Position Summary Serves as Chief Academic Officer for the School of Arts and Sciences, provides advocacy for, leadership to and
has managerial responsibility for the programs, budgets, course schedules, faculty and students of the School. Serves as a representative of the University administration to the faculty, staff and students of the School, as well as to the community. Reports directly to the Provost and Senior Vice President. Working with the department chairs and program directors, the Dean is responsible for the School's academic program quality, assessment of curriculum and instruction, fostering faculty research and scholarship, budgeting and fiscal management, fundraising, and new program development. Teaches courses in their discipline as appropriate to the needs of the School and in consultation with the Provost/Senior Vice President. Serves on appropriate University committees, task forces, search committees and in other roles as requested. Anticipated start date of Summer 2027 Essential Duties and Responsibilities Leadership and Strategic Direction Provide leadership in support of the University's strategic plan as well as in the development and execution of the School's strategic plan, goals, and assessment. Provide leadership and direction to instructional and program staff, faculty, and adjunct faculty in developing and sustaining programs, instructional strategies, and program offerings. Recruit, develop and retain quality faculty and staff members. Evaluate faculty and staff based on performance criteria that supports and advances the School and the University. Recommend employment, retention, promotion, and termination of instructors and staff to the Provost. Assist in resolving faculty and staff issues, including student grievances, academic integrity, and safety concerns. Curriculum and Program Oversight Oversee the School's academic programs to ensure quality and relevance. Ensure that effective program planning and assessment is carried out in the School to accomplish the goals and objectives of the School's and University's Strategic Plan as well as to meet accreditation standards of SACSCOC. Lead the process of new program development and revision of existing programs, together with the faculty of the School in keeping with strategic planning initiatives and seek accreditation and approvals by relevant state, regional, national and professional accrediting agencies. Ensure assessment of student learning outcomes in accordance with University policies. Promote revenue growth through new initiatives, grants, and continuing education opportunities. Accreditation and Compliance Ensure timely completion of accreditation and program approval requirements. Coordinate and document required program approval and/or accreditation activities. Maintain active program advisory committees to guide School programs. Operations and Resource Management Manage course schedule and faculty load to positively impact budget through increasing average class sizes; reducing adjunct and stipend costs; and increasing revenue and contribution to the University. Develop and manage operating and restricted budgets within the School utilizing the financial and material resources of the School effectively and efficiently. Supervise the School budget, approve requisitions and travel requests, and submit annual budget requests to the Provost. In conjunction with department chairs and program directors, plan and coordinate course schedules to meet student needs and enrollment targets, optimizing faculty loads, budgets, and space. Conduct fundraising cultivation and solicitation in coordination with the Office of Advancement to raise funding for capital projects, new technology, scholarships, chairs, professorships, University endowment, and grants from federal, foundation, and/or corporate sources. Communication and Representation Represent the School's and University's mission, vision, and values to multiple constituencies including but not limited to the Board, community at large, area business community, the media, current and prospective students, and alumni. Develop and maintain strong relationships with counterparts in all area community colleges, School alumni, and stakeholders and constituents in the community; and speak in the community on behalf of the School and the University. Coordinate with Marketing and Communications to develop and implement a marketing strategy for the School's programs. Communicate policies, standards, and expectations to faculty and staff, and hold employees accountable. Build and maintain positive working relationships with University colleagues and external partners. Actively serve on internal and external task forces, committees, and work groups. Attend internal and external events to represent the School. These include but are not limited to graduation, honors ceremonies, open houses, and orientation. Administrative Duties Collaborate in developing policies, practices, processes, and programs for the School. Participate in professional development appropriate to the position. Schedule and preside over School meetings and maintain meeting minutes. Administer and maintain accurate records for students, faculty and support staff, such as advising reports, professional development plans, annual evaluations and other personnel records as appropriate for specific program needs and responsibilities of the School. Research and prepare technical and administrative reports and written correspondence. Supervise and/or participate in student recruitment, advisement and retention efforts. Work in conjunction with the Vice President for Finance, Vice President for Enrollment and other University departments in developing and monitoring initiatives for student enrollment and retention, including budget preparation. Other duties as assigned by the Provost and Senior Vice President. Supervisory Responsibilities Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the University's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems. Education, Certifications and/or Licenses Dean must have an earned doctorate in an Arts or Science-related discipline. Experience A record of significant experience in higher education administration is preferred. Must have teaching experience in a discipline appropriate to the School. Experience with accreditation assessment processes required. A record of successful administrative leadership at the dean, chair, or program director level, including budget and personnel experience or other related administrative experience. Experience with professionally accredited academic programs and familiarity with compliance and risk management practices. A data-informed planner with experience in assessment and outcomes measurements. A record of advanced learning, innovation, or teaching experience incorporating both traditional and distance education programs. Experience working with external agencies, such as foundations, local businesses, and governmental agencies. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of School and University curriculum and major issues in higher education, including tenure, faculty/staff development, program evaluation, and accreditation. Must have instructional specialty appropriate to the School. Outstanding organizational abilities with strong detail orientation. Ability to work on multiple tasks and meet project deadlines. Ability to work individually, as well as in a team-based environment. Familiarity with higher education budgeting and scheduling processes. Clear understanding of assessment processes and the ability to conduct needs studies in an institutional framework. An understanding of accreditation issues. Knowledge of rules, standards, regulations, and laws regarding student records. Ability to investigate, analyze data and draw conclusions. Ability to be discreet in handling confidential matters, while complying with FERPA regulations. Proficiency with an integrated administrative system and current computer software programs. Knowledge of human resources concepts, practices, policies, and procedures. Ability to adhere to University and departmental policies and procedures. Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments. Ability to supervise and evaluate employees. Ability to maintain a professional appearance and office atmosphere. Ability to develop, plan, implement, and evaluate programs and short- and long-range goals. Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities. Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management. Skill in course scheduling and institutional and unit planning. Outstanding interpersonal and community-relations skills. Physical Demands/Work Environment Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as necessary. Ability to transport self to other campus offices and, occasionally, to off-campus sites to attend meetings, conferences and seminars. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. EEO Statement Texas Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity employer. The University upholds its commitment to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment in all phases of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, compensation, benefits, promotion, demotion, discipline, transfer and termination. The University shall not discriminate in the employment context against any individual because of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation or any other reason prohibited by applicable federal, state or local laws. The University shall make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship for the University. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.
