President

Eckerd College seeks a bold leader as its next President who will support the College in providing a transformational educational experience. Founded in 1958, with a current total enrollment of close to 1,770 students, Eckerd is a dynamic and innovative liberal arts and sciences college located on the scenic mile-long waterfront and white-sand beach of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Eckerd’s location is integral to many of its programs, initiatives, and strengths, including a nationally renowned marine science program.

One of 44 colleges featured in Colleges that Change Lives, Eckerd has a distinct identity rooted in intellectual curiosity and a deep commitment to the liberal arts, encouraging students to explore a wide range of fields. The College offers rigorous undergraduate research opportunities and has an impressive history of excellent placements for fellowships and graduate schools. While the students have a seriousness of purpose in their studies, Eckerd also fosters a delightful, free-spirited culture where students study in hammocks and enjoy traditions like the Ceremony of Lights at the beginning of the academic year, a graduation ceremony for pets, and a Kon-Tiki Raft Race in Boca Ciega Bay.

Eckerd’s next President will inherit an institution with a strong sense of community and deep commitment to student success. The next President will position Eckerd for long-term success and financial sustainability at a complex and challenging moment for higher education, particularly for small liberal arts institutions. Eckerd has rich assets in its people, its commitment to mission, and its innovative culture.

This is an exciting opportunity for an enterprising President to join Eckerd, articulate the next phase for the institution that honors its history and attends to its current complexities, and collaboratively craft an inspiring vision and strategic plan to guide it forward. This person must be financially savvy, with an entrepreneurial mindset, capable of strategically pursuing growth opportunities and cost efficiencies while adapting creatively to new challenges as they emerge. A prominent ambassador for Eckerd beyond campus, they will raise the College’s profile regionally and nationally, strengthen fundraising and alumni engagement efforts, enhance enrollment, and develop innovative programs that diversify revenue streams. The President will create mutually beneficial partnerships with the flourishing St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay area communities. On campus, they will be visible and engaged, connected to the student experience, and dedicated to strengthening faculty and staff morale. They will recognize the importance of the full spectrum of academic disciplines represented at the College, and that all fields, from the humanities to the natural sciences, are critical to carrying out the mission of the College.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent below. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

Kate Barry is leading this search with Karen McPhedran, Kristen Andersen, and Kaitlin Cruz.