"Dean, School of Education"

Position Summary

The Fort Lewis College School of Education offers a wide range of programs that reflect our commitment to innovative educator preparation, inclusive teaching in the Four Corners region, and leadership in pedagogical best practices on campus. The Dean oversees the following programs:

• Undergraduate and graduate Teacher Education licensure programs, including undergraduate programs in Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, and PreK-12 teacher licensure and graduate Master of Arts in Education programs in Special Education, Teacher Licensure (Secondary and K-12), Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, Principal Licensure, and Leading in Context
• A nationally recognized Adventure Education (AE) Department with undergraduate programs including a major and minor in Adventure Education, a Snow and Avalanche Studies certificate, and a Wilderness and Adventure Therapy certificate.

The ideal candidate will understand and lead the School in ways that leverage campus resources and external relationships, highlighting the “sense of place” in the Four Corners region to enhance transformational programs. Key initiatives include developing partnerships with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities, leading programming in regional education, addressing teacher shortages, providing English Language Learner workshops, and meeting other regional educational needs in rural settings and beyond.

The School of Education boasts a highly qualified faculty and staff who connect students to innovative theories and practices, excellent field placements, and culturally rich perspectives. Teacher Education programs include over 150 graduate students in five Masters of Arts of Education programs, and over 200 undergraduate students in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary/K12 majors. Our students enter the profession ready to serve children and youth in their communities as thoughtful and responsive educators and leaders. Adventure Education programs include over 200 undergraduate students, drawing students from across the United States and preparing competent and passionate educators and leaders through intentional outdoor, experiential classroom and adventure experiences.

This is a full-time, twelve-month exempt position reporting directly to the Provost of the College.

For more information regarding this important search, please see: www.fortlewis.edu/dean-education

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate or terminal degree in education or a related field
• Distinguished record of teaching and scholarship, including undergraduate teaching experience with credentials supporting appointment with tenure at associate or full professor rank in a School of Education program
• Proven successful leadership experience in higher education administration
• Experience teaching in P-12 classrooms and/or informal education settings, including private/public schools, charter schools, or outdoor adventure/environmental education
• Demonstrated commitment to the directions of the FLC strategic plan including student-centered higher education, dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion, and experiential, place-based learning

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with higher education distance, hybrid, and online programs, and outreach in rural communities affected by educator shortages
• Experience with accreditation and state authorization processes in teacher education programs
• Collaborative and approachable leader with strong listening and communication skills, able to advocate effectively for the School of Education
• Innovative approaches to program development and assessment, including field experiences
• Strong organizational, personnel, fiscal, and budgetary management skills
• Experience working with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities
• Experience advocating for a college, school, or department(s) at local, state and national levels
• Experience working in rural education programs and regional-serving colleges
• Leadership experience with accreditation and teacher licensure
• Advocate for adventure, outdoor, experiential and place-based education, understanding the transformative student learning outcomes gained through adventure-based programming

Major Responsibilities

• Provide inclusive and inspirational leadership, articulating a compelling vision of the School to internal and external audiences
• Maintain visibility and engagement across campus operating in a cross-functional manner
• Oversee educator preparation, adventure education, and dual enrollment programs, including developing effective working relationships and communication with stakeholders
• Develop and maintain collaborations with external organizations, such as area school districts, for field experiences, internships, professional development, and grants to address rural P-12 needs such as resolving teacher shortages, supporting teaching in rural and remote areas, and serving culturally and linguistically diverse students
• Lead fundraising and grant initiatives in coordination with the FLC Foundation for student scholarships, faculty research, and collaborative ventures with regional school districts and regional partners
• Manage personnel, fiscal resources, facilities, equipment and technology for the School
• Promote community, purpose, and inclusion among a diverse collective of faculty, students, and staff
• Advocate for the School at local, state and national levels
• Maintain awareness of legislative impacts to educator preparation and develop channels for engagement and advocacy
• Lead partnerships with Colorado Department of Education and Colorado Department of Higher Education for reauthorization processes

Work Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee can expect while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic)
• Ability to work in a confined area
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time

Salary

The salary range is $126,000 to $140,000, and a comprehensive benefits package

Application Process

A complete application packet includes:

• Cover letter addressing interest and qualifications for the position
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Names and contact information for three current, professional references

Application Deadline

Application materials received by 11:59 p.m. on January 4, 2026, will receive full consideration.

Questions and inquiries

CBIZ Higher Education is partnering with Fort Lewis College on this important search. Please direct nominations and inquiries about this opportunity to:

Pelema Ellis, Ph.D., EVP & Head, Higher Education Practice
pelema.ellis@cbiz.com

The successful candidate will be required to submit official transcripts and pass a background check.

About Fort Lewis College

On a sage-brushed mesa overlooking downtown Durango and the La Plata Mountains, Fort Lewis College is Southwest Colorado’s premier public undergraduate research institution. With more than half of the 3,300 students identifying as people of color, FLC’s academic programming and campus life thrive on nurturing safe, diverse spaces for intellectual exploration and helping people achieve their career goals. A Native American-serving, Non-Tribal Institution, FLC is committed to promoting economic development in neighboring tribal communities and connecting students with the education they need to be the change in the world they want to see. Degree programs span the arts, business, education, health sciences, humanities, and social and natural sciences. Coursework builds on the natural, cultural, and historical resources found around the Four Corners region. Students work closely with faculty on research projects with real-world implications. Like the mountain town it resides in, FLC promotes a culture of work-life balance for students, faculty, and staff. Skyhawks enjoy unparalleled access to a healthy outdoor lifestyle thanks to 300 days of sunshine a year and more than 300 miles of hiking and biking trails in and around Durango