The Dean of Academic Services and University Registrar serves as the University Registrar while also providing leadership and effective delivery of services necessary for academic success, student support, and retention initiatives across Millikin University. This position provides strategic oversight of the Registrar Office, the Student Success Center (SSC), and various grant initiatives, to ensure that academic policies and student support strategies work cohesively to promote student persistence and completion. The position provides leadership to support the university's mission and strategic initiatives for student and academic services. This position contributes to the advancement of the school’s agenda and strategic and outreach plans.
The Dean advances a student-centered philosophy that integrates academic records integrity with proactive academic support, advising coordination, and continuous improvement. Reporting to the Provost, this role collaborates closely with academic deans, other academic leadership, faculty, student affairs, athletics, and other areas to strengthen the university’s retention and academic success efforts.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:
Serves as the University Registrar while protecting the integrity of the university’s student records and academic degrees.
Responsible for accurate, efficient, and timely academic record maintenance, retention, and dissemination, including admission files; grades and credits (institutional, transfer, AP, CLEP, prior learning, CEUs); official transcripts and enrollment status and academic standing.
Serves as the University’s FERPA Officer and ensures institutional compliance and annual training.
Ensures integrity of academic degree certification and graduation requirements, including, but not limited to, transcript evaluation and transfer credit approval; oversight of course scheduling and instructional space coordination; final exam scheduling; planning and oversight of the academic calendar and verifying degrees and academic honors for commencement.
Oversees policies and processes related to student withdrawal from the university.
Collaborates with the Financial Aid Director to determine the academic calendar days for federal funding.
Establishes and supervises efficient, accessible, and student-centered course registration processes.
Provides leadership and oversight of the Student Success Center to ensure integrated academic support services such as tutoring, academic skills development, testing, success coaching, and accommodation services.
Leads institutional efforts related to academic success strategies and retention planning in collaboration with academic and student affairs leadership.
Coordinates direct service and support through comprehensive academic advising and success coaching efforts across the university to promote consistency, effectiveness, and student engagement that ensures that all undergraduate students receive accurate and timely advising services.
Serves as a campus leader in the development, assessment, and continuous improvement of student success interventions.
Oversees student success grant initiatives to ensure compliance, effectiveness, fiscal stewardship, and alignment with institutional academic success priorities and outcomes.
Ensure compliance with all policies and practices, state, and federal laws and regulations and provide quality services to all current students, prospective students, and alumni.
Provides adequate, accurate, and timely data for immediate and long-term strategic decision-making and operational leadership.
Formulates and implements plans for academic performance, retention, and success.
Maintains continuous communication with the Provost and Academic Deans regarding strategic priorities, progress, timelines, and deliverables.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Directly supervises the Registrar and Student Success staff and ensures alignment with university values. Responsibilities include recruitment, training, performance management, scheduling, and professional development. Fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team environment.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
Demonstrated ability to lead with integrity, empathy, and accountability in a community-focused organization.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills
Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, including students, faculty, parents, staff, and external agencies.
Excellent organizational and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook)
Commitment to the mission and values of Millikin University, including a dedication to diversity, inclusion, and student success.
MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field required. A doctoral degree is preferred.
A minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in higher education, specifically in student services and/or university registrar. Of those seven years, a minimum of two (2) years are required in a registrar-leadership role.
Leadership experience with supervisory responsibilities, preferably at the director’s level, is required.
Strategic and tactical planning functions are required.
Experience and proficiency in utilizing data and technology, such as CRM systems, early alert systems, and degree planning tools, to analyze and improve student outcomes are required.
Experience in budget oversight and managing strategic priorities is required.
Demonstrated knowledge of FERPA, ADA/Section 504 accessibility obligations, and accreditation standards pertinent to student services are required
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES
Possess a thorough knowledge of student and academic requirements to develop and communicate student service & activity models and able to perform position in compliance with all requirements/regulations/laws.
Ability to maintain high standards in establishing goals, structures, and processes necessary to implement a mission and strategic vision.
Ability to assume personal responsibility for all outcomes; make effective and timely decisions; apply knowledge to solving problems requiring identification and analysis of complex variables pertaining to services and compliance.
Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts.
Ability to work cooperatively with others and demonstrates professional, ethical, respectful, and courteous behavior when interacting with others.
Ability to successfully manage conflict and work well with a diverse workforce.
Demonstrate a collaborative and approachable interpersonal skill which encourages others to openly share thoughts and ideas.