Dean - College of Education and Human Sciences

Dean - College of Education and Human Sciences

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Dean - College of Education and Human Sciences.

Position Details

Location
Hattiesburg

118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States

Division
College of Education and Human Sciences

Position Type
Administrative Faculty

Employment Status
Full Time

Grant Funded
No

Pay Grade

Generic Grade

Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to ApplicantsApplicants should submit acover letter addressing their qualifications and interest in the dean position,a current curriculum vitae, a brief statement of leadership philosophy andexperience, and contact information for three professional references. For fullconsideration, applications must be submitted by January 6, 2027. Additional materials may be requested at a later date. Questions may bedirected to the search committee chair, Dr. Chris Winstead (Chris.Winstead@usm.edu).

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in theUnited States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. TheUniversity will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job Summary
The Dean providesadministrative oversight and leadership for the college, serving as its chiefexecutive and academic officer as it grows and evolves to meet the educationalneeds of the University. As a collaborative leader, the Dean works alongsideSchool Directors and faculty to champion student success and facultyachievement across teaching, research, creative activity, service, and economicdevelopment. The role offers the opportunity to shape the college's futurewhile balancing strategic growth with responsible resource management.

Offering anumber of highly ranked and nationally accredited programs, the College ofEducation and Human Sciences (CEHS) is home to six thriving schools, includingthe schools of Education, Human Development and Family Science, Kinesiology andNutrition, Library and Information Science, Psychology, and Social Work. CEHSprepares both traditional and non-traditional students with innovativecurricula and field experiences through our 12 undergraduate and 20 graduateprograms across Hattiesburg, Gulf Park (GP), and online campuses.Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provides leadership for and management of the college's day-to-day operations, including active engagement in shared governance, oversight of faculty and staff recruitment, strategic workload management, and the promotion of organizational alignment and effectiveness across Schools and Colleges.
2. Ensures adherence to institutional principles regarding allocation and oversight of facility, fiscal, and personnel resources within the college.
3. Oversees faculty and staff personnel actions, including evaluation, retention, promotion, tenure, and advocates for competitive compensation to support the recruitment and retention of high-quality personnel.
4. Leads and participates in the college's strategic planning and continuous improvement, including curriculum, teaching and learning, scholarship, professional and fiscal development.
5. Leads the development of internal and external relationships for support of the college's teaching, scholarship, and strategic growth through partnerships, donations, and grants.
6. Represents the college at the University level and coordinates effectively with other divisions of the University and performs other duties as assigned.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum QualificationsAn earneddoctorate in a discipline represented in or closely related to thoserepresented in the college.
Earnedtenure and rank of full professor, or eligibility for promotion to fullprofessor upon appointment consistent with the established promotion criteriain the unit and program of appointment.
Demonstratedsuccess in higher education leadership and administration of an operationalunit at the chair level or above, including oversight of budgets, personnel,and complex organizational operations.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• StrategicLeadership and Organizational Acumen
  Demonstratesa comprehensive understanding of higher education, including academic affairs,enrollment trends, accreditation, shared governance, and the externalenvironment affecting colleges and universities. Demonstrates strategicthinking and aligns college priorities, resources, and initiatives with theUniversity's mission and strategic plan. Actively seeks relevant information,data, expertise, and perspectives to evaluate complex issues and make informeddecisions that advance long-term institutional goals.
• AcademicLeadership and Professional Expertise
  Demonstratesa record of achievement in teaching, scholarship, creative activity, andservice sufficient to earn the respect and confidence of faculty and academicleaders. Maintains current knowledge of emerging trends, best practices, andinnovations relevant to education, human sciences, and higher education.Supports academic excellence and student success through continuous improvementand evidence-based decision making.
• Operationaland Resource Management
  Effectivelymanages personnel, financial, physical, and technological resources to advancethe college's mission and strategic priorities. Demonstrates strong planning,organizational, and project management skills. Uses data and assessment resultsto evaluate opportunities, allocate resources, and achieve desired outcomeswhile maintaining accountability and operational effectiveness.
• Communicationand Advocacy
  Communicatesclearly, professionally, and effectively with diverse internal and externalconstituencies. Demonstrates strong written, verbal, and interpersonalcommunication skills. Listens actively, fosters open dialogue, and promotestransparency in decision making. Effectively advocates for the college, itsfaculty, staff, students, and programs.
• RelationshipBuilding and Collaboration
  Buildsand sustains productive relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni,community partners, industry leaders, donors, and university leadership.Demonstrates the ability to foster collaboration across academic andadministrative units. Establishes credibility and trust through ethicalleadership, integrity, and mutual respect.
• Leadershipand Talent Development
  Providesvisionary, collaborative, and inclusive leadership. Creates an environment thatsupports faculty and staff success through mentoring, professional development,succession planning, and recognition of achievement. Establishes clearexpectations, promotes accountability, manages change effectively, and inspiresa culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Preferred QualificationsPrior successfulexperience working with various accreditation bodies (e.g., The Commission onColleges and Universities, CAEP, APA).
Experiencewith community partnerships, industry engagement, and alumni relations.
Demonstratedoversight of traditional, online, hybrid, or innovative academic programs.