President Appalachian College Association Lead with Purpose. Strengthen Institutions. Transform aRegion. The Appalachian College Association (ACA) —a mission-driven consortium of 33 private liberal artsinstitutions—invites nominations and applications for its next President. With the planned retirement of the current President in December2026, the ACA seeks a visionary executive to guide its next chapter of growth, impact, and collaboration. This is a rare opportunity to leada highly respected consortium dedicated to expanding educational opportunity and strengthening communities across Appalachia. The ACAsupports member institutions by advancing collaborative programs that enhance student experiences, maximize institutional resources, andpromote faculty and student success. With a strong financial foundation and an endowment of approximately $42 million , the ACA iswell-positioned to expand its influence and deepen its impact across the region. The ACA is a non-profit consortium of 33private, four-year liberal arts institutions located throughout the Appalachian region. Governed by a Board comprised of memberinstitution presidents, the ACA serves as a catalyst for: Collaborative academic and student success programs Faculty andleadership professional development initiatives Library services, as well as other shared services and costefficiencies Regional economic and educational advancement Through innovative programming and partnerships, the ACA plays avital role in strengthening higher education access and outcomes across a diverse and historically underserved region. ThePresident serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of the ACA, working closely with the Board of Directors and member institutionsto advance the organization's mission.

Key priorities include:

Strategic Leadership:

Shape the future direction andgrowth of the ACA in partnership with the Board.

External Engagement & Fundraising:

Build relationships with foundations,corporations, and partners to expand resources and impact.

Member Success:

Strengthen engagement with presidents andinstitutions to deliver high-value programs and services.

Organizational Leadership:

Oversee operations, staff, financialstewardship, and program effectiveness.

Advocacy & Visibility:

Serve as a leading voice for higher education and regionaladvancement in Appalachia. The President leads a small but impactful team and serves as the primary ambassador for the organizationacross higher education and the broader community. The ACA seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and mission-oriented leader whobrings: Demonstrated leadership experience , ideally in higher education or a related sector Strategic andentrepreneurial mindset with the ability to drive innovation and growth Fundraising and partnership-buildingexpertise Exceptional communication and relationship skills with diverse stakeholders Commitment tomission-driven work , particularly in rural or underserved regions Experience in, or connection to, the Appalachian region is valued,as is an understanding of the opportunities and challenges shaping higher education today. Why the ACA? Lead a high-impact organization serving a complex and vital region Collaborate with engaged college presidents and academicleaders Build on a strong platform of programs, partnerships, and financial stability Play a critical role inadvancing educational access, workforce development, and economic mobility across Appalachia Compensation will be competitiveand commensurate with experience, including a comprehensive benefits package. To make a nomination, provide a referral, or foradditional information, please use the contact information below. While applications and nominations will be accepted until a successfulcandidate has been appointed, interested individuals are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible for full consideration.

The preferred start date will be late fall 2026. To apply or nominate a candidate, please submit a resume or CV and coverletter to: ACAPresident@buffkinbaker.com For additional information, contact: Ken Carrick, Partner - 980-296-5401 Janny DeLoache, Associate Partner- 704-377-7828 The ACA encourages applications from candidates without regard to ethnicity, religion, sex, nationalorigin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or genderidentity. jeid-1c87d611d973324baf111ebeca3a5afb