"Associate Dean, School of Education"

Job Description

Department: AIK Education
Part/Full Time: Full Time
Advertised Salary Range: Salary is commensurate and competitive with qualifications and experience.

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Advertised Job Summary

Associate Dean, School of Education

The School of Education at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) invites applications for the position of Associate Dean. This is a full-time, 11-month, tenure-track faculty position. This leadership role advances our mission to prepare high-quality educators through innovative, data-informed, and student-centered academic programs. The expected start date is July 1, 2026.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Dean of the School of Education, the Associate Dean serves as a key administrative leader within the School of Education. The role provides strategic oversight of curriculum development, accreditation, assessment, and field experience in collaboration with program coordinators and designated leads. The Associate Dean supports institutional effectiveness and continuous improvement aligned with national, state, and system expectations.

The School seeks an experienced academic leader with a strong record of curricular improvement, instructional quality, community engagement, and partnership development. The successful candidate will join a collaborative team focused on strengthening teacher preparation, advancing student achievement, and expanding the School’s involvement with regional schools and organizations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in an education-related field.
• Record of scholarly achievement, teaching, and service that justifies a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Full/Associate Professor.
• Experience as a higher education academic administrator (i.e., department chair, associate dean, or equivalent/advanced academic administration role).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide administrative leadership in planning, developing, and aligning academic programs and curricula.
• Oversee curriculum review and approval processes in accordance with institutional and state policies.
• Collaborate with the Program Coordinators, Coordinators for Assessment/Accreditation, and Field Placement to ensure quality assurance, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Lead strategic initiatives related to program evaluation, student learning outcomes, and institutional reporting.
• Promote instructional innovation and ensure alignment with accreditation, licensure, and certification standards.
• Strengthen community partnerships through outreach, collaborative programming, and professional development initiatives.
• Partner with campus offices on transfer credit, admissions, articulation, and curricular alignment.
• Support teacher and leader pipeline development and recruitment initiatives.
• Contribute to activities that advance graduate program development and support program oversight.
• Perform additional administrative duties as assigned by the Dean.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with curriculum design, assessment, and accreditation processes.
• Experience collaborating with faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Experience leading academic or grant-funded initiatives that enhance program quality and strengthen community engagement.
• Experience with CAEP or comparable accreditation processes.
• Record of scholarly productivity in areas such as curriculum development, instructional innovation, or student success initiatives.
• Experience establishing partnerships with P–12 schools, literacy initiatives, or regional organizations that support educator preparation.

Salary is commensurate and competitive with qualifications and experience.

USCA is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

Review of applications will begin on February 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. To be considered for this position, applicants must apply online and upload the following with their online application: a letter describing the interest and qualifications for the position, a current CV, unofficial transcripts, and complete contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without permission. Please direct additional questions to Forrest Anderson, Search Chair, Forrest.Anderson@usca.edu. Finalists must submit official hard copy transcripts and three signed recommendation letters.

The University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA), a public comprehensive university in the University of South Carolina system, offers undergraduate and master’s degrees to more than 4,000 students in 60 programs of study. USCA has ranked as one of the best public schools in the South by U.S. News & World Report for the 26th year in a row. Additionally, USCA was recognized for being a Best College for Veterans and a Top Performer in Social Mobility. USCA is South Carolina’s COPLAC institution providing a unique and strong liberal arts core within our degree offerings. We boast students from 35 states and 32 countries. USCA has ten NCAA Division II Athletic programs.

Situated on 450 acres, USC Aiken is located thirty minutes from Augusta, GA (home of the Masters Tournament and Fort Gordon, new home of US Army Cyber Command), one hour from Columbia, SC, and within three hours of Charleston, SC, coastal beaches, and the Appalachian Mountains. Aiken is noted for its famous thoroughbred horses, numerous parks and golf courses, wonderful weather, spacious avenues, and historic homes. For more information about USC Aiken, please visit the website at www.usca.edu.