Park University is pleased to announce the search for its next dean for the College of Education and Health Professions, an appointment to become effective as early as July 1, 2019. Review of applications begins January 21, 2019.

 

Founded in 1875, Park University prides itself on being at the forefront of higher education in the Midwest and across the United States. Park is uniquely situated as a private institution that strives to maintain the values of the liberal arts tradition alongside an unflagging commitment to making such an education economically accessible for a diverse population that includes residential, international, military, and adult learners.

 

Park seeks a Dean for the College of Education and Health Professions who will bring visionary leadership, strategic thinking, creative planning, and a management style that supports the College’s diverse and geographically dispersed educational operation.

 

About the Position

 

Academic Deans serve as the senior academic officers of their respective Colleges and, as such, are responsible for the curricular, personnel, budgetary, and administrative affairs of the College. Deans fulfill this key leadership role in working with the Associate Dean, Department Chairs, undergraduate Program Coordinators, graduate Program Directors, and faculty members to accomplish the goals of the College, in alignment with the University’s mission and strategic priorities. These strategic priorities include promoting Park University’s core values of inclusivity and global citizenship. The position of Dean is an appointed position, and academic Deans serve at the pleasure of the Provost and the President. Through their individual and collective roles on the Deans Council, Deans are involved centrally in the effective functioning of the Office of Academic Affairs, including promoting and maintaining positive relationships among faculty and staff through shared governance. Moreover, Deans are key participants in external relations of the University, including fundraising and alumni relations.

 

About the College of Education and Health Professions

 

The College of Education and Health Professions is one of three Colleges comprising Park University (alongside the College of Liberal Arts and Science and the College of Management). The College of Education and Health Professions consists of five departments within two schools (the School of Education and the School of Behavioral and Health Sciences). The College includes undergraduate major programs in Education, Fitness and Wellness, Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology; and graduate major programs in Education and Social Work. In Fall 2018, there were over 1,500 undergraduate majors and 300 graduate majors, and the faculty FTE equaled approximately 60.

 

Key Accountabilities

 

The fundamental responsibility of academic deans is to ensure the integrity, quality, and value of the academic degree(s) within their Colleges. Specifically, Deans are responsible for:

Assuring the quality and relevance of academic programs within the College by playing a key oversight role in program accreditation, annual and comprehensive program review, and other processes that are important for continuous improvement of the College’s activities.

Developing new programs online, hybrid, and face-to-face to advance the mission of the University and to serve the needs of its constituents.

Establishing and implementing strategic plans for the College, and providing leadership to faculty and program leadership to help achieve stated goals.

Seeking community support for the College’s programs through advisory councils, fundraising, and civic engagement.

Hiring, orientation, development, and evaluation of faculty and academic program leaders.

Establishing and meeting student recruitment, retention, and enrollment targets.

Managing the resources and personnel of the Colleges effectively.

Contributing to the effective operations of the Office of Academic Affairs through participation on the Deans Council and through special projects.

Communicating and collaborating with other Colleges to promote the good of the University.

Advocating for faculty and promoting cross-departmental collaboration within the College

 

Qualifications

A terminal degree in one of the disciplines represented within the College of Education and Health Professions.

Earned tenure no lower than the rank of Associate Professor, preferably Full Professor.

5 + years administrative experience equivalent to the level of Department Chair, or above.

Significant experience with program-specific accreditation processes.

Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.

Excellent project management and leadership skills.

Experience developing external partnerships.

Experience with budgeting and resource allocation.

Experience with strategic planning.

Commitment to Liberal Arts education.

 

About Park University

 

Park University is a private, independent masters-level institution serving more than 11,000 students each semester nationally through its flagship campus, 42 campus centers in 21 states and online. Park provides innovative, accessible and flexible education through traditional, online and distance delivery.

 

Honoring its founding mission to provide academic access to all qualified learners, the University continues to serve a highly diverse student population, with 45% coming from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in higher education, including international students from 89 countries.  Students system-wide are comprised mostly of working adults, and many are active-duty personnel serving all branches of the U.S. military.

 

Park University has an excellent benefits package including health and life insurance, retirement plan, and tuition paid undergraduate classes for employees and dependents.

 

About the Kansas City Area

 

The main campus is located approximately 15 minutes north of downtown Kansas City on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River, in Parkville, Missouri.

 

With over 2.1 million people, Kansas City is a diverse urban area that is home to a vibrant arts community and includes galleries, museums and literary music venues. The area includes several universities; research and teaching hospitals; nonprofit, governmental, and community organizations; and a growing technology sector.  For more about living and working in Kansas City, see:   http://www.thinkkc.com/life.

 

Application

 

Qualified applicants should upload a cover letter addressing the listed qualifications, a curriculum vita, transcripts, and a list of 3-5 references. Applicants are also encouraged to provide a one-page leadership philosophy.  Park University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and individuals underrepresented in higher education.

 

First review of applicants will begin January 21, 2019, and will continue until the position is filled. Ideal start date is July 1, 2019, but can be negotiated.