Palo Alto University seeks a highly experienced, entrepreneurial, and relationship-oriented leader committed to addressing pressing issues in today’s diverse society through behavioral health education, research, and training to serve as its next President. Applications, inquiries, and nominations are welcomed and invited. The next President of Palo Alto University will follow the highly successful tenure of Dr. Maureen O’Connor, retiring after her ninth year as PAU’s third President.
Palo Alto University (PAU) is a private, non-profit institution located in the heart of Silicon Valley. For nearly five decades, PAU has been dedicated to equipping its graduates to meet the varying and critical needs of contemporary society. Today, 20 undergraduate, 1,209 graduate students, and more than 4,200 alumni are proud members of the PAU community. The University offers a variety of programs in psychology, counseling, and social work, both independently and in partnership with other world-class institutions and mission-driven organizations.
PAU offers a comprehensive range of programs including a +2-undergraduate degree, graduate master’s and doctoral level degrees, and continuing education certificates and certifications, delivered through innovative online, hybrid, and residential modalities.
Palo Alto University is guided by core values of equity and inclusion, community, excellence and integrity, compassion, and innovation. These principles drive the University's efforts to establish and maintain institutional systems that promote culturally responsive training and foster a community dedicated to equitable practices and policies. Through its 2021-2026 strategic plan, 'Path to Inclusive Excellence', PAU reaffirms its steadfast commitment to addressing challenges and opportunities through the lens of inclusive excellence.
The next President will join PAU at a pivotal moment as the University enters its 50th anniversary. The University will look to the President for vision and leadership to advance its strategic plan, diversify the University's revenue streams, enhance engagement and visibility for the University, shape a robust advancement plan, and bring creative solutions to the campus footprint.
Qualified candidates should have demonstrated progressive leadership experience in an organization of comparable size and scale, along with a deep appreciation for the evolving challenges in the expanding fields of education, research, and practice at PAU. The ideal candidate will be a compelling communicator who resonates with PAU's mission and values. A proven track record of advancing diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environments is essential.
An earned doctorate or terminal degree is desired. There is an openness to nontraditional candidates who, through previous experience and leadership in transformational undertakings and commitment to excellence in higher education, would garner the respect of the campus and broader communities.
Palo Alto University (PAU) is a private, non-profit institution located in the heart of Silicon Valley.
For nearly five decades, PAU has been dedicated to equipping its graduates to meet the varying
and critical needs of contemporary society. Today, 20 undergraduate, 1,209 graduate students,
and more than 4,200 alumni are proud members of the PAU community. The University offers a
variety of programs in psychology, counseling, and social work, both independently and in partnership with other world-class institutions and mission-driven organizations.
PAU offers a comprehensive range of programs including a +2-undergraduate degree, graduate master’s and doctoral level degrees, and continuing education certificates and certifications, delivered through innovative online, hybrid, and residential modalities.
Palo Alto University is guided by core values of equity and inclusion, community, excellence and integrity, compassion, and innovation. These principles drive the University's efforts to establish and maintain institutional systems that promote culturally responsive training and foster a community dedicated to equitable practices and policies. Through its 2021-2026 strateg...ic plan, 'Path to Inclusive Excellence', PAU reaffirms its steadfast commitment to addressing challenges and opportunities through the lens of inclusive excellence.