Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance

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Job description

Southern Arkansas University, a comprehensive regional public university serving southwest Arkansas, invites applications for the Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance. The dean provides visionary academic, administrative, and strategic leadership for a diverse college committed to excellence in teaching, scholarship, service, and community engagement. The selected candidate will begin duties on July 1, 2026.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The College of Education and Human Performance prepares educators, administrators, coaches, counselors, athletic trainers, and other professionals who serve schools, communities, and clinical settings. Through high-quality instruction, meaningful clinical experiences, and strong partnerships, the college supports student success and workforce development across the region.

The college serves approximately 1,200 students through the following academic departments:

  • Counseling and Professional Studies
  • Human Performance and Sport Sciences
  • Teacher Education

The college also houses the SAU branch of the Education Renewal Zone, a legislatively established P–20 initiative focused on improving school performance and student achievement through coordinated partnerships and resources.

The college offers undergraduate and master’s programs. Initial and Advanced Education programs are accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), and the Master of Science in Kinesiology/Coaching is accredited by the National Committee for Accreditation of Coaching Excellence (NCACE).

The Dean reports to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs and serves as a key member of the university’s academic leadership team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance will:

  • Serve as a member of the Dean’s Council, working collaboratively with the Provost, Provost’s Council, and other institutional leaders to advance university priorities
  • Provide visionary leadership that advances the mission and strategic goals of the college and university
  • Promote excellence in teaching, scholarship, service, advising, and assessment
  • Lead educator preparation and related programs in alignment with state licensure requirements, accreditation standards, and best practices
  • Support continuous improvement through the effective use of data related to enrollment, retention, candidate performance, and program outcomes
  • Oversee faculty evaluation processes, including tenure, promotion, and professional development
  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture that values shared governance, transparency, and faculty and staff development
  • Support curriculum development and innovation across undergraduate and graduate programs, including online and hybrid delivery
  • Strengthen partnerships with P–12 schools, community agencies, and regional stakeholders
  • Promote faculty and student research, scholarship, and creative activity
  • Participate in fundraising, grant development, and external relations
  • Prepare, manage, and oversee the college budget and allocated resources
  • Support and participate in accreditation, program review, and compliance processes
  • Teach one course annually, as appropriate to expertise and college needs

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Earned doctorate from an accredited institution in a field related to one of the departments of the College
  • A record of teaching, scholarship, and service consistent with appointment at the rank of associate or full professor
  • Three years of administrative experience as dean, associate dean, department chair, or in a similar capacity
  • Highly effective oral and written communication skills
  • Evidence of scholarly accomplishment, such as publications in refereed journals, research awards, and/or success in securing external funding

PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO CANDIDATES WITH THE FOLLOWING

  • Experience in faculty and staff development
  • Experience leading accreditation, assessment, or continuous improvement efforts
  • Knowledge of P–12 education systems and educator preparation
  • Experience working with P-12 education leaders at the state level
  • Experience building partnerships with schools, districts, and community organizations.
  • Experience with enrollment management, recruitment, or program growth
  • Collaborative leadership style that values shared governance and stakeholder input

DISCOVER MORE

All SAU faculty and staff demonstrate a commitment to the value of all members of the SAU community, to excellence in interpersonal behaviors, and effective collaboration with colleagues. Joining the SAU family requires a commitment to our culture of Continuous Quality Improvement.

For more information about Southern Arkansas University, click on https://www.saumag.edu/.

How to apply

Applicants should submit a detailed cover letter addressing duties and qualifications, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts of all coursework, and names and complete contact information for five references to [email protected] or the Office of Human Resources, 100 E. University, MSC 9288, Magnolia, AR 71753. AA/EOE. Non-listed references may be contacted. Applicants must be able to show proof of U.S. employment eligibility. Deadline for applications is February 20, 2026.

SAU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and underrepresented populations.

Southern Arkansas University is a unique, yet comprehensive liberal arts uni­versity at the heart of southern Arkansas. Established in 1909, SAU has built on its foundation tied to the region’s agricultural past and continues to grow while expand­ing its tradition of success into more than 60 degrees in four distinct colleges. The University is committed to providing the best tools, programs, services and oppor­tunities with qualified professors dedicated to helping their students reach their educa­tional goals and professional future.