Jarvis Christian University

Situation Overview

ZRG has been engaged to recruit a Vice President, Finance and Administration for Jarvis Christian University.

About Jarvis Christian University

Jarvis Christian University is a historically Black institution affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), offering degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, and master's levels. The mission of the University is to prepare a diverse population of lifelong learners intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally through providing interactive services and using varied modalities of instructional delivery.

Guiding Priciples

In support of its mission, Jarvis Christian University has adopted these Guiding Principles:

Scholarship and Life-Long Learning: To advocate life-long learning by challenging and supporting students and staff to pursue intellectual, personal and professional development.

Service: To intentionally provide a quality experience for students, colleagues, surrounding communities and the nation through community service and civic engagement, as service is the core of their profession.

Integrity: To exhibit ethical behavior in and beyond the academic setting, and be good stewards of their financial resources, acting as persons of high character guided by a commitment to transparency, fairness and honesty.

Position Description

Respect: To embrace the doctrines of Faith, Family and Community, which ensure inclusiveness and diversity, understanding that every individual should be treated with professionalism, courtesy and kindness.

Responsibility: To be responsible and accountable for their actions in every situation, as it relates to the College, the community and the nation.

Christian Ethics: To emphasize that the Christian spiritual path provides an ethical code that, when followed, will make for a better person, a better College, a better community, and a better world.

Mission Statement

Jarvis Christian University is a historically Black institution, affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), offering degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, and master’s levels. The mission of the University is to prepare a diverse population of lifelong learners intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally through providing interactive services and using varied modalities of instructional delivery.

History of Jarvis Christian University

Founded in 1912, Jarvis Christian University has a rich legacy rooted in a commitment to education, leadership, and service. Located in Hawkins, Texas, the university was established by the Christian Women’s Board of Missions in partnership with the Negro Disciples of Christ to provide educational opportunities to African Americans in the rural South.

The university’s namesake, Major James J. Jarvis, and his wife, Ida Van Zandt Jarvis, donated the land for the institution, laying the foundation for what would become a beacon of higher education for generations of students.

Originally focused on providing high school-level education, Jarvis evolved into a junior college by 1927 and a four-year institution in 1939, offering its first bachelor’s degrees.

Throughout its history, Jarvis Christian University has remained true to its founding principles of academic excellence, faith-based values, and a commitment to serving underserved communities. Today, the university offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, preparing students for leadership roles in a global society.

As an institution affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Jarvis continues to uphold its mission of empowering students through a transformative, Christ-centered education that fosters leadership, integrity, and a commitment to social justice.

Administrative Divisions of the University

• Office of the President
• Division of Academic Affairs
• Division of Enrollment Management and Retention
• Division of Institutional Advancement & Development
• Division of Student Affairs
• Division of Finance and Administration

Admissions

• Office of Admissions
• Office of Financial Aid
• Office of the Registrar
• Office of Scholarships
• Post Secondary Success Grant

Academic Affairs

• Division of Humanities, Arts & Sciences
• Division of Professional Studies
• Graduate School
• Jarvis Online (JOL) Program
• Institutional Research and Effectiveness
• Student Success Services
• Upward Bound
• Office of Career Services
• Olin Library & Communication Center

STUDENT AFFAIRS

• Office of Residence Life
• Campus Life
• Office of Counseling and Health Services
• The University Concert Choir
• Office of Religious Life

Position

The Vice-President, Finance and Administration serves as the chief fiscal officer for the University. This position is responsible for all aspects of the finances including the Business Office/Controller, Accounts Payables, Accounts Receivables, Payroll, and Purchasing. The Vice President ensures the accurate interpretation and analysis of financial results while providing analyses and justification of budgets, forecasts, and long-range financial plans. The Vice President is responsible for safeguarding the University’s financial resources, strengthening financial controls, and ensuring sound fiscal stewardship in support of the University’s mission and strategic priorities.

Position Description

Role and Responsibilities

• Lead the University's financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, and long-term fiscal sustainability;
• Develop financial models that support enrollment growth, student retention, and institutional priorities;
• Oversee accounting, financial reporting, cash flow, investments, audits, and internal controls;
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, financial aid, grants, and Title III funding requirements;
• Identify and evaluate opportunities to strengthen and diversify institutional revenue while ensuring long-term financial sustainability;
• Leverage financial data, dashboards, and reporting tools to improve decision-making, forecasting, and financial performance;
• Advise the President and Board on financial performance, risks, and strategic initiatives;
• Collaborate with campus leaders to align financial resources with academic and student success goals;
• Lead and develop a high-performing Business and Finance team focused on service, accountability, and continuous improvement;
• Foster a culture of fiscal stewardship, transparency, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving across the University;
• Set institutional financial objectives in cooperation with President, policy and practice;
• Maintain an internal control system to ensure that financial transactions are based upon established procedures;
• Oversee the development and preparation of all monthly and annual financial reports for the President of the University and the Board of Trustees and other reports as required;
• Coordinate the annual audit, including supplying auditors with all necessary information;

