"Dean, College of Education, University of Central Arkansas"

Job Details

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) announces a search for Dean of the College of Education. UCA invites applications from and nominations of outstanding individuals with proven leadership ability and vision to embrace and advance the opportunity available.

UCA and the College of Education are dedicated to attracting and supporting a wide array of faculty. We value the opportunity to work, learn, and develop in a community that embraces any number of individuals and ideas.

Reporting to the Executive Vice President and Provost, the Dean represents the college publicly, provides visionary leadership, and develops and implements college plans that support and enhance UCA’s mission and strategic plan. Historically a leader in the state, the College of Education prepares professional personnel for elementary, middle, and secondary schools; selected human-services positions; and other related professional careers. Furthermore, the College of Education equips students with the requisite knowledge, skills, and attitudes to effectively support student success and leadership development while successfully transitioning to college life. Departments within the College of Education include Elementary, Literacy and Special Education; Teaching and Learning; Leadership Studies; and Student Transitions. The college also houses the Child Study Center, The Mashburn Institute, and the Technology Learning Center, along with other community outreach programs. The College of Education and Professional Education Unit offers 13 undergraduate education degree programs, 10 master’s degree programs, one specialist degree program, and a PhD program in Change Leadership. These programs include both residency-based and fully online course offerings. The College is accredited by both CAEP and the State of Arkansas.

QUALIFICATIONS:

An earned doctorate in education or appropriate field; a strong record of teaching, research, scholarship, and service to support a tenured appointment at the rank of associate or full professor; successful experience in university-community relations; knowledge of and experience with a variety of course delivery options (e.g., residency-based programs, fully online degree pathways); K-12 teaching or other professional experience within the K-12 landscape; administrative experience at the departmental chair level or above; experience with doctoral programs; knowledge of CAEP and other relevant accreditation and accountability standards; demonstrated commitment to recruiting and supporting a diverse faculty, staff, and student body; and an understanding of the importance of technology in education. The position demands demonstrated skills in communication, the ability to foster collaboration among stakeholders, long-range planning, budgeting, fundraising, and the ability to foster and support scholarly activity, including research and grant writing. The position also requires an understanding of all education disciplines and current national trends and the ability to influence state education policy.

COMMUNITY:

Located in beautiful Conway, Arkansas, a progressive, rapidly growing community of nearly 70,000 just 35 miles from the state capital of Little Rock, UCA consists of five colleges and has an enrollment of approximately 10,000 students. Conway is home not only to UCA, but also to two private colleges and is listed as one of the top 25 places in the United States in “Where the jobs are” by CNNMoney. A vibrant business and entrepreneurial community are matched by access to numerous concerts, plays, lectures, and readings. Conway's public school system has earned a strong reputation, as have the private K-12 schools. The Ouachita and Ozark National Forests are within a short drive, as are the pristine wild areas of the Buffalo National River.

Background Check Statement:

This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal, sex-offender registry, financial history background check and drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

UCA EEO Statement:

The University of Central Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to attracting and supporting a diverse student, faculty and staff population through enhanced multicultural learning environments and opportunities. In keeping with its nondiscrimination policy in employment, admissions and other functions and programs, the university considers employees and students on the basis of individual merit and will not discriminate against a person on the basis of gender, race or color, ethnicity, religion, spiritual beliefs, national origin, age, familial status, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, disability, political beliefs, intellectual perspective, genetic information, military status, or other factors irrelevant to participation in its programs.

APPLICATION:

Candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of leadership and educational philosophies, and names and contact information of three references through UCA’s online application system: University of Central Arkansas Employment Opportunities | Academic Dean

Questions about the position may be directed to the search Committee Chair: Tom Williams, Dean of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences: twilliams73@uca.edu

Priority review of applications begins October 20, 2025, but continues until the position is filled.

Starting date negotiable but is anticipated to be no later than July 1, 2026.