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Presbyterian College seeks a transformative, transparent, and experienced leader to become the next Vice President of Finance and Administration (VPFA). As a key member of the President’s senior cabinet, the VPFA will join the institution at a pivotal and promising time. The next leader will work to safeguard continued progress through thoughtful stewardship ensuring that the College’s momentum is not only maintained but strengthened. Transparency, accountability, and open communication will be essential as the VPFA leads financial and administrative functions that support the College’s mission and student success. This leader must not only bring strategic and operational expertise but also foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive environment across teams. The next VPFA will play a critical role in uniting departments, encouraging innovation, and ensuring that all members of the community feel empowered to contribute to the College’s continued growth and excellence.
ABOUT PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE
Inspired by the motto, “While We Live, We Serve,” Presbyterian College celebrates an enduring culture of academic rigor, honor, and service.
PC is a nationally ranked liberal arts college with three graduate programs that provides students of all faiths, identities, and backgrounds with a transformative education to equip them for impactful careers and empower them to serve as powerful forces for positive change. PC’s distinctive approach uses innovative service as a tool of self-discovery, an amplifier of problem-solving skills, and a catalyst of curiosity which is epitomized by the newly developed Center for Inquiry, Research, and Scholarship (CIRAS).
Located in Clinton, South Carolina, Presbyterian College combines academic excellence with a commitment to developing the whole person. Their close-knit community of approximately 1,200 students benefits from small class sizes, personalized attention, and a beautiful historic campus. As a college rooted in the Presbyterian tradition, PC values integrity, service, and the pursuit of knowledge in an environment that encourages both intellectual growth and character development.
Presbyterian College is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, inclusive campus community that welcomes and supports students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds. Presbyterian College is where students learn how to make a difference. It’s a place where they discover how to identify potential and opportunity in every challenge and develop the skills to take action. Here, students gain the foundation, knowledge, and community to improve the world around them and beyond. That’s the power of PC.
TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATION
A PC degree is more than a pathway to success – it’s a commitment to shaping a better world. Its programs foster a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of humanity, empowering students to tap into their unique skills, talents, and passions to uplift others and leave a legacy of lasting change.
At PC, students are empowered to become their best selves, whether they have a clear vision of who they are or if they are still figuring it out. PC’s transformative liberal arts education challenges students to think critically, communicate effectively, solve complex problems, and drive deeper connections across multiple fields and industries – all skills that will serve students well throughout their lives and in any career.
PC’s interdisciplinary programs are defined by dynamic group discussions, hands-on learning experiences, and a variety of ways to customize each degree to be exactly what students need. With the support of dedicated faculty as mentors and the liberal arts as a guide, students have the freedom to explore their interests, develop essential skills, and forge a unique path.
In addition to their strong academic programs, Presbyterian College offers a vibrant Division I athletics program. Known as the Blue Hose, the College competes in the NCAA Division I Big South Conference, with football participating in the non-scholarship FCS Pioneer Football League since 2021. PC sponsors 19 varsity sports (eight men’s, 10 women’s, and one co-ed), including basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, wrestling, baseball, softball, acrobatics & tumbling, and volleyball. The school’s mascot is Scotty the Scotsman, and the nickname “Blue Hose” originates from the blue socks worn by early baseball players.
PC’s greatest strength is empowering students to discover what truly inspires them.
Double majoring and minoring across disciplines, exploring different fields of interest, hearing new perspectives, combining what students love with what they want to learn – all of it is possible at PC. Students can also pursue advanced study through PC’s three graduate programs in Physician Assistant Studies, Occupational Therapy, and Pharmacy, which prepare them to serve others with purpose and expertise.
Students come to PC to learn how to make a meaningful difference in the world. Through programs like EPIC Service and the Service Entrepreneurship scholarship, students are empowered to identify needs and opportunities in their community, then take action with the power of PC behind them.
