"Dean of Education and Human Sciences"

Mississippi College (MC), a private Christian university in Clinton, Mississippi, invites applications for an accomplished academic leader to serve as Dean of the School of Education and Human Sciences. Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President, the Dean provides strategic, visionary leadership for the school, overseeing academic programs in counseling, kinesiology, psychology and social work, and teacher education and leadership. The Dean will work collaboratively with administration, faculty, staff, students, and the broader community to advance academic excellence, foster innovation, and uphold the university’s Christian mission. This position is located on the main campus, with a preferred start date of Fall 2026.

About the College
Nestled in the center of Clinton, Mississippi, is the beautiful and historic campus of Mississippi College (MC). Founded in 1826, MC is both the oldest institution of higher learning and the largest private university in the state of Mississippi. It is also the second-oldest Baptist university in the nation. As a private, co-educational, Christian university affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention, MC values the integration of faith and learning throughout the educational process. The intellectual development of our students is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences with concentrated study across the following six schools: Business; Christian Studies, Humanities and the Arts; Education & Human Sciences; Law; Mathematics & Science; and Nursing. With more than 80 areas of study, 15 graduate programs, a Doctor of Jurisprudence, a Doctor of Educational Leadership degree, and the Doctor of Professional Counseling degree, Mississippi College seeks to be a university recognized for academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ. MC was named among the Best Christian Colleges (#16 of 333) in America by Niche. The University is accredited by SACSCOC, and planning is now underway for the University’s 2026 Bicentennial Celebration, the first 200th anniversary of an institution of higher learning in Mississippi. MC’s total enrollment for Fall 2025 will be near 4,000 students, with hundreds of students in the School of Education and Human Sciences pursuing degrees in teacher education and leadership, counseling, psychology, social work and kinesiology programs.

Our Vision Is “To Be Known as a University Recognized for Academic Excellence and Commitment to the Cause of Christ.”

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN SCIENCES
The MC School of Education and Human Sciences has a long-standing history of excellence in preparing graduates to serve Mississippi, the South, and beyond. Rooted in principles of Christian service, the school encourages students to become positive contributors to their professions and to society. The school maintains accreditation through nationally recognized bodies, including CACREP for counseling programs, CAEP for teacher education and CSWE for social work. Classroom instruction is conducted on the Mississippi College main campus as well as online, while field experiences, practicums, and internships occur in a variety of schools, community agencies, healthcare settings, and organizational partners throughout the region. Students may also elect to pursue learning experiences in other locations within the U.S. or abroad. The School of Education and Human Sciences offers programs of study leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees across its four departments: Counseling: including Master’s, Ed.S., and Doctor of Professional Counseling degrees Teacher Education and Leadership: offering B.S., M.Ed., Ed.S., and Ed.D. programs Kinesiology: undergraduate and graduate programs in exercise science, athletic administration, and physical education Psychology and Social Work: undergraduate programs preparing students for graduate study and professional practice A complete list of all undergraduate and graduate degrees offered can be found at: https://www.mc.edu/academics/majors/undergraduate and https://www.mc.edu/academics/majors/graduate The next Dean will have the opportunity to advance program development, including launching new graduate programs, expanding innovative learning experiences, and fostering interdisciplinary initiatives across the school. The mission of the School of Education and Human Sciences is to prepare graduates to serve diverse populations with knowledge, skill, and Christian integrity, cultivating leaders who demonstrate ethical decision-making, reflective practice, and a commitment to improving communities through education, counseling, health, and human services.