Position description

• Prepare the Management Discussion and Analysis (MDA) component of the audit;
• Distribute audited financial statements to banks, rating agencies, clearinghouses, governmental entities, and other stakeholders;
• Present and discuss monthly financial statements at board meetings, to cabinet, and other stakeholders as designated by the President;
• Direct the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of financial policies, procedures, controls, and business processes;
• Ensure the appropriate allocation and stewardship of financial resources in alignment with institutional priorities;
• Provide executive oversight of treasury management, banking relationships, liquidity, debt obligations, and financing arrangements;
• Interact with internal and external constituencies on budgeting, auditing, and other matters;
• Analyze budgets and forecasts;
• Support institutional priority-setting and resolve financial issues consistent with University policies, strategic goals, and available resources;
• Evaluate financial risks, opportunities, and trade-offs and communicate their potential impact on the University and its operating units;
• Develop and maintain strong financial planning, forecasting, and scenario-modeling practices to support executive decision-making;
• Maintain high-level interaction with the President and other administrative staff;
• Advise the President on financial performance, fiscal strategy, financial risks, and major financial commitments;
• Partner with University leadership and external advisors on banking, investments, insurance, financing, audit, tax, and other financial matters;
• Other duties assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge, skills, and qualifications

The successful candidate should have preferably eight (8) years of progressive financial leadership experience, with demonstrated responsibility for budgeting, financial reporting, accounting, compliance, and strategic financial management. Additionally, candidates will possess many, if not all, of the following traits, experiences, and abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field required;
• master’s degree preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.
• Experience leading finance and technology functions in higher education preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of PowerFAIDS, G5, Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), and other federal and state financial aid and reporting systems, including implementation and compliance best practices.
• Familiarity with Jenzabar EX or comparable higher education financial management systems;
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial management, accounting standards, internal controls, and compliance requirements applicable to higher education and nonprofit institutions;
• Excellent knowledge of all aspects of banking, cash management;
• First-hand experience with negotiating and establishing financing arrangements;
• Experience with managing investor relations;
• Familiarity with reporting, filing, audit, tax, debt, and regulatory compliance requirements applicable to nonprofit higher education institutions;
• Strong management, delegation skills and leadership ability;
• Presentation skills;
• Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, understandable terms for non-financial constituencies;
• Ability to assess financial operations, recommend improvements, and implement effective financial policies, processes, and controls.

Senior Management

Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, Ph.D. 13th President & CEO

Jarvis Christian University Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt as the university’s 13th president, effective July 1, 2023. She succeeds Dr. Lester C. Newman, who served as the JCU President for 11 years.

Dr. Lee-Pruitt brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the university, including higher education administration and academic affairs, having served as second in command and as a member of the executive cabinet since August 2012 as the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Jarvis. She has been instrumental in increasing student enrollment, increasing articulation agreements, and establishing the Renaissance Program for Adult Learners on the JCU campus and the JCU Dallas Teaching Site. She has also provided leadership in enhancing academic program offerings, which include online degree completion programs and two online graduate programs.

Previously, she served at Mississippi Valley State University as dean of University College and First Year Experience, director of Community/Service Learning, director of the Renaissance Learning Adult Education Program, and tenured professor in the Department of Social Work.

Position Description

An ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Lee-Pruitt is a highly sought-after speaker and presenter. She also is active in campus, community, and ministry activities. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Jackson State University, a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University, a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Social Work from Jackson State University, and a Master of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary. Additionally, she has complete the Harvard Seminar for New Presidents, Clark Atlanta University’s HBCU Executive Leadership Institute, the Council of Independent Colleges’ Presidential Vocation and Institutional Mission Program, and the Millennium Leadership Institute.

A recipient of numerous honors, awards, and recognitions including Faculty of the Year and the UNCF Trailblazer Award, Dr. Lee-Pruitt a visionary leader whose distinguished career in higher education, ministry, and public service reflects her deep commitment to student success, institutional advancement, and transformative leadership within the HBCU community.

Why is this a compelling position?

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, free basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, voluntary critical illness insurance, voluntary accident insurance, short-term disability insurance, and 403B with a 3% company match (Voya);
• Paid sick leave, vacation leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty leave;
• Paid holidays;
• 50% tuition discount for employees and dependents;
• Career professional development;
• 501C3 (Student Loan Forgiveness Program).

