PRESIDENT, CONNORS STATE COLLEGE
Position Description and Selection Criteria
The President of Connors State College (CSC) serves as the institution’s chief executive officer and provides overall academic, administrative, and strategic leadership. The President fosters an environment that encourages academic excellence, innovation, and freedom of inquiry, and is a visible leader committed to transforming the lives of students. The President motivates faculty, staff, students, and community partners to pursue excellence and to respond creatively to changing educational needs.
Governance and Reporting
The President:
- is selected by and reports directly to the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges and serves at its discretion;
- provides leadership in long-term planning and in advancing the College’s mission, vision, and strategic goals;
- conducts all College business in accordance with Board policies and Oklahoma statutes;
- maintains strong, transparent communication with the Board of Regents and its Chief Executive Officer;
- works effectively with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education in alignment with Board of Regents policies; and
- serves as the administrator of all College resources, including but not limited to finances, facilities, programs, services, personnel, and students.
About Connors State College
Founded in 1908, Connors State College is located in the rural community of Warner, Oklahoma, at the junction of Highway 64 and Interstate 40 in eastern Oklahoma. CSC also operates a branch campus in Muskogee, a regional hub along the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System approximately 18 miles from Warner.
The College operates a 1,316-acre ranch near the Warner campus which houses the CSC shooting sports complex and serves as an experiential learning laboratory for students in agriculture and related fields.
CSC is a multi-campus, regionally accredited two-year public institution offering associate degrees, associate of applied science degrees, and certificate programs. Fall 2026 enrollment was 2,005 students, with a diverse student body including more than 60% minority representation.
Qualifications and Characteristics of the Next President
CSC seeks a visionary, ethical, and student-centered leader who embodies integrity, strategic insight, and a strong commitment to rural higher education.
I. A Person of Intellect, Achievement, and Academic Commitment
The successful candidate:
- preferably holds an earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution, or possesses significant professional recognition and intellectual achievement;
- demonstrates a deep commitment to academic excellence and a learning environment that fosters creativity, scholarship, and innovation; and
- promotes excellence in all programs, including student services and activities, and supports the recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty and staff.
II. A Dynamic and Influential Advocate
The successful candidate:
- communicates clearly, persuasively, and effectively;
- inspires confidence through a compelling vision for teaching, learning, service, and institutional growth;
- builds trust with higher-education leaders, elected officials, alumni, and diverse communities in Oklahoma and beyond;
- serves as a strong advocate for CSC’s mission, its programs, and its employees at the local, state, and national levels;
- works in effective partnership with the Connors Development Foundation (Foundation) and the CSC Alumni and Friends Association to lead fundraising and comprehensive campaign efforts;
- fosters strong collaboration among campus personnel, students, community partners, and the Foundation, all for the betterment of CSC;
- has experience raising private and public funds, including partnerships with nonprofit foundations and 501(c)(3) organizations; and
- is committed to promoting CSC as a catalyst for opportunity and student success.
III. A Proven and Strategic Leader
The successful candidate:
- brings senior-level administrative leadership experience, preferably within a two-year or multi-campus college environment;
- has demonstrated expertise in academic quality, assessment, transfer pathways, workforce education, technology, and global learning;
- possesses strong fiscal management experience and a demonstrated record of responsible stewardship of resources with budgets similar in size to that of CSC;
- excels at planning and setting priorities, accomplishing goals, and communicating a clear vision aligned with the College’s mission and goals;
- champions respect for all voices;
- supports ongoing professional development for employees and models lifelong learning;
- leads transparently and collaboratively through delegation, team building, and shared governance;
- understands technological advancements shaping higher education;
- preferably has experience or working knowledge in agriculture, farm/ranch operations, or related industries;
- has experience with economic development and addressing community workforce needs; and
- aligns academic and operational initiatives with the needs of CSC’s communities and the State of Oklahoma.
IV. An Ethical and Engaging Communicator
The successful candidate:
- demonstrates impeccable integrity, professionalism, and ethical judgment;
- builds strong relationships with students, faculty, staff, regents, alumni, donors, business leaders, community members, and elected officials;
- exhibits openness, approachability, and a willingness to learn;
- approaches leadership with high energy, emotional resilience, and enthusiasm for service; and
- has a proven record of ethical and professional behavior in all aspects of leadership.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Connors State College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. CSC does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status with respect to employment, educational programs, activities, or admissions. For more information, visit the CSC Non-Discrimination Statement.