordability, online excellence, and the quality of student and academic programs. The University is nationally recognized for providing innovative programs that help students achieve success.

• 2024 U.S. News and World Report top performer on social mobility
• 2022 Seal of Excelencia from Excelencia in Education
• Hispanic Outlook, Recognized in the top 100 for "Total Master's Degree Schools for Hispanics"
• Best of Westchester, Recognized by Westchester Magazine as the Best College 2019, 2020 and 2022
• Standard and Poor’s A rating with a stable outlook

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Mercy University maintains a strong balance sheet and is supported by a robust endowment. The institution’s long-term commitments are managed to ensure fiscal strength and operational stability.

THE POSITION
The Vice Provost for Experiential Education and Career Development is a senior academic leader responsible for advancing the university’s strategic vision for experiential learning, work-based experiences, including internships, and industry partnerships. Reporting directly to the Provost and Senior Vice President, this role will lead the development of a career success model that is tailored to Mercy students by fostering cross-campus collaboration to embed the requisite training in the curriculum, building sustainable partnerships with external organizations for experiential learning and job opportunities, and ensuring that Mercy students acquire a meaningful, career-relevant skill set that leads to gainful employment and/or post-graduate success.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
The Vice Provost for Experiential Education and Career Development will play a pivotal role in advancing the institution's strategic vision for experiential learning, work-based experiences, including internships, and industry partnerships, with the ultimate goal of empowering students to acquire meaningful, career-relevant skills that lead to gainful employment and/or post-graduate success. This visionary leader will be responsible for fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration across the university, working closely with faculty, staff, and external partners to develop and implement a comprehensive career success model that is tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of Mercy students. With a deep understanding of the complexities of higher education and the ever-evolving landscape of workforce development, the Vice Provost will provide strategic leadership and direction for the university's experiential education initiatives, ensuring that they are aligned with institutional goals for student success, workforce readiness, and community engagement.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a university-wide strategy for experiential education, including internships, co-ops, service learning, and project-based learning
• Plan, coordinate and evaluate initiatives surrounding workforce education and program development including the Internship and Workforce Services, Career Pathways, and work-based learning experiences
• Align experiential learning initiatives with institutional goals for student success, workforce readiness, and community engagement
• Collaborate with the development office to generate new resources to support related institutional student success goals

Program Development and Oversight

• Oversee the University’s Office of Career and Professional Development
• Oversee the design, implementation, and assessment of experiential learning programs across academic units
• Support faculty in integrating experiential components into curricula and developing industry-aligned learning outcomes
• Educate faculty, staff, and university leaders on national best practices around experiential learning and work-based experiences in alignment with Mercy’s mission

Industry and Community Partnerships

• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with industry, nonprofit, and government sectors to expand internship and experiential learning opportunities, at the local, regional, national and global levels
• Develop and monitor contracts and partnership agreements
• Serve as the primary liaison between the academic affairs, curriculum and external partners for experiential education initiatives
• Advance innovative career facing credit for prior learning opportunities and systems to support students’ academic momentum

Student Success and Equity

• Ensure equitable access to high-impact experiential learning opportunities for all students
• Collaborate with student affairs and academic advising to support holistic student development

Data and Impact Assessment:

• Track industry occupational forecasts, workforce demands and trends, media publications, special studies and surveys to update program needs
• Lead efforts to track, assess, and report on the impact of experiential learning on student outcomes and institutional effectiveness
• Use data to inform continuous improvement and strategic decision-making
• Ensure Mercy is meeting or exceeding gainful employment requirements

Institutional Representation:

• Represent the university in regional and national consortia focused on experiential education and workforce development
• Collaborate with accreditation bodies and contribute to institutional reporting and compliance, under the guidance of the Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs

QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will be committed to the mission of Mercy University and have a passion for fostering student success and workforce readiness. This exceptional candidate will have a deep understanding of the complexities of higher education, a proven track record of developing and implementing innovative experiential learning programs, and a talent for building and sustaining strategic partnerships with industry, nonprofit, and government sectors. The Vice Provost will be a visionary leader who can inspire and motivate faculty, staff, and students to work collaboratively towards achieving the university's strategic vision for experiential education and career development.

• Doctorate or terminal degree in a relevant field
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education
• Experience in experiential learning, academic affairs, or industry engagement
• A demonstrated understanding of how to facilitate curricular changes in collaboration with faculty and academic leadership
• Demonstrated success in building and sustaining cross-sector partnerships
• Strong understanding of current trends in workforce development, experiential pedagogy, and student success
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and strategic planning skills
• Commitment to Mercy students and mission