OVERVIEW

Presidential Search Prospectus

The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP) is pleased to announce a national search for its next President. The MSP Board of Trustees invites applications for the position of President. As an innovative and forward-thinking leader, the President is responsible for providing strategic leadership to ensure continuation of the exemplary success in all academic and operational areas. The School was founded in 1980 as an institution of higher learning offering graduate degrees in clinical psychology with a humanistic focus. MSP is an independent, not-for-profit institution of higher learning committed to a tradition that transforms students’ lives by preparing them through the study of clinical psychology to think critically, serve clients as psychologists and psychotherapists and contribute to a just society. Students receive experiences beyond the classroom through local practicum experiences and internships across the country. MSP is known for its small community feel and its roots in humanistic psychology, for its strong academics and exceptional, personalized teaching. We have a dedication to service and an undying commitment to building a vision for the future, educating psychologists today who will transform our world tomorrow. MSP offers graduate degrees in clinical psychology to include a Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) degree and Master of Arts (MA). An Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) curriculum can be added as a concentration in the MA program or a stand-alone graduate certificate. Current enrollment is around 200 graduate students.

MISSION

Educate psychologists today who will transform our world tomorrow. We provide experiential and scholarly training in clinical psychology for students who want to make a difference. Our experienced faculty of practitioner-scholars teach psychological theory, technique and skills needed for practice. Our alumni become clinicians who help change the lives of people in community clinics, hospitals, shelters, prisons, and in private practice.

VISION

Healthy people, healthy relationships, and healthy communities. We exemplify our belief in every person’s power to grow by consistently evolving in response to society’s challenges. Our students are preparing for careers as multi-culturally competent clinicians who will serve their communities. MSP is expanding access to quality mental health services in our community through the Michigan School Psychological Clinic, which offers low cost mental health services to those most in need.

PURPOSE

We believe in every person’s power to grow. We believe that all people have the unique ability to transform. Our purpose is to facilitate that change. We are passionate about helping our students draw on their inner strengths as they grow as human beings, and as psychologists who help their clients to do the same.

CORE VALUES

We respect every person. Period.

We value genuine relationships.

We practice what we teach.

CAMPUS

MSP is situated on the beautiful campus in Farmington Hills, Michigan less than 20 miles from Detroit, a thriving metropolitan city. Housed on a wooded, six-acre campus, MSP was specifically created to generate a learning climate that reflects the school’s mission and its emphasis on growth and potential. The carefully designed facilities offer open and welcoming surroundings that foster collaborative education. The campus consists of two buildings. Building A houses classrooms, the library, and administrative offices. The Diane S. Blau Building (Building B) houses the Michigan School Psychological Clinic, meeting spaces, lounge area, and a lecture hall/community education center.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT

The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP) is committed to furthering diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and social progress on our campus and in communities. We encourage and honor diversity of ideas, perspectives, and experiences. The foundation of humanistic psychology is rooted in the unconditional acceptance of others. This includes acceptance of and respect for cultural differences, including diversity of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, age, gender identity, socio-economic status, national origin, language, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, visa status, ability status and more. MSP’s core values embody the fundamental tenets of humanistic psychology that honor the uniqueness of the human experience: We respect every person, period. We value genuine relationships. We practice what we teach.

We believe in every person’s power to grow. Our purpose is to help students draw on their inner strengths as they grow as human beings, and as psychologists who help their clients do the same. A diverse and inclusive MSP benefits every student, the faculty, staff, and administration. We live out our vision of healthy people, healthy relationships, and healthy communities by bringing our culture of diversity and inclusion into the communities we serve. MSP acknowledges the systemic racism, colonialism, and inequality inherent in the higher education system and society as a whole. Beyond this acknowledgement, there is more work to do within the institution and in our communities. We are making change through our actions. This includes developing trainings, curricula, policies, and practices that are inclusive, equitable, and anti-racist. It is the responsibility of all MSP administrators, faculty, staff, and students to foster and grow our culture of respect, empathy, diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and social progress. This culture is essential to fulfill our mission to educate psychologists today who will transform our world tomorrow.

STUDENTS

MA students enter the program with academic preparation in psychology – many also have related work experience. PsyD students enter the program with a graduate degree and have a background of study in psychology or related field. ABA students enter the program with a graduate degree and have a background of study in psychology, social work, or education or they can enter as part of the MA program with an ABA concentration. MSP graduate students seek to become practicing clinicians committed to the humanistic principles and values of psychology.

Students for Fall 2023:

103 MA students
1 ABA Certificate students
81 PsyD students
78% Women
1% Non-binary
21% Men
49% Students of color
Average student age is 31 years
Average MA student age is 29 years
Average PsyD student age is 33 years
Average ABA Certificate student age is 58 years

THE POSITION

Reporting to the Board of Trustees and serving as the leader and chief executive officer, the President exercises broad general management responsibilities for all aspects of the academic, student, financial, development, and administrative operations. MSP seeks an innovative, decisive, strategic, and energetic leader with a deep commitment to the value and importance of higher education, who will embrace the history and legacy of the School while leading its growth, strengthening its academic offerings, enhancing its reputation, and assuring its financial stability. The President will be a goal-oriented leader who possesses strong conceptual, strategic, communication, business acumen and first-hand experience in leading and managing a complex organization. A commitment to diversity and inclusivity and an understanding of emerging trends in higher education are essential to success. The President will foster an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, creative activity, scholarly research, and student success, with a goal of cultivating the next generation of leaders and innovators. The ideal incumbent will possess proven capacities to generate and implement a unifying strategic vision; demonstrate financial acumen and fundraising prowess; energize and collaborate with varied stakeholders; and advocate for meaningful equity and inclusion on campus. The President must be an advocate for professional program education; demonstrate a significant disposition toward fairness and transparency in governance and compliance; and, most importantly, have a commitment to the mission and values of the School. Proven strategic planning is required.

A terminal degree or professional leadership achievements and experiences that demonstrate preparedness to lead an institution of higher learning is required. Other requirements include a demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate and relate well to others, an inclusive and collaborative management style, experience building a strong leadership team, and a proven track record of success in building and cultivating financial support through fundraising and other strategies for revenue growth.

APPLY

Submit applications, which include a letter of interest, a current résumé/cv and information for five (5) professional references, via email to aming@msp.edu. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should be submitted prior to June 1, 2024 to receive full consideration.

Diverse and traditionally underrepresented candidates are encouraged to apply. All applications and nominations are considered highly confidential. The Michigan School of Psychology is an Equal Opportunity employer and is strongly committed to diversity, equity and inclusion within its community.

Michigan School of Psychology

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