HISTORY
Presbyterian College was founded in 1880 by the Rev. Dr. William Plumer Jacobs. Jacobs arrived in Clinton, South Carolina in 1864, following the devastation of the Civil War, and he dreamed of building an orphanage in the area.
In October of 1875, Thornwell Orphanage opened its doors to 10 orphaned children. Five years after establishing the orphanage, Jacobs was faced with another challenge: sending those children to a proper college to continue their education. The institution – first called Clinton College – was organized under the ownership and management of local Presbyterians. Clinton College was coeducational from the beginning, and its founding purpose was to educate young men and women from the local area.
Renowned New York City landscape architect Charles Leavitt, Jr. designed PC’s 240-acre campus. Unified around a central mall, the campus includes four grassy plazas surrounded by stately red-brick buildings of Georgian and Neoclassical design.
After operating its first 25 years under the sponsorship of the Clinton First Presbyterian Church, PC officially became the Presbyterian College of South Carolina in 1904 with the synod’s vote to assume ownership. By 1909, Presbyterian College offered a curriculum leading to a B.A. degree, post-graduate work for the M.A., and a B.S. degree.
Mission Statement
Presbyterian College’s history is still being written by dedicated individuals devoted to inspiring and mentoring the world’s next generation of servant leaders. The following statement drives PC’s overarching purpose:
The compelling purpose of Presbyterian College, as a church-related college, is to develop within the framework of Christian faith the mental, physical, moral, and spiritual capacities of each student in preparation for a lifetime of personal and vocational fulfillment and responsible contribution to our democratic society and the world community.
POSITION:
The Vice President for Finance & Administration (VPFA) serves as the College's chief financial and business officer, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for all financial, administrative, and facilities functions. This senior executive position plays a critical role in ensuring the College's financial stability, operational efficiency, and strategic success while supporting the institution's mission and values.
Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, the VPFA will be instrumental in navigating the evolving landscape of higher education finance and administration while preserving Presbyterian College's commitment to academic excellence and student success. The VPFA will step into a strong, accountable culture with a unified cabinet that values big-picture thinking, a willingness to take risks, and agility in the face of change. Relationships and the campus culture have been transformed, and the next leader should continue this momentum with a strong focus on community building and transparency. Having addressed past budget shortfalls, PC enters fiscal year 2026 with a balanced budget, a strong team in place, and an openness to automation and technology. PC is ready for a strategic financial and administrative leader who brings creativity, innovation, and facilities financing experience to help propel the College forward.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Leadership and Strategy
Oversee comprehensive financial planning, execution, and accounting operations to ensure the College's financial stability and future growth;
Serve as primary financial advisor to the President and Cabinet;
Provide financial analytics, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to support the College's strategic plan;
Lead financial planning for strategic initiatives and joint ventures;
Provide strategic direction and oversight for Division I Athletics Financing and budgetary operations;
Ensure compliance with all applicable financial regulations and reporting requirements.
Budget Management and Planning
Develop and administer annual operating budgets in partnership with the Cabinet;
Lead the institutional budgeting process, implementing improvements and best practices;
Monitor and manage departmental and institutional budget performance;
Provide general supervision of endowment administration and investment oversight;
Collaborate with the Advancement Office on foundation grants and donor financial analysis.
Administrative Operations Oversight
Provide executive leadership and oversight for:
Business Office operations;
Campus Services and facilities management;
Information Technology services;
Risk management and insurance programs;
Major construction and capital projects.
External Relations and Contract Management
Develop and maintain relationships with banks, auditors, investment advisors, and other financial partners;
Negotiate and supervise all outsourcing contracts and vendor agreements;
Manage all debt negotiations and financing arrangements;
Negotiate insurance contracts and serve as primary insurance liaison;
Oversee real estate transactions and property management;
Serve as primary legal liaison for business and financial matters.
