Union University seeks a qualified individual for the position of Dean for the School of Adult and Professional Studies. This position has oversight responsibility for the planning, administration, evaluation, and improvement of the academic and administrative programs, services, and functions of the School. The Dean provides leadership to the faculty and staff in maintaining an excellent program of instruction consistent with the mission of the University. The Dean also has management oversight for curriculum development, accreditation, budget administration, and university advancement. While residence in the city of Jackson is not required, the Dean must maintain regular office hours on the Jackson campus. This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt position.

Union University is a private, coeducational liberal arts-based university offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The campus is located in Jackson, Tenn. (80 miles northeast of Memphis) with additional campuses in Germantown, Hendersonville, and Memphis, Tenn. Union University currently enrolls about 3,200 undergraduate and graduate students from 48 states and 15 countries. Union University stands as a national leader among colleges and universities in promoting a Christian worldview and a Christ-centered approach to education. Union is consistently ranked among the nation’s premier Christian universities and has been recognized as a top-tier institution each year since 1997 by U.S. News & World Report, which also recognized Union at a national level for undergraduate teaching excellence.

Position Description:

Direct the development, strategic planning, implementation, assessment, administration and continuous improvement of all academic curricula and programs, support services and administrative functions of the School, including operating policies and procedures.

Advance research, scholarly and creative activity, and service within the School, in keeping with institutional initiatives and resources. Develop a vision, long-term goals, and strategic plans for the School.

Lead in the development, implementation, assessment, and continual improvement of full online degree programs for the School. Monitor and review degree specialty concentrations and make adjustments as needed.

Provide leadership in the hiring of faculty, instructional staff, and staff for the School. Plan staffing needs and organizational structures. Make recommendations to the Provost/VPAA on faculty appointment, reappointment, promotion, tenure, and termination.

Confer regularly with chairs, program directors, and staff to plan, coordinate and evaluate activities. Provide counsel on issues and lead in problem solving.

Advance excellence in teaching by supporting, encouraging and managing the development and evaluation of faculty, adjunct instructors, and instructional staff. Ensure that non-faculty staff are provided with development opportunities.

Teach up to six (6) credit hours each academic year.

Plan full-time and part-time faculty teaching assignments, developing the academic calendar, coordinating academic schedules and enlisting faculty for various University functions such as advisement, recruitment, freshmen enrollment, etc. Submit appropriate documentation for these activities to the Provost/VPAA for approval.

Oversee the advising process for students.

Develop and manage budgets for the Dean’s Office and the academic programs of the School of Adult and Professional Studies.

Collaborate with other academic deans and department chairs to ensure that an adequate selection of core courses and electives are offered to meet program requirements.

Openly and effectively communicate with faculty, staff, and students to foster an environment that strongly encourages learning by students, professional growth by faculty, and person-centered relationships among faculty and between students and faculty.

Pursue and promote active and mutually beneficial collaborations with stakeholders and constituents in the community, including regional businesses, local and state governments, congregations, and the general public.

In collaboration with the Office of Institutional Advancement, lead and support fundraising efforts for the School and University.

Collaborate with other College/School Deans, and serve as an active member on the Academic Deans’ Council.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Provost/VPAA and President.

Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a doctoral degree in Business, Education, Professional Studies, Organizational Leadership or a related field, and five years of professional experience in an academic leadership role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must demonstrate a commitment to academic scholarship that includes public speaking and a commendable publishing record (e.g. books, articles).

Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated leadership skills, budget accountability, effective stewardship of financial and human resources, and a commitment to fundraising. Preference will be given to applicants who have experience working in both undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as experience and understanding of innovative and quality delivery methods that include online, in-person, and offsite. Preference will also be given to candidates with the demonstrated ability to manage a complex organization while articulating a strategic vision for the future.

Successful candidates must be professing Christians who are active members of a local church, enthusiastically support Union University’s Identity, Mission, and Core Values, and articulate a Christian worldview in their work and life.