Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University (NSU), a proudly urban, top-ranked HBCU renowned for transformative teaching, innovative research, and community impact, seeks an experienced, collaborative, and student-centered leader to serve as its University Registrar.
Founded in 1935 and enrolling roughly 6,500 students across 64 undergraduate, graduate, and online programs, NSU generates more than $20 million in annual sponsored-research expenditures and celebrates vibrant achievements, from eleven MEAC athletic championships to the Spartan Legion Band’s 2023 Rose Parade appearance. Situated in the dynamic coastal city of Norfolk, Virginia, the University stands at an exciting juncture as it refines its strategic plan, expands interdisciplinary partnerships, and modernizes its business systems, including an institutional investment in Workday.
Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, the University Registrar (Registrar) supports the academic mission of the University through the coordination, supervision, and executive leadership of all functions and services of the Office of the Registrar. Leading a team of five dedicated staff and serving as a collaborative partner to colleagues across the University, the Registrar will support the daily administration of academic records, including registration, production of student grade reports and transcripts, transcript evaluations, graduation applications, degree audit processes, federal reporting, and compliance requirements.
This is a transformational opportunity for a forward-thinking leader to elevate the reputation of the Office of the Registrar to be grounded in best practices, an unwavering commitment to compliance, sound data and technology, clear policies and procedures, and strong customer service. This will involve shaping an infrastructure to support the ever-evolving needs of the institution, building an operation that is modern, flexible, dynamic, nimble, and constantly assessed to ensure institutional excellence. The Registrar will analyze and refine current policies and tools and develop new resources and initiatives that reflect the University’s long-term objectives. Additionally, the Registrar will foster enhanced service delivery and student support across the University, which will include systematizing processes, training, and greater consistency in applying policies and procedures.
The new Registrar will be a systems-thinker in order to fully embrace technology and analytical tools to automate manual processes, optimize existing technology, and lead the implementation of a best-in-class records management system, tailored to the needs of the institution, with the deployment of Workday Student on the horizon for 2028.
The successful candidate will welcome change and bring wide-ranging knowledge across all aspects of a registrar function and a record of strong stewardship, combined with strategic and inventive thinking and expert problem-solving skills. The next Registrar will have knowledge of the application of complex student information systems and course registration, enrollment, student record-keeping policies and practices, compliance requirements and practices, and the ability to be effective in a collaborative environment. In addition, they will demonstrate active participation in professional organizations and networks to maintain knowledge of best practices and stay ahead of trends.
In addition, the ideal candidate will bring a reputation as a transparent and trusted colleague, be an excellent listener, possess the humility to roll up their sleeves, and be known as a solution-oriented partner to others. Unquestionable integrity, strong management skills, and the courage to take a firm stand or apply a gentle touch as a situation requires will be critical. At least ten years of progressively responsible experience, including supervisory experience, in a higher education registrar environment with experience in academic information and records office is required, as is prior experience leading student information system optimizations and/or implementation, and a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Previous experience with Colleague and/or Workday is desired, as is an advanced degree.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile available at https://apptrkr.com/6653024. Professional references are not requested at this time.
WittKieffer is assisting Norfolk State University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by November 4, 2025.
Application materials, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to:
Sarah Palmer and Natalie Song
NorfolkState_Registrar@wittkieffer.com
NSU is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy), or veteran status. NSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
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