Specialist - Advisor-Continuing

Position Summary

The College of Natural Science (NatSci) at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for the next Director of the Charles Drew Science Scholars (Drew Scholars) program. The next Director, in collaboration with Drew Scholars professional staff, will provide leadership and vision for the program while continuing to foster an environment that supports student success and advances diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).  

About the Drew Scholars Program 

Since its inception in 1979, the Drew Scholars program has provided a vibrant living-learning community and comprehensive academic support to high-achieving undergraduate students from populations historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Drew Scholars offers its members dedicated academic advising, academic coaching, career advising, and specialized programming, including two seminar courses, to foster academic and professional growth. Drew Scholars students are active members of the MSU community, engaging in undergraduate research, peer mentorship, leadership in student organizations, and community service. Many Drew Scholars students are also members of the Honors College. The program annually serves about 250 students (freshman to senior levels) pursuing majors in the College of Natural Science. The most recent NatSci strategic plan includes the goal of increasing the size of Drew Scholars in coming years.  

Highlighted Program Features  

Living-Learning Community 

A key feature of the Drew Scholars program is the residential living-learning community that offers first- and second-year students an opportunity to live in the same residence hall where the program offices are located. The Director will work closely with the Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) Department to provide opportunities for students to build community and generally support the residential and socioemotional needs of students. 

S-STEM Natural Science Transfer Scholars Program 

Drew Scholars is also home to the S-STEM Natural Science Transfer Scholars program which was created to promote the successful transfer of academically talented low-income students from Washtenaw Community College and Mott Community College to Michigan State University. Supported by the National Science Foundation (S-STEM #2221177), this grant (funded 2023-2028) provides scholarships, along with transitional and ongoing support, to MSU’s Natural Science Transfer Scholars. The Director serves on the program leadership team and works closely with the project PI to complete grant deliverables.  

Position Responsibilities:

The Director will hold a 12-month, 100% appointment in the Academic Specialist – Continuing System with salary commensurate with experience. Responsibilities of the position include:  

Program Development and Fiscal Management 

·      Vision and leadership for the Drew Scholars program to support student success and retention in the natural sciences 

·      Management of the Drew Scholars program operating budget 

·      Supervision of Drew Scholars program academic and professional staff 

·      Training and coordination of academic coaches and undergraduate learning assistants 

Student Engagement and Success 

• Active engagement with Drew Scholars students throughout their tenure in the program and beyond 
• Instruction for Drew Scholars seminars (NSC 100 and NSC 200); these courses focus on helping students to successfully transition to university life, develop strategies for academic success, explore careers and career development opportunities, and prepare for careers in STEM 

Partnerships and Community Outreach 

·      Coordination with academic units on campus to grow enrichment opportunities to support the academic and professional development of Drew Scholars students 

·      Partnership with REHS to support the Drew Program’s living-learning community 

·      Collaboration with NatSci’s Office of Advancement and the Drew Alumni Association to engage with Drew and other NatSci alumni in development efforts  

·      Development of internal and external partnerships to create internship and post-graduation opportunities for Drew Scholars students 

·      Coordination with MSU’s Office of Admissions, NatSci admissions advisor, and NatSci transfer student success advisor on recruitment of students from populations historically underrepresented in science and mathematics 

·      Participation on the leadership team for the funded NatSci Transfer Scholars NSF S-STEM project (2023–2028) 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -STEM discipline, Education, Counseling,

Minimum Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience in higher education (or closely related experience) post-degree, working and connecting with diverse student populations towards academic success.
• Evidence of successful collaborations promoting engagement and student success 
• Evidence of contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion in a higher education or a related setting

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working within the scientific enterprise, through academic training and research experience as well as applying scholarship of teaching and learning in the context of science education.
• Experience with and/or a vision for leadership on:
• Advising, mentoring, teaching, and other efforts to support academic, professional, and career development of undergraduate STEM students.
• • Building community and creating positive student experiences
  • Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within an organization
  • Leading initiatives or managing programs and assessing impact or effectiveness
  • Collaborating with stakeholders in prior roles to support student success, advance initiatives, or achieve program goals.
  • Supervising academic staff, professional staff, and/or student workers in a higher education or related setting

Required Application Materials

• CV or Resume (education; positions held; scholarly and/or professional activity including publications, presentations, and engagement with professional organizations)
• Candidate Statement (up to 3 pages) - Candidates should discuss how their education and experience have prepared them to lead a program that recruits, engages, develops, and supports the success of STEM students from diverse backgrounds. The candidate statement should specifically address the list of preferred qualifications above, relating each to prior experience and/or vision for leadership.
• A list of three professional references, with full contact information

Review of applications will begin on 03/12/2024 and continue until the position is filled. Applications should be submitted online through the careers.msu.edu website; refer to posting #931897. For additional information or to request accommodations, please contact the Co-Chairs of the Search Committee, Dr. Andrea Case at caseand4@msu.edu and Dr. Laurie Thorp at thorpl@msu.edu. 

Review of Applications Begins On

03/12/2024

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

https://natsci.msu.edu https://drewscholars.natsci.msu.edu

Department Statement

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer and is committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. MSU is committed to providing a work environment that supports employees' work and personal life and offers employment assistance to the spouse or partner of candidates for faculty and academic staff positions.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.