Job description
>Waxahachie, TX
Institutional Mission
Nelson University exists to equip students spiritually, academically, professionally, and cross-culturally for their God-given careers and callings.
Organizational Relationships
Reports to the Provost
Position Overview – An Opportunity to Shape Graduate Education with Purpose
Nelson University seeks a mission-aligned, academically strong, and visionary leader to serve as Dean of the Graduate School. This role provides the opportunity to shape graduate education across multiple disciplines while advancing a Christ-centered academic culture that prepares Spirit-empowered leaders for meaningful service.
The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative leader for graduate education, working closely with the Provost, college deans, faculty, and other institutional leaders to strengthen academic quality, expand enrollment, and ensure an excellent graduate student experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead strategic planning and administrative operations for graduate education
- Oversee graduate student care and success initiatives, including supervision of the Graduate Operations Manager and coordination of advising, retention, and student support processes
- Build partnerships with academic leaders across the university’s six colleges to advance program quality
- Work with enrollment leaders to expand graduate enrollment
- Guide development of new graduate programs aligned with market demand
- Recruit, develop, and retain faculty teaching in graduate programs
- Maintain academic rigor and credentialing compliance across all graduate programs
- Manage program assessment, accreditation, and institutional effectiveness initiatives
Teaching Expectations
The Dean of the Graduate School remains actively engaged in the academic life of the University, consistent with Nelson University’s commitment to dean-faculty integration. The position includes a teaching assignment of four courses per academic year. Additional courses may be taught with approval from the Provost and will include additional compensation.
Candidate Profile
Required Qualifications:
- Commitment to the doctrinal convictions of Nelson University and the Assemblies of God (AG) with AG church involvement
- Earned doctorate from an accredited institution
- Graduate level teaching experience
- Leadership experience in higher education
- Strong communication and organizational skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience directing graduate programs
- Background in online or graduate education
- Experience with accreditation, assessment, and program development
- Collaborative leadership style with strong emotional intelligence
About Nelson University
Nelson University is dedicated to forming leaders with Christlike character and academic competence. Through a close-knit academic community, innovative graduate programs, and strategic partnerships across church, educational, and professional settings, the university prepares students to lead with wisdom, integrity, and Spirit-empowered purpose in every sphere of life and work.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary range: $80,000 to $86,000
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Access to multiple retirement plans
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Tuition benefits for employees and dependents
- Professional development opportunities
- Supportive, mission-driven work environment
How to apply
Please visit www.nelson.edu/employment to access the application form. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; the position will remain open until filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Questions may be directed to the Human Resources Office at [email protected].
Join us in shaping the future of Nelson University and empowering graduate students to fulfill their God-given potential.
Note
This position may be classified as exempt or non-exempt in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act, based on final role determination.
