President

University of Tulsa
President

The University of Tulsa (UTulsa) seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its next president and to guide the private research institution to the next phase of success.

UTulsa is a private research university located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, known for its strong academic programs, intimate campus environment, and commitment to student success. Founded in 1894, UTulsa has historic roots in the Presbyterian School for Indian Girls and later Henry Kendall College, evolving into a nondenominational institution with a Collegiate Gothic architectural style. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, organized into several colleges, including the Kendall College of Arts & Sciences, the Collins College of Business, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the College of Law, the Honors College, and the Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences, each offering specialized programs and research opportunities. With a student-faculty ratio of 9:1 and a campus spanning over 200 acres, UTulsa emphasizes personalized education and career readiness, including a job placement guarantee for graduates. Student life at UTulsa is vibrant, with over 150 student organizations, Greek life, and a strong sense of community. Athletics play a central role as well UTulsa competes in NCAA Division I as part of the American Athletic Conference, with spirited support for its men's and women's Golden Hurricane teams.

UTulsa's incoming president will need to prioritize several key initiatives to ensure the institution's continued growth and stability. The board is in the process of developing a financially sustainable pathway, which emphasizes innovation in cybersecurity, energy, and STEM fields while reinforcing the liberal arts foundation; strengthening student support systems and enhancing career readiness as students transition into the workforce; stewarding budgets and finances that balance academic excellence with sustainable operations; emphasizing community engagement and service; and maintaining a vibrant campus culture that upholds UTulsa's identity and mission.

The next president must possess a strong commitment to excellence in higher education, demonstrated leadership skills in managing a complex organization, and the ability to work collaboratively with UTulsa's Board of Trustees. This leader also must have a record demonstrating commitment to maintaining a robust system of shared governance and to navigating a challenging landscape in academia. An appreciation for the integral role of UTulsa in the local community, a willingness to further develop national connections, and the capacity to attract financial support from the public and private sectors will be essential. As the chief representative of the university to a wide variety of external constituencies, the president must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to connect with a variety of groups and constituents, both internal and external to the institution. The president must be a decisive leader who embodies integrity, is responsive, collaborative, and creative, and is dedicated to student success and wellbeing.

Applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile found at . For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by December 1, 2025.

WittKieffer is assisting U Tulsa in this search. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal . Confidential nominations and inquiries can be directed to Zachary A. Smith, Ph.D., Christine J. Pendleton, and Julia Bradley at .

The University of Tulsa does not discriminate on the basis of personal status or group characteristics including, but not limited to individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or marital status in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other university-sponsored programs. Questions regarding implementation of this policy may be addressed to the Office of Human Resources, 800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma , . Requests for accommodation of disabilities may be addressed to UTulsa's 504 Coordinator at . To ensure availability of an interpreter, five to seven days' notice is needed; 48 hours is recommended for all other accommodations.

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