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Job description

Huntsville, AL

THE OPPORTUNITY:

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) invites nominations and applications for a bold, visionary, and dynamic leader to serve as its next President. UAH stands at a defining moment in its history, a moment of tremendous promise, possibility, and purpose. The University seeks a leader who will champion the spirit of discovery that has long defined UAH and guide it toward an even more remarkable future. Founded on a legacy of innovation and fueled by a passion for exploration, UAH has earned national distinction as a comprehensive research university where science, engineering, and technology thrive alongside robust programs in business, nursing, education, the arts and humanities. This breadth of disciplines creates a vibrant academic community committed to advancing knowledge, fostering creativity, and preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world. Located in the heart of one of the nation’s most dynamic innovation corridors, UAH is uniquely positioned to expand its impact through strategic partnerships with federal agencies, industry leaders, and the Huntsville community. The next President will accelerate UAH’s growth trajectory, championing academic excellence across all disciplines, and strengthen its role as a catalyst for economic development and intellectual leadership in Alabama and beyond.

POSITION:

The Presidency of UAH offers a rare and inspiring opportunity to lead a comprehensive university defined by innovation, imagination, and impact. UAH is a place where discovery in science and engineering meets creativity in the arts and humanities, and where business, education, nursing, and the social sciences prepare future leaders to shape a changing world.

The next President will have the chance to build on the University’s strong foundation, elevate its academic distinction, and champion a bold vision that aligns with the evolving needs of students, faculty, and global partners. UAH’s annual research expenditures exceed $150 million, and the institution maintains exceptional financial stability, providing a secure platform for ambitious growth and innovation.

Beyond the campus, the President will serve as a strategic leader and collaborator within the broader Huntsville community, engaging with an impactful network of civic, cultural, educational, and industry partners. As Huntsville continues its exciting growth as a hub of innovation and opportunity, UAH and its next leader will play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s future by advancing education, research, and community impact across multiple sectors. The President will have a transformative opportunity to strengthen UAH’s partnerships, broaden its impact, and position the University as a driving force for academic discovery, societal advancement and meaningful impact on communities locally and globally.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as a Visionary Leader and Driver for Change: Lead the advancement of the University’s mission at a critical moment in order to capitalize on current momentum and potential.
• Grow and Integrate the Research Portfolio: Increase faculty participation in grant-funded research, align academic programs with research priorities, and position UAH to reclaim Carnegie R1 status through strategic investment in graduate education and Ph.D. production.
• Forge Strategic Partnerships: Strengthen and expand relationships with major federal agencies and businesses in Huntsville, including Redstone Arsenal’s 70+ Tenant Agencies, and local and national defense contractors, to enhance UAH’s role in regional innovation and national security.
• Lead Fundraising and Corporate Engagement: Drive philanthropic and corporate investment, particularly within Cummings Research Park and emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Crypto, Forensics, UX and Technical Communications, Technical / Business Law, Cybersecurity, and Aerospace.
• Enhance Campus Life and Student Engagement: Improve the overall student experience by expanding housing, growing Greek life, further investing in the 15 NCAA Division II varsity sports programs, increasing student engagement, and fostering a sense of community on campus.
• Demonstrate a Student-First Leadership Approach: Ensure that all decisions, initiatives, and programs reflect a deep commitment to student success and engagement, placing students at the heart of the University’s mission and fostering an environment where they can thrive.
• Champion Institutional Neutrality and Academic Freedom: Ensure all actions, decisions, and communications support the institution’s neutrality policy, fostering an intellectually independent environment that promotes academic freedom, open inquiry and discovery.
• Support and Empower Faculty: Champion faculty development, recruitment, and retention; promote a culture of academic excellence and innovation; and ensure faculty are rewarded and supported in their teaching, research, and service missions.
• Demonstrate a Transparent Leadership Style: Embrace a collaborative approach with the University faculty and staff that builds trust through open communication and respect for the principles of shared governance.
• Build and Inspire a High-Performing Leadership Team: Lead a strong cabinet of senior administrators, promote operational excellence, and cultivate a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Articulate and Execute a Bold Vision: Develop and communicate a compelling strategic vision that energizes the campus community, aligns with Huntsville’s growth trajectory, and positions UAH as a national leader in science and technology.
• Create New Energy and Momentum: Serve as a visible, engaged, and inspiring leader who brings fresh perspective, builds trust, and galvanizes support across campus and the broader community.
• Champion the University’s Core Mission and Discover New Opportunities: Foster a continued commitment to excellence, integrity and collaboration, inspiring faculty, staff, students and stakeholders to reach new heights.

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE AND CORE COMPETENCIES:

Energetic and Dynamic Leadership

• Demonstrates a high level of enthusiasm, visibility, and personal engagement across campus and the broader community.

Mission-Driven Focus

• Deeply committed to UAH’s core values of academic excellence, research innovation, and public service, with a clear understanding of its role in advancing academic excellence.

Strategic Relationship Builder and Civic Leader

• Excels at building meaningful relationships across sectors, serving as a connector between the university and key stakeholders in government, industry, and the local community to amplify UAH’s regional and national impact.

Fundraising Expertise

• Proven ability to lead successful fundraising campaigns, engage corporate partners, and secure philanthropic support to advance institutional priorities.

Strategic Understanding of Huntsville’s Innovation Ecosystem

• Brings a deep appreciation for Huntsville’s unique position in aerospace, defense, and technology, and leverages that knowledge to align UAH’s growth with regional opportunities.

Research Leadership and Institutional Advancement

• A deep appreciation for research and scholarship, with experience leading or contributing to high-impact research initiatives and securing external funding and driving measurable success in advancing research to elevate institutional reputation.

Student-Centered Leadership

• Demonstrates a genuine commitment to student engagement, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes student success and well-being while understanding and appreciating the unique and high-achieving student body at UAH.

Experience with Strategic Leadership in Capital Development

• Demonstrates expertise in overseeing large-scale physical property expansions with strategic impact both within the University and in the larger community.

How to apply

To support the search, the UA System has engaged executive search consultants Barry Vines and Lori Hemmer of ZRG, a global talent firm with a dedicated Education Practice.

Confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.

To ensure full consideration, please email a letter of interest and a CV, as 2 separate PDFs, by January 5, 2026, to Lori Hemmer at: [email protected].

Contact

Individuals can submit nominations, questions, feedback regarding essential presidential characteristics, qualifications and credentials, and other comments relevant to the search via a dedicated email address: [email protected].