"Dean - Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College"

Job Details

Posting Details

Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Dean - Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College

Posting Number
NFE02871P

Department
SDSU-Honors College

Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings

Posting Text

South Dakota State University (SDSU) invites applications for the position of Dean of the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College. The university seeks a visionary leader who is dedicated to supporting quality academic and enrichment opportunities for students seeking a high level of rigor and personalized growth experiences inside and outside the classroom.

The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the Fishback Honors College and reports to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The ideal candidate will bring a deep commitment to undergraduate education, a strong record of academic leadership, and the ability to foster a dynamic honors experience rooted in academic excellence, community, and opportunity for all. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

The Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College offers a dynamic, inclusive community where motivated students from all majors can enrich their academic journey through personalized learning, leadership, and service. Honors students engage in small, discussion-based classes taught by outstanding faculty, participate in undergraduate research, study abroad, and community service, all while paying no additional tuition. The college fosters a culture of academic excellence, integrity, and opportunity for all, preparing graduates to become lifelong learners and leaders who elevate those around them. With a flexible curriculum that integrates seamlessly with any major, the Honors College provides a transformative experience that extends beyond the classroom.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Sustain the competitive recruitment of outstanding students for the Fishback Honors College in a manner that represents the greater university;
• Coordinate Fishback Honors College programs and activities by working with administrators, faculty, and students throughout SDSU;
• Implement strategies to support student success and the retention and graduation of students in the Honors program;
• Promote academic excellence, and high-quality research, scholarship and creative activity throughout the Honors program;
• Support the growth and development of faculty who teach Honors courses and lead innovation within the Honors curriculum;
• Provide high quality instruction for the Honors program;
• Administer the Fishback Honors College budget;
• Provide guidance and leadership for shared governance within the Fishback Honors College;
• Represent the Fishback Honors College in university governance and establish cooperative working relationships with university administration and other academic units throughout the university;
• Provide leadership as needed for university-wide programs;
• Coordinate the annual Griffith Honors Forum Lecture;
• Serve as campus coordinator for selected national scholarship programs and assist outstanding students to be competitive in such competitions;
• Promote and represent the Fishback Honors College locally, regionally, and nationally;
• Facilitate SDSU’s participation in regional and national Honors conferences and programs;
• Collaborate with Office of Residential Life and Housing personnel to facilitate meaningful educational programs in Honors Hall; and
• Cultivate development opportunities and support development efforts of the SDSU Foundation.

BENEFITS:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• An earned terminal degree and should indicate evidence of scholarly, professional or creative achievement sufficient to qualify for tenure at the rank of Associate Professor or above;
• At least five years of experience in higher education;
• A distinguished record of academic performance consistent with appointment as a tenured Associate Professor or higher in a discipline appropriate to the College; and
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire

APPLICATION PROCESS:

This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

Posting Date
10/10/2025

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

First Consideration Date
11/14/2025

Advertised Salary
The salary range for the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College Dean begins at $180,000 and commensurate with qualifications and experiences.

Duration of the Term
12 months

Appointment Percent
100

Appointment Type
Regular

Faculty Status
Yes

Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)

This position requires
Travel, Overnight stays, Weekends/Holidays

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $84 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.

Contact Information

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Dr. David Earnest at David.Earnest@sdstate.edu or 605-688-4723.

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Reference List