The Opportunity
Mississippi College seeks a new Dean of the School of Education and Human Sciences to serve as a visionary leader guiding the future of education, counseling, health, and human sciences programs, as well as a passionate champion of the School’s talented faculty, staff, and students. The Dean will be a collaborative, creative, and strategic leader energized by the opportunity to develop new programs and innovative modes of delivery that meet the evolving needs of the university, the professions, and society as a whole. In addition to being an imaginative and collegial leader with a strong commitment to maintaining and enhancing the school’s inclusive and supportive culture, the Dean will bring an energetic and forward-thinking approach to academic leadership, with a dedication to addressing the challenges and advancing the opportunities across the fields of education, counseling, kinesiology, psychology, and social work.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
● Provide vision and leadership for the academic programs of the School of Education and Human Sciences.
● Support the development of faculty and staff to create and maintain a collegial culture of mutual respect.
● Promote the collaborative development of the philosophy, objectives, and curriculum of the School.
● Analyze the effectiveness of teaching and learning, as well as course and program scheduling to promote student success.
● Lead faculty in program review, development, and systematic evaluation of the School’s academic programs.
● Provide leadership and guidance in student education and development through supervision of the curriculum, teaching, and the advising process.
● Promote, arrange, and maintain effective communications and contractual agreements between the university and the academic community, cooperating community agencies, accreditation agencies, governmental entities, professional organizations, and program partners.
● Recruit, recommend, supervise, and evaluate faculty and staff.
● Advocate for faculty and students across the School of Education and Human Sciences.
● Communicate the needs and progress of the School to University administration.
● Actively participate as a member of university, professional, and community organizations.
● Represent the School of Education and Human Sciences on Administrative, Academic, and Admissions Councils.
● Serve as an ambassador for the School of Education and Human Sciences, and represent the School and University in the local and professional communities.
● Promote collegiality and collaboration within the School, the University, and with outside agencies.
● Model fiscal responsibility by maintaining and overseeing the School budget
● Engage in and encourage faculty to participate in research and publication activities.
● Provide an atmosphere conducive to faculty and student involvement in the growth of the program.
● Remain knowledgeable of current standards and best practices in education, counseling, health, and human sciences.
● Prepare reports for accreditation agencies, regional and national educational agencies, and university officials.
● Explore ideas for expanding and developing academic programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
● Doctoral degree in a relevant field of the School such as education, counseling, kinesiology, psychology, social work, or a related human sciences discipline from a regionally accredited institution.
● Strong communication and interpersonal skills
● A minimum of five (5) years of experience in higher education, including teaching, curriculum development, and program evaluation.
● At least two (2) years of leadership, management, and/or administrative experience in an academic setting.
● Professional accomplishments and scholarly productivity that support a faculty appointment with an academic rank at the tenured, full professor level.
● Demonstrated ability to foster student success, faculty development, and collaborative program growth.
● Enthusiasm for the Christian mission and vision of the University and a commitment to integrating faith and learning across the School of Education and Human Sciences’ programs.
● Demonstrated experience in accreditation processes and compliance with professional standards relevant to education, counseling, psychology, kinesiology, or social work.
● Experience fostering partnerships with schools, community organizations, or professional agencies to enhance student learning and program development.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
● Commitment to the liberal arts mission of the University
● Broad knowledge of program assessment, evaluation, and accreditation processes.
● Demonstrated effectiveness in management of fiscal resources, strategic planning, and program development.
● Experience in building and sustaining external relationships with schools, community organizations, and professional partners.
● Experience with curriculum development and assessment, including online course delivery, engaged learning, experiential education, and use of instructional technology.
● Experience with master’s, doctoral, or innovative graduate programs that impact the fields of education, counseling, psychology, social work, or kinesiology.
● Experience with innovative ways to generate resources and support program growth.
● Knowledge of scholarly publications, trends in higher education, and effective professional development practices.

APPLICATION & NOMINATION PROCESSS
Confidential inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited.
Applications: a) A letter of application that includes the candidate’s (1) interest in and qualifications for the position; (2) leadership philosophy; and (3) statement of faith and connection of that faith in the teaching and learning process.
b) A current curriculum vitae c) Unofficial transcripts of all degrees and certificates earned (official transcripts will be required of finalists).
d) At least four references with full contact information including e-mail. (References will not be contacted without consent from the applicant.)
Submit application materials (preferably as PDFs) to: Marcelo Eduardo Chair of Dean of Education and Human Sciences Search Committee Eduardo@mc.edu
For best consideration, complete applications should be received before October 21, 2025.
Nominations: Submit nominations to: Marcelo Eduardo Chair of Dean of Education and Human Sciences Search Committee Eduardo@mc.edu with complete contact and email information for the individual being nominated. Prior to an interview, candidates will be required to complete the university’s faculty application via the University's Human Resources website.