The Dean is responsible for ensuring that programs remain relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of students and the broader workforce. A key priority will be enhancing curriculum effectiveness and program structure to create streamlined, flexible, and career-focused learning pathways. This includes leading efforts to modernize academic programs, refresh course offerings, and optimize degree structures to support student progression and success. The Dean will work collaboratively with faculty and leadership to implement initiatives that strengthen academic quality, accreditation compliance, and student engagement, with a particular focus on success in an online learning environment.

Additionally, the Dean will play a critical role in expanding innovative teaching and learning strategies, ensuring that programs equip students with essential skills for success in a rapidly changing world. This position requires active engagement with faculty, students, external partners, industry leaders, and accrediting bodies to foster a dynamic and responsive academic community.

The ideal candidate will bring progressive leadership experience in higher education, with a strong background in academic administration, faculty mentorship, program development, and strategic planning. They should possess exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities, along with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in arts, humanities, and education. This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative and student-focused leader to shape the future of academic excellence and institutional impact at APUS.

Responsibilities:

• Provide visionary, strategic leadership, ensuring alignment with the university’s mission and key initiatives.
• Establish a Center of Excellence in the School to advance professional readiness, digital literacy, and critical thinking in academic programs.
• Lead curriculum innovation, program updates, and degree pathway optimizations that ensure academic programs meet accreditation and regulatory standards.
• Ensure programs remain relevant, flexible, and aligned with workforce needs.
• Ensure effective program assessment and subsequent continuous improvement efforts.
• In collaboration with Instructional Design, enhance online learning experiences through modern instructional approaches that expand the use of technology and innovative teaching strategies.
• Optimize course offerings to ensure effective and efficient course scheduling.
• Recruit, mentor, and support faculty and chairs to promote teaching excellence and professional growth.
• Oversee faculty evaluations and professional development initiatives and opportunities.
• Implement strategies to improve student retention, course consumption, completion rates, and career readiness.
• Foster a student-centered academic environment that enhances learning and development.
• Support regional accreditation efforts.
• Develop and utilize key metrics and performance indicators and hold school accountable to meeting established goals.
• Develop collaborations with industry, educational organizations, and accrediting bodies.
• Oversee resource planning and ensure efficient academic operations and manage the school budget in alignment with the Academic budget.
• Serve on the Provost’s Council, All Leadership Committee, Academic Senior Leadership and other workgroups/committees, as required.
• Conduct School of Arts, Humanities & Education governance meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• 5 years: Academic leadership experience as department chair, program director, or similar academic supervisory position at the university level.
• 3 years: Experience with online education in higher education.
• Experience with military and military affiliated student populations.
• Strong oral, written, organizational. and presentation skills.
• Detailed knowledge of curriculum development and continuous improvement processes.
• Knowledge of instructional design and learning theory principles in the online environment.
• Knowledge of student success approaches to increase retention, persistence, progression, and completion.
• Ability to build relationships and partnerships in academia, business, industry, and government.
• Ability to make ethical decisions and promote the highest standards of personal and professional integrity.
• Ability to effectively work and lead in an environment with ongoing change and short-term periods of ambiguity.
• Ability to make quick, effective decisions and to proactively and creatively solve problems.
• Ability to promote collegiality and respect, and to manage conflict.
• Ability to build strong teams and work effectively in committees.
• Ability to meet critical and short notice delivery deadlines.
• Proven experience with student success initiatives.

Education:

• Doctoral degree in Arts & Humanities or related field

About Us:

American Public University System (APUS) is an Online University based in Charles Town, WV. Our University has over 100,000 students. Our emphasis is educating our nation’s military and public services communities with quality and affordable education. APUS provides partnership and commitment in helping students realize the dream of a higher education and the opportunities that brings.

How to apply

Apply online