Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences

leader to serve as Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. This is a full-time benefited position located on our main campus in Winchester, Virginia. Shenandoah University is a vibrant university that enrolls more than 4,200 students with traditional face-to-face, hybrid, and online educational opportunities. Shenandoah University comprises six schools: the College of Arts and Sciences; the Shenandoah Conservatory; the College of Business, Engineering & Technology; the School of Health Professions; the School of Nursing; and the School of Pharmacy. Shenandoah University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master, and doctoral degrees. The College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) provides students with an immersive blend of liberal arts and pre-professional majors in tandem with experiential learning opportunities in preparation for careers in the natural sciences, the social sciences, the humanities, and education. The College prioritizes student success through low student-to-faculty ratios, small class environments, and personalized learning experiences. Dedicated to academic excellence, CAS continuously reviews and refines its programs and curriculum to remain compellingly relevant for future students and to prepare graduates for an ever-evolving workplace. Reporting directly to the provost, the dean provides visionary, forward-thinking, and strategic leadership across a multitude of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including the Division of Education and Leadership. Committed to shared governance, collective decision-making, and inclusive practices, the dean works with faculty and staff to strengthen existing programs, drive continuous curriculum innovation, support excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service, and identify opportunities for sustainable growth. The dean exercises strong fiscal stewardship, balances resources across established programs and new strategic priorities, and considers the capacity needed to carry out new initiatives successfully. This position is responsible for all academic, administrative, and operational activities within the College of Arts & Sciences, and is a key member of the University and Academic Cabinets, contributing to institutional strategy, innovation, and long-term viability in a changing higher education landscape. Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the College of Arts & Sciences website at https://www.su.edu/arts/ . Required Skills Qualifications: The candidate for this position must possess: An earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution in one of the programs within the College of Arts & Sciences, or in a closely related discipline Teaching and leadership experience in higher education Experience in personnel management, budgeting, and strategic planning Experience in cultivating diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning environments while fostering a strong sense of belonging for students, faculty, and staff from a variety of backgrounds A commitment to student recruitment, learning, success, retention, and career placement in an ever-evolving job market Vision and innovative orientation, with a focus on leading strategic planning and continuous curriculum review Demonstrated ability to recruit, support, and retain faculty across a wide variety of disciplines Dedication to promoting faculty excellence in teaching, service, and scholarship Demonstrated advocacy for and commitment to the specialized disciplines within the College of Arts & Sciences and its faculty and staff Commitment to staff development, support, recruitment, and retention Experience fostering interdisciplinary programs The successful candidate will also possess many of the following: A distinguished record of teaching and service A strong record of scholarship Prior success with program development and growth Ability to develop partnerships across the university and the community to support school initiatives How to Apply: Application materials should include a curriculum vitae, a letter of intent that incorporates a description of the candidate’s leadership philosophy, and contact information for five professional references. Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. In the letter of intent, candidates should address how they will support a diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning environment at Shenandoah University. A pre-employment criminal background check will be required. A satisfactory driving record will also be required as this position requires driving for University business. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected. However, applications received by November 15, 2026 will receive priority consideration. Additional inquiries about the position should be directed to the Search Committee Co-Chairs, Dr. Bryan Davis and Dr. Jennifer Steele using the contact information below. Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcomed and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status or on any other basis protected under applicable law. College of Arts & Sciences Search Committee Co-Chairs: Bryan Davis, PhD Assistant Professor of Chemistry bdavis2@su.edu; (540)665-4591 Jennifer Steele, PhD Dean, Shenandoah Conservatory & Professor of Music jennifer.steele@su.edu ; (540) 542-6201 Salary Range $155,000.00 - $195,000.00 Salary Type Annually