President

Westminster University, a private, independent, and comprehensive university with a liberal arts foundation in Salt Lake City, Utah—and the only independent, private university in the state—seeks a new President. Situated in a thriving and diverse metropolitan area surrounded by red rock deserts and snow-covered mountains, Westminster University offers undergraduate, professional, and graduate students a transformational, individualized experience. The University is committed to student success and wellbeing, inclusive practices, and innovative pedagogy and programs. 

Founded in 1875, Westminster began as a preparatory school, evolved into a four-year liberal arts college in 1949, and became a university in 2023 to better reflect the expansion of its academic programs and the achievement of its faculty and students. Today, Westminster is known for its academic excellence, strong community connections, and a tradition of changing lives through social mobility. It offers a distinct approach to student-driven, community-engaged learning that blends the liberal arts with professional preparation. The University’s intimate campus community is home to approximately 1,155 students, including 842 undergraduates and 313 graduate students. Generous scholarships, a culture of authenticity, and highly committed faculty and staff ensure that every student is seen and empowered to thrive. Westminster’s mission and values are deeply rooted and widely embraced, creating a community defined by inclusion, collaboration, and care. Furthermore, connecting students with the unique and outstanding learning opportunities afforded by the University’s location prepares them to lead in a global society.

The next President will join Westminster at a pivotal moment, with the University well-positioned for success. This is a remarkable opportunity for an experienced and accomplished leader to build on strong values and coalesce the community around an ambitious, yet realistic, shared vision for the future. The University is celebrating its sesquicentennial year and many other achievements, including the highest retention rate in its history (86%, with retention of first-generation students at 88%) and welcoming the largest Honors College class to date. At the same time, Westminster must position itself for short-and long-term sustainability and growth in a competitive and rapidly changing higher education landscape. Fortunately, the Westminster community has confidence in their value proposition, and the institution is poised to capitalize on imminent regional opportunities. The population of high school graduates in Utah is growing, and the upcoming 2034 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City will cast a spotlight on the region. Westminster is ready to amplify its story and expand its reach and impact locally and nationally. Its scale allows for agility and innovation, enabling the institution to respond quickly to emerging opportunities while staying true to its mission and values. 

Westminster’s next President must be an effective leader and manager and address the following key opportunities and challenges: 

• Engage, inspire, and unite a highly passionate campus community around common goals to fulfill Westminster’s mission, values, and ambitions
• Expand fundraising and partnership efforts to foster new collaborations and revenue
• Create and execute a sustainable business model
• Grow enrollment to support Westminster’s vibrant future
• Articulate and amplify Westminster’s story

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. For more details, including the full position profile and to submit inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications, please see below.

Lindsay Gold and Courtney Wilk-Mandel are leading this search with Jaime Morgen and Julia Hochner.

Westminster University is an equal opportunity employer and educational institution. Read the full non-discrimination statement.