Leadership and Governance
Serve as an active member of the President's Cabinet;
Serve as ex-officio advisor to assigned Board of Trustees committees;
Build collaborative relationships with board committee chairs and trustees;
Promote teamwork and effective communication across all campus constituencies;
Mentor and develop staff to foster professional growth and institutional knowledge.
Compliance and Risk Management
Serve as institutional compliance officer for relevant federal and state regulations;
Oversee comprehensive risk management strategies and insurance programs;
Ensure adherence to all financial and administrative policies and procedures;
Maintain current knowledge of higher education financial and regulatory requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Professional Credentials
Master's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field;
CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional certification required;
Commitment to maintaining professional certifications and continuing education.
Experience Requirements
Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible financial management experience;
Higher education experience strongly preferred (minimum 5 years in senior role);
Demonstrated expertise in budget development, financial analysis, and strategic planning;
Experience with investment oversight, debt management, and capital project financing;
Proven track record of managing complex operations and diverse teams.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Expertise in financial planning, analysis, and reporting systems;
Strong knowledge of higher education finance, including federal compliance requirements;
Experience with ERP systems, financial software, and technology integration;
Knowledge of construction project management and facilities operations;
Understanding of endowment management and investment principles.
Leadership Competencies
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities;
Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders;
Strategic thinking and planning abilities;
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills;
Demonstrated mentoring and staff development experience;
Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects;
High ethical standards and professional integrity.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Small college or liberal arts institution experience, including graduate programs;
Experience with capital campaigns and fundraising operations;
Experience with emergency management and business continuity planning;
Grant writing and external funding experience;
Active participation in higher education professional organizations (NACUBO, SCACUBO, etc.);
Experience working with governing boards;
Experience with NCAA Division I Athletics.
Reporting Relationships
Direct Reports:
Controller;
Executive Director of Campus Services;
Chief Information Officer.
Key Internal Relationships:
President, Cabinet and Human Resources;
Board of Trustees and assigned committees;
Faculty and academic leadership;
All campus departments and staff.
Key External Relationships:
External auditors and financial advisors;
Banking and investment partners;
Legal counsel;
Contractors and vendors;
Government agencies and regulatory bodies.
SENIOR MANAGEMENT:
Anita Olson Gustafson, Ph.D. President
Anita Olson Gustafson, Ph.D., became the 20th president of Presbyterian College in the fall of 2023. A collaborative leader with roots that run deep throughout the PC community, Dr. Gustafson leads the college with a wealth of experience in higher education and a strong passion for the liberal arts. She is the first female president in PC history.
A passionate advocate for the liberal arts and a proud Blue Hose at heart, Dr. Gustafson brings visionary leadership rooted in nearly two decades of service to Presbyterian College. With a deep belief in the transformative power of liberal arts education, she is boldly shaping PC’s future while honoring its rich traditions. Under her leadership, PC is expanding academic programs, championing student success, and strengthening ties with the community. Driven by her commitment to access and excellence, Dr. Gustafson is ensuring that PC remains a place where intellectual discovery sparks purpose, and every student is empowered to lead with character and confidence.
Dr. Gustafson served as the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and a professor of history at Mercer University in Macon, Ga. She managed the Mercer’s largest academic undergraduate college with nearly 2,000 students. She collaborated with the provost and deans from 11 other university programs, including the Schools of Law, Business, Engineering, Education, Theology, Professional Advancement, Music, Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Professions. In 2018, she worked with faculty to develop and implement a strategic plan for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
During her first 19 years at the PC, Dr. Gustafson worked as both a member of the faculty and as an administrator to deliver a high-quality, student-focused liberal arts program. She served on the president’s cabinet for more than two years as interim provost, as well as interim dean of academic programs and history department chair. Dr. Gustafson held several faculty leadership roles at PC, including chair of the Senior Faculty Council and chair of the PC Launch Program for Vocation, Leadership, and Service.
Dr. Gustafson earned her doctorate and master’s degrees in history from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. She holds a bachelor’s degree with majors in economics and Swedish and a minor in history from North Park University in Chicago.
