President

The Board of Trustees of Mount Mercy University invites nominations and applications for the position of president. The new president will possess the experience, skills, and drive required to shape the future of this innovative and forward-looking institution, while exemplifying the character and ethics expected in a highly visible and trusted university and community leader.

Mount Mercy is a private, Catholic liberal arts university founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1928. Its co-ed, residential campus with 1,800+ students is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and offers undergraduate and graduate education with more than 85 areas of study organized into eight academic departments, serving traditional residential, transfer, and working adult students. 

Mount Mercy was named a 2019–20 College of Distinction based on engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities, and successful outcomes. Other recognitions include: 2020 Top 50 Best Regional Midwest University, Top 50 Best Value School, Top 50 Best College for Veterans, and Top 25 Performer on Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report.

As Iowa’s second-largest city, with a population of 130,000, Cedar Rapids is a growing, progressive, and friendly community along the picturesque Cedar River. Its location in Eastern Iowa is home to the University of Iowa, the state’s flagship comprehensive research university, as well as the state’s largest community college and several private colleges. Cedar Rapids is positioned conveniently and centrally between six of the Midwest’s major metropolitan areas: Chicago, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Omaha, and St. Louis

The next president will be a practicing Catholic or a non-Catholic Christian who understands, appreciates, and is committed to the Catholic tradition and the charism of the Sisters of Mercy, including the five Critical Concerns. He/she will possess a terminal degree and present a record of success as a leader in a higher education setting. Successful experience in managing change, community relations, and fundraising is highly desired.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to review the search profile (downloadable PDF above), which outlines expectations and qualifications and includes detailed instructions for application.

Nominations and Applications

The Mount Mercy University Presidential Search Committee will begin reviewing and evaluating applications as they are received and will continue to accept and review credentials until a new president is selected. To ensure fullest consideration, candidates are advised to submit their materials by March 15, 2021.

Materials must include:

• Letter of interest that directly links the candidate’s CV to the Expectations for the Next President, Opportunities & Challenges and Qualifications & Qualities sections of this profile.
• Complete CV or resume.
• Names and contact information (telephone and e-mail) for five references, none of whom will be contacted until a later stage of the search or without the formal permission of the candidate.

Applications should be submitted electronically in Word or PDF format to: MMUPresident21@agbsearch.com

All inquiries and applications will be received and evaluated in confidence.

Nominators and prospective candidates may contact:

Monica Burton, Principal, monica.burton@agbsearch.com / (917) 825-2961

Melissa Trotta, Ed.D., Associate Managing Principal, melissa.trotta@agbsearch.com / (202) 380-8927

Andrew Bowen, Associate, andrew.Bowen@agbsearch.com / (802) 345-1279

Mount Mercy does not discriminate based on sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or genetic information in regard to admissions, programs, activities or employment.