President
Catholic Distance University (www.cdu.edu) is seeking a presidential leader who embodies the University’s motto, “Joy from the Truth,” taken from Ex corde ecclesiae, St. John Paul II’s constitution on Catholic universities. A candidate for this position should be a joyfully practicing Catholic in good standing as confirmed by a priest or bishop, with proven leadership that is transformational, strategic, humble, and inspirational. He or she will support and commit to the public articulation of every aspect of the Church’s belief and tradition, including teachings on life, marriage, and family. The university is mission-driven with a commitment to academic quality, innovation, education of the underserved, and the common good.
The President and Chief Executive Officer oversees all aspects of the University’s operations including, but not limited to, academics, finance, fundraising, planning, accreditation, strategic initiatives, compliance with state and federal regulations, external and internal communications and marketing, student enrollment and success, as well as external relations, collaboration, and partnerships. He/she, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, provides an inspiring vision and serves as the public face of the University as its chief spokesperson. The President is an ex-officio trustee and secretary of the Board of Trustees.
The successful candidate must possess a Ph.D. or terminal degree in an appropriate field. A successful candidate agrees to live within reasonable commuting distance of CDU’s headquarters in Charles Town, West Virginia. Specific duties include oversight of academic programs and day-to-day operations, as well as implementation of strategic initiatives approved by the Board of Trustees aimed at growth through innovation, partnerships, and resource development.
CDU’s next President must maintain and leverage the university’s accreditations from the Higher Learning Commission and Association of Theological Schools as well as ensure compliance with standards of national, regional, state, accrediting, and certifying agencies and their reporting requirements.
Catholic Distance University was established as a Pontifical Institute in 1983 under the leadership of Bishop Thomas J. Welsh and his successor, Bishop John R. Keating. For nearly 40 years, CDU has been at the forefront of the New Evangelization with its unique mission as the only Catholic provider in the US of theological education through distance technologies. Since 2000, CDU has been an exclusively online Catholic university offering theological degrees and certificates to students worldwide through the internet. Catholic Distance University is known for its fidelity to the teachings of the Church and is committed to the principles of Ex corde ecclesiae, as well as its listing in the Newman Guide of The Cardinal Newman Society. CDU’s pioneering accomplishments include its exclusively online delivery, its full regional and programmatic accreditation, its Catholic-Christian online pedagogy, and its commitment to academic excellence. Many CDU graduates comment that CDU emphasizes not only academic quality but also the importance of growing in their love for Jesus Christ and the Church. CDU is committed to fostering a strong, vibrant and global learning community that reflects the ecclesial communion of the Church. The faculty and staff are strongly committed to the mission of CDU and to fostering a life-changing encounter with the living Word of God, Jesus Christ. Since Spanish-language programs in Catholic Social Teaching will be available in 2023, facility in Spanish and experience with such programs are desirable but not required.
Catholic Distance University is being assisted by the partners of Hyatt-Fennell. Submit applications, which include a letter of interest, a current résumé/cv, and information for five professional references, via email to Cheryl Hyatt at cdu@hyatt-fennell.com. Applications should be submitted prior to February 13, 2023, to receive full consideration. All applications and nominations will be considered highly confidential.
