Dean of College - COE

Job Details

Requisition: 202600019ES

Title: Dean of College - COE

FLSA status: Exempt

Hiring Salary: Commensurate with education and experience.

Department: Office of the Dean - College of Education

Division: Division of Academic Affairs

Open Date: 06/10/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Educational and Experience Requirement:

Earned doctorate in one of the disciplines represented within the College of Education. Proven experience with a record of scholarly and professional achievement that merits appointment as a full professor with tenure; prior experience as a faculty member at a college or university; demonstrated administrative academic and financial expertise; competent leadership; and communication skills necessary to promote positive collaborations with academics, practitioners, public officials, and the student body. A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.

Nature & Purpose of Position:

Responsible for setting strategic, operational, and financial directions. Develops an effective collegial environment and supports excellence in teaching, research and service; facilitates collaboration between faculty members and among programs within the College and University; coordinates the College’s efforts with schools, corporations, other universities and communities, and state, federal, and international agencies; and engages faculty, staff and students in developing a shared plan for the future of the College and defining its role within the broader mission of the University.

Primary Responsibilities:

Provides strategic leadership for the College of Education, including the development and implementation of long- and short-range plans aligned with the college’s mission and the university’s priorities. Represents the college across the university and externally, serving as an advocate in academic and administrative forums as assigned by the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and President. Contributes to institutional governance through active participation on multiple university committees. Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and university policies, and administers agreements with external agencies. Oversees all centers within the college. Leads academic program development and innovation, including the creation and delivery of programs in multiple modalities to meet evolving student needs. Promotes continuous curriculum review and improvement in collaboration with faculty and college committees and fosters interdisciplinary initiatives with other academic units. Advances the college’s research enterprise and enrollment growth, while cultivating an intellectual, collaborative environment that supports employee development and success. Encourages and supports the pursuit of external funding through grants, contracts, and philanthropic opportunities. Provides fiscal and administrative leadership, including developing budget recommendations and ensuring effective resource allocation and budget control. Makes recommendations to the provost regarding faculty and staff employment, retention, and personnel actions. Strengthens communication and collaboration within the college and across the university, including coordination with department chairs, faculty, advisory committees, and external stakeholders. Represents the college in partnerships with other institutions, as well as business and industry, to advance strategic initiatives. Oversees all aspects of student-related operations within the college to ensure a student-centered approach to service delivery. General responsibilities include allocating and supervising disbursement of funds; transparency of goals, strategies, and programs into impactful work assignments and professional development; planning and implementing curricula and schedules; recruiting faculty; recommending faculty promotions, retentions, dismissals, and salaries after consultation with appropriate committees and chairpersons. Performs other related duties as assigned.

A forward-thinking leader with demonstrated experience across a wide range of educational programs and a proven record of effective academic leadership, including program development, research support, strategic resource management, and operational oversight. Brings the ability to anticipate and articulate a clear vision for future academic programming, with an understanding of emerging program needs and opportunities for the college. Possess effective communication and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to engage collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners. Demonstrates the capacity to lead across complex organizational structures, fostering coordination among units and promoting a culture of collaboration and innovation. Values creativity and supports environments that encourage innovative ideas and continuous improvement. Demonstrates a sustained record of achievement in strategic planning, advancement/development efforts, alumni engagement, and community partnership development. Offers experience in building and sustaining productive relationships with external stakeholders across educational, public, and private sectors, along with collaboration with local education agencies, independent school districts, and other K-12 partners. Possess the ability to leverage these partnerships to support educator preparation, research initiatives, and competitive grant development, including securing letters of support and facilitating district engagement. Has successfully guided academic units through accreditation processes and understands the expectations associated with maintaining program quality and compliance. Experienced in overseeing doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate programs, as well as educator certification requirements, with a comprehensive understanding of broad-based academic program administration.

This position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).

Other Specifications:

Further details can be found here: https://www.academicsearch.org/open-searches-public/entry/25306/?search=25306

How to ApplyThe position is open until it is filled, but applications received by Wednesday, August 19, 2026, will be given full consideration. Applications should include: 1) a detailed letter of interest; 2) a current curriculum vitae (CV); and 3) a list of five professional references with contact information. References will not be contacted without explicit permission from the candidate. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be sent in confidence to: SHSUEducationDean@academicsearch.org.

Sam Houston State University is being assisted by Academic Search. Confidential discussions may be arranged by contacting Chris Butler (chris.butler@academicsearch.org).