Jarvis Christian University in the News

August 5, 2026

Jarvis Christian University Prepares to Welcome Returning Students for Upperclassmen Move-In Day

August 3, 2026

Jarvis Christian University Welcomes New Students with Orientation and Move-In Day

July 31, 2026

National Higher Education Leader Addresses Incoming Class

July 29, 2026

Faculty and Staff Institute Fall ’26

July 27, 2026

Dr. Pruitt to Preach at Smith Chapel A.M.E. Church

Location

Hawkins is a small East Texas community in Wood County, approximately 20 miles north of Tyler.

Surrounded by the wooded Piney Woods region, it offers a quiet, rural atmosphere with convenient access to larger employment and service centers. Hawkins is home to Jarvis Christian University, a historically Black university, and was officially

designated the “Pancake Capital of Texas.” Nearby Lake Hawkins provides opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, and picnicking.

Hawkins Independent School District provides local public education. Its student-support programs include gifted and talented education, dyslexia services, special education, bilingual and English-language instruction, and Section 504 accommodations. Jarvis Christian University provides nearby undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities. Families should confirm current attendance boundaries, transportation arrangements, and specialized-program availability directly with the district.

Hawkins is located along U.S. Highway 80, providing connections toward Mineola, Gladewater, and Longview, while Farm-to-Market Road 14 connects the community with Tyler. Daily transportation is primarily automobile-based, and residents commonly drive to Tyler or Longview for employment, specialized healthcare, major shopping, and entertainment. Tyler Pounds Regional Airport is the nearest commercial airport, while the Dallas–Fort Worth area offers substantially more domestic and international flight options.

Hawkins can appeal to people seeking affordable housing, additional land, outdoor recreation, and a slower pace of life.

Hawkins offers more recreation than nightlife—nature is essentially the local entertainment

director. Lake Hawkins is the community’s primary recreational destination, featuring a sandy swimming beach, fishing pier, boat launch, campsites, picnic areas, and opportunities for kayaking and boating. The lake also hosts seasonal activities such as fireworks, community gatherings, and boating events. Texas Parks and Wildlife

The nearby Mineola Nature Preserve provides almost 3,000 acres for hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, horseback riding, fishing, disc golf, archery, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Interview Process

ZRG provides our global Clients with a rigorous and patented assessment platform grounded in data and analytics. Our interview process includes the following:

1. Initial interviews with ZRG
2. ZRG presentation of candidates to Client for calibration and discussion; Client selects candidates for consideration and initial interviews
3. Candidates complete ZRG’s on-line assessment
4. Finalist candidates advance to second and third round interviews with broader leadership team
5. Formal referencing
6. Offer extended

About ZRG

ZRG is a global talent advisory firm that is changing the way companies hire and manage talent. ZRG’s data-driven approach to executive and professional search has been changing the way clients think about how to find top talent. The company’s digital Zi platform combines talent intelligence, candidate insights, and process improvement to dramatically deliver executive searches quicker and with proven better results.

Dakota Doman Managing Director

ddoman@zrgpartners.com

Dakota Doman is a dynamic and visionary executive with more than 15 years of leadership experience spanning higher education administration, executive search, organizational strategy, and governmental affairs. He is a Managing Director in ZRG’s Education Practice, bringing a comprehensive perspective on leadership needs within academic institutions, especially Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Before ZRG, Dakota was the President and Managing Principal of TM2 Executive Search, the only search firm founded to provide executive talent solutions to HBCUs, where his work focused on inclusive leadership recruitment, strategic talent pipelines, and governance transformation, contributing to successful placements in C-suite and senior academic roles across the country. Under his leadership, TM2 was nationally recognized for reshaping the executive hiring landscape for historically underserved institutions, and Dakota was featured in the February Black History Month edition of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, a national publication spotlighting leaders advancing equity and access in higher education.

Link to complete bio for Dakota Doman.

Jerel Booker Principal

jbooker@zrgpartners.com

Jerel Booker is a senior executive and talent strategist with more than two decades of leadership experience driving organizational performance, strengthening leadership pipelines, and advancing mission-critical priorities across higher education, K–12 systems, government, and the nonprofit sector. He most recently served as Associate Managing Principal and Chief Operating Officer at TM² Executive Search, where he led national searches, particularly for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and oversaw enterprise operations, aligning people, processes, and technology to accelerate firm-wide growth and deliver measurable client impact.

Jerel’s career includes influential leadership roles across state and institutional systems. He has served as Associate Vice President at Coppin State University, Executive Director of Stand for Children Texas, and Associate Commissioner for Educator Quality and Student Policy Initiatives at the Texas Education Agency. Earlier in his career, he served on the staff of the Governor of Maryland, where he was responsible for government relations policy related to K–12 education, higher education, criminal justice, and minority business development. He also served as Assistant Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, directing division operations, staffing, and statewide institutional compliance across core statutory areas.

Jerel holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism/public relations from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Science in criminology from the University of Baltimore, and a Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law.

Link to complete bio for Jerel Booker.