Dr. Gustafson and her husband, Charles, have one son, Karl, who recently graduated from the University of Helsinki with a graduate degree in global sustainability. In her spare time, she enjoys attending sporting events, spending time with family, and reading.
WHY IS THIS A COMPELLING POSITION?
At Presbyterian College, you’ll become part of a community where service forms the foundation of everything they do. Its motto, “While we live, we serve,” guides their approach to education and community support, creating an environment where you can make a meaningful impact on students’ lives. Working here means joining a supportive True Blue community of colleagues who share your commitment to transforming students in mind, heart, and spirit.
They support Presbyterian College’s strategic goals to foster a work environment where every employee can thrive as True Blue members of their community. PC is dedicated to providing exceptional human resources services to attract, develop, and retain top talent while cultivating a people-first culture that empowers individuals to reach their highest potential.
PC offers more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to an enduring legacy dating back to 1880. You’ll thrive in a workplace that values bold ideas, resourcefulness, and proactive problem-solving while helping empower the next generation of innovators, service leaders, and trailblazers. Your work directly supports students as they discover their potential and develop into graduates who make a positive difference in the world.
At Presbyterian College, respect and justice are fundamental pillars of their community. Its honor code creates an environment where mutual dignity elevates everyone’s experience. This code transforms their campus into a place where integrity and justice become second nature, preparing graduates to lead with both excellence and character in a world hungry for ethical leadership and equitable systems.
Clinton, South Carolina is a charming small city located in Laurens County in the Upstate region. Established in 1852 as a railroad hub at the junction of major roads – earning it the early name “Five Points” – it was later named for Henry Clinton Young, a prominent local lawyer. Today it covers roughly 10.4 square miles, has an elevation of about 676 feet, and is home to around 7,633 residents according to the 2020 census. Presbyterian College offers convenient access to major regional destinations – just under an hour from Greenville, about two hours from both the mountains of North Carolina and the South Carolina coast, and within a short drive to Columbia, Charleston, Charlotte, Spartanburg, and Atlanta.
Clinton thrives on its well-preserved historic character: the Clinton Commercial Historic District, anchored around late-19th and early-20th-century buildings, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The campus of Presbyterian College and Thornwell form another historic district with beaux-arts and Georgian-style buildings crafted in granite, reflective of the city’s deep-rooted architectural heritage.
Education is at the heart of Clinton’s identity. Presbyterian College brings youthful energy, cultural events, lectures, and NCAA Division I athletic competitions to the community. Meanwhile, Clinton High School and Middle School have earned statewide acclaim for their robust Science Olympiad programs, with stellar records in competition.
The city offers a warm, vibrant community life. Quaint downtown shops, restaurants, and local boutiques line its historic streets.
Outdoor and cultural amenities include nearby Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, parks, and trails.
Events like Rhythm on the Rails – a city-wide festival of music, crafts, and BBQ – and college-hosted performances bring together residents in celebratory traditions.
Economically, Clinton has its roots in the textile industry, with mills like Clinton Cotton Mill and Lydia Cotton Mill anchoring its growth from the late 1800s until their closures around 2001. The city is now more diversified, with manufacturing, healthcare, and services forming a stable base. The cost of living is notably lower than the national average – around 23% below – making it an attractive option for households.
All told, Clinton presents a blend of historical charm, educational influence, community spirit, and affordable living. Whether you’re strolling its brick-and-mortar downtown, attending a college lecture, enjoying a BBQ festival, or simply taking in the Southern hospitality, this Upstate gem offers a forward-thinking balance of past and present.
APPLICATION PROCESS
ZRG Partners has been retained to conduct this search for Presbyterian College. Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter by Monday, September 1, 2025, as two separate PDF files to:
Presbyterian College is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of campus life. They encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share their commitment to academic excellence, personal development, and service to others.
The College provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
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