President, Education ​/ Teaching

Davenport University (DU) invites nominations and applications for the position of President.

The next President will be a visionary, entrepreneurial, and inclusive leader who embraces Davenport's innovative spirit and commitment to preparing students for successful, meaningful careers. The President will play a key role in advancing Davenport's ambitious strategic plan, strengthening community partnerships, and leading the institution into its next era of growth and impact.

Davenport University—the largest private nonprofit university in Michigan—has maintained unqualified audit opinions for more than two decades and is a member of the American Council on Education. Rooted in its founding mission of career-focused education since 1866, the University offers practical, industry-driven programs that prepare students for leadership in business, technology, health, and urban education.

Over the last decade, Davenport has embarked on a transformational journey toward a culture that embraces data-driven quality and measurement. As a result, the University's graduation rate has increased by more than 200%, while student retention, satisfaction, and philanthropic giving are at all-time highs. In 2020, Davenport became the only university in Michigan to earn the Michigan Performance Excellence Award. In 2021, Davenport was one of seven organizations chosen for a site review—the final step toward the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award—an uncommon achievement for a first-year applicant.

With an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students, Davenport continues to build on its legacy of academic excellence, financial strength, and community engagement as it advances toward Vision 2030, a bold plan to transform higher education through innovation, inclusion, and workforce relevance.

The President will play a key role in advancing Davenport's ambitious strategic plan, strengthening community partnerships, and leading the institution into its next era of growth and impact.

All 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 available at  Witt Kieffer is assisting Davenport University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by March 11, 2026
. Applications, nominations and expressions of interest can be directed to Melody Rose, Ph.D., Greg Duyck, and Bree Liddellat at Daven

Davenport University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes nominations and applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of the University community.