Help Shape the Next Chapter at Gordon State College
Gordon State College invites applications and nominations for its next Vice President for Business & Operations. Serving as the College’s Chief Business Officer and a member of the President’s leadership team, this executive will provide strategic leadership for Gordon’s financial health, operational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.
Located in Barnesville, Georgia, Gordon State is a student-centered public college within the University System of Georgia, serving more than 3,100 students and playing a vital role in the educational, workforce, and economic development of its region.
The Opportunity
Gordon State College is seeking a collaborative, forward-thinking executive to serve as Vice President for Business & Operations. Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President will advise the President and Cabinet on financial, budgetary, administrative, and operational matters while helping translate institutional priorities into sustainable strategies and effective operations.
The portfolio is broad and consequential. The Vice President provides executive leadership across fiscal affairs, budget, facilities, public safety, purchasing, housing and residence life, dining, the campus store, auxiliary services, and other assigned administrative functions. Approximately 50 employees fall within the position’s overall scope of responsibility.
This is an opportunity for an experienced leader to help strengthen the systems, resources, facilities, and services that support student success while contributing directly to Gordon State College’s long-term strategic direction.
Gordon at a Glance
Gordon State College is a regional public institution with a long tradition of adapting to meet the educational and workforce needs of Georgia. The College offers an intimate academic environment, strong student support, residential life, modern learning spaces, and academic programs designed around regional opportunity. Gordon is also the third-oldest institution in the University System of Georgia.
Campus resources include residence halls, a Student Center and dining hall, the Nursing and Allied Health Sciences building, a one-stop enrollment services center, the Student Recreation and Activity Center, and the Dorothy Hightower Collaborative Learning Center and Library.
Leadership That Makes an Impact
Financial Strategy & Budget
Lead annual budgeting, financial planning, reporting, stewardship, audits
Facilities & Capital Planning
Provide executive oversight for capital planning, infrastructure, construction
Business & Admin Operations
Advance efficient, effective, accountable administrative services and support
Housing, Dining & Auxiliary Services
Provide executive oversight for essential campus services
Public Safety, Risk & Compliance
Promote a safe campus environment while strengthening compliance
Strategic Leadership & Partnership
Advise the President and Cabinet, represent Gordon with the Board of Regents
Gordon State College is entering an important new chapter. With new presidential leadership, a strong commitment to student success and regional workforce development, and the College’s 175th anniversary approaching in 2027, this is a meaningful time to join Gordon’s executive leadership team.
The next Vice President for Business & Operations will have the opportunity to help shape institutional priorities, strengthen operational excellence, steward resources responsibly, and position the College for continued impact across central Georgia.
Leadership at Gordon
Dr. Russell Crutchfield
Dr. Russell Crutchfield became President of Gordon State College on August 1, 2026. He brings nearly two decades of experience spanning higher education, state government, public policy, operations, external relations, and economic development.
Before joining Gordon, Dr. Crutchfield served as chief operating officer in the Office of Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp. He previously served as chief of staff and associate vice president at the University of West Georgia, where his responsibilities included executive leadership, campus operations, government and external relations, public service, and regional economic development strategy.
The Vice President for Business & Operations will work closely with President Crutchfield and the College’s leadership team to align financial and operational strategy with Gordon’s mission and future priorities.
Life in Barnesville & Central Georgia
Located approximately 60 miles south of Atlanta and 37 miles northwest of Macon, Barnesville offers the close-knit character of a traditional Georgia community while remaining within convenient reach of major metropolitan areas.
Its walkable downtown features locally owned restaurants and shops, murals, historic architecture, and year-round community events. For Gordon faculty and staff, Barnesville offers an affordable college-town environment with a strong sense of community and opportunities for civic engagement, recreation, and service.
Explore BarnesvilleQualifications — Web Summary
Candidates should bring demonstrated executive-level financial and operational leadership, strong decision-making and communication skills, and the ability to lead multiple administrative or business service functions.
- Master’s degree in business administration, management, finance, accounting, public administration, or a related field.
- Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience, preferably in higher education.
- Demonstrated record of effective financial management.
- Experience supervising multiple administrative or business service functions.
For complete responsibilities, knowledge and skill requirements, and qualifications, candidates should review the full Leadership Profile.
Ready to Lead?
Applications and nominations will be accepted until a successful candidate has been appointed. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit materials as soon as possible for full consideration. The preferred start date is late 2026.
To apply: Submit a resume and cover letter to GordonStateVPBO@buffkinbaker.com
Ken Carrick, Partner | 980-296-5401
Janny DeLoache, Associate Partner | 704-377-7828
Equal Opportunity Statement
Gordon State College is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity employer. It is the policy of Gordon State College to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws.