The Director of University College serves as the chief administrator and instructional leader responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive first-year experience (FYE) programs that enhance student success, retention, and graduation rates for Grambling State University's freshman and sophomore students. This position reports directly to Enrollment Management and provides strategic leadership in utilizing data analytics platforms (EAB Navigate 360, Banner, and Degree Works) to inform decision-making and drive institutional effectiveness. The Director collaborates extensively with faculty, academic deans, department heads, and student support offices to create integrated pathways that support academic advising, student transition, academic achievement, and persistence toward degree completion.The Director of University College performs the following essential functions:
Provides visionary leadership for University College, aligning all initiatives with Grambling State University's mission and the President's strategic priorities. Develops comprehensive first-year experience programs that foster student success, belonging, and persistence.
Academic Advising/Coaching • The Director of University College designs, develops, implements, and continuously evaluates comprehensive academic advising systems and protocols for first-year and sophomore students while simultaneously providing direct advising services to an assigned student cohort. This dual responsibility ensures that programmatic standards and best practices directly inform individual student interactions, creating alignment between institutional advising philosophy and daily advising practice. The director establishes advising protocols grounded in proactive, strength based, and student-centered approaches, creating clear advising workflows within EAB Navigate 360, Banner, and Degree Works that facilitate efficient student movement through registration and degree planning while maintaining the flexibility needed to address individual student circumstances; Works collaboratively with faculty
Curriculum Development and Course Management • Develops and revises FYE syllabus materials for University 101 and 102 courses, ensuring alignment with learning outcomes and student success research. Plans and prepares weekly course lessons and materials that facilitate student transition from secondary education to collegiate coursework. Coordinates complete course scheduling for University College courses across Fall and Spring terms. Works collaboratively with faculty to develop and deliver content addressing academic contracts, registration processes, major selection, and academic success strategies. Integrates evidence-based pedagogical practices and technologies into course design. Data Analytics and Retention Management • Utilizes EAB Navigate 360, Banner, and Degree Works platforms to monitor and analyze freshman and sophomore enrollment, attendance, course completion, and retention metrics. Develops comprehensive reports tracking cohort progression and identifying students at risk of attrition. Creates data visualizations and presentations for faculty, deans, and department heads highlighting retention rates, demographic disparities, and program effectiveness. Develops evidence-based recommendations for new retention initiatives based on data analysis and research on first-year student success.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement • Collaborates with academic deans and department heads to ensure alignment between University College initiatives and major-specific requirements and expectations. Works closely with the Office of Admissions and Recruitment to ensure seamless pre-enrollment communication and registration processes. Builds and maintains relationships with faculty advisors, Student Support Services, Counseling, Disability Services, and other student-facing departments to coordinate comprehensive student support. Participates in institutional committees focused on student success, retention, and assessment. Serves as advocate for freshman and sophomore students, communicating their needs and perspectives to university leadership.
Orientation and Programming
• Supervises and coordinates freshman orientation programs, working with the Office of Admissions and Recruitment to ensure hundreds of students are efficiently registered and acclimated to campus. Develops and implements programmatic activities, seminars, and lyceum programs that enhance student engagement, social integration, and sense of belonging. Ensures orientation materials and activities address academic, social, and logistical aspects of college transition. Coordinates with student life and campus activities to create complementary programming that reinforces FYE learning outcomes.
Staff Supervision and Professional Development
• Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates academic advisors and counselors assigned to University College. Provides ongoing professional development for advising staff focused on best practices in student retention, crisis intervention, and working with diverse student populations. Ensures advisors and counselors maintain competency with Navigate 360 and other advising technologies. Conducts performance evaluations and manages personnel matters in compliance with university policies. This position reports directly to Enrollment Management. The Director works collaboratively with academic deans, department heads, faculty, and student support professionals. Also, may be responsible for oversight and management of federal grants. The position requires significant interaction with first-year students, parents, faculty, and university administrators. The Director may be required to attend evening and weekend orientation and programming events as needed. Normal office hours are supplemented by evening and weekend responsibilities associated with orientation and freshman programming
This position reports directly to Enrollment Management. The Director works collaboratively with academic deans, department heads, faculty, and student support professionals. Also, may be responsible for oversight and management of federal grants. The position requires significant interaction with first-year students, parents, faculty, and university administrators.
The Director may be required to attend evening and weekend orientation and programming events as needed. Normal office hours are supplemented by evening and weekend responsibilities associated with orientation and freshman programming.
Minimum:
- Master‘s degree in Education, Student Development, Public Administration, educational Leadership, or related field from an accredited institution.
- Minimum seven to ten years of professional experience in higher education administration.
- Minimum five years of direct experience teaching first-years seminars or introductory college courses.
- Minimum three years of experience in academic advising and student mentoring.
- Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, and administrative experience managing professional staff.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present to diverse audiences.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with ability to translate data into actionable insights
Preferred:
Applications without the following will not be considered complete.
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Transcript(s) if applicable
- Curriculum Vitae if applicable
Review of applicants will begin April 28th, 2026 and will continue until position is filled.
