DEAN of the

College of Education and Human Performance

Southern Arkansas University, a comprehensive regional public university serving southwest Arkansas, invites applications and nominations for the Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance. The selected candidate will begin duties on July 1, 2023.

For complete information, see the Search Profile at https://myersmcrae.com/skins/userfiles/files/SAU-EduHP.pdf  

THE OPPORTUNITY

College of Education and Human Performance prepares educators, administrators, coaches, athletic trainers, student services professionals, and clinical professional counselors. The dedicated faculty incorporate best practices in teaching into their courses, providing for the best possible preparation of students for their chosen professional careers.
     The College of Education and Human Performance prepares nearly 1,200 students through its academic departments: Counseling and Professional Studies, Human Performance and Sport Sciences, and Teacher Education. The College also houses the SAU branch of the Education Renewal Zone, which was created by legislation in 2005 and is a broad-based P-20 Initiative assigned the task of concentrating and coordinating available resources to improve school performance and student achievement.
    Along with offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees, the College has a doctoral degree in Rural and Diverse Educational Leadership. The Department of Teacher Education’s Initial Licensure Program is fully reaccredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).  The Department of Human Performance and Sport Sciences’ Master of Science program in Kinesiology/Coaching is accredited by the National Committee for Accreditation of Coaching Excellence (NCACE).
     Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance (Dean) provides visionary administrative and academic leadership.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Promote excellence in teaching, service, scholarship, advising, and assessment.
• Monitor and assess faculty performance to support the tenure/promotion process.
• Undertake creative initiatives to enhance recruitment and retention.
• Oversee curriculum development.
• Identify local and global opportunities for the College and University.
• Develop and execute effective strategic plans.
• Foster collaborations and team building.
• Expand external relations and community outreach.
• Participate in fundraising and grant writing.
• Promote faculty and student research.
• Prepare and manage the college budget.
• Support and participate in accreditation processes.
• Teach one class per year.

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
• Keen understanding of P-12/post-secondary education
• Experience working with P-12 education leaders at the state level
• Experience with the assessment and accreditation processes
• Participatory management and leadership style that encourages and values input from others 

DISCOVER MORE

• College of Education and Human Performance at https://web.saumag.edu/education/
• Counseling and Professional Studies at https://web.saumag.edu/education/cps/
• Human Performance and Sport Sciences at https://web.saumag.edu/hpss/
• Teacher Education at https://web.saumag.edu/education/teacher-education/
• Education Renewal Zone at https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/special-projects/education-renewal-zones

Applicants must be able to show proof of U.S. employment eligibility.

All SAU faculty and staff demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and diversity of the University community and excellence in interpersonal behaviors and effective collaboration with colleagues. Additionally, joining the SAU family requires a commitment to its culture of continuous quality improvement.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

Founded as an agricultural school in 1909, Southern Arkansas University (SAU) has a rich history of providing students with quality education. President Trey Berry has focused on people, planning, programs, and philanthropy during his seven-year tenure, which has resulted in double-digit growth of enrollment, significant increase in endowment and funded support, and expanded academic programs.
    Once considered a hidden gem among the state’s higher educational institutions, SAU has been discovered. The University exceeded its fall 2022 enrollment predictions with increases in first-year, transfer, and graduate students. The record-breaking enrollment of 5,094 students is a 15 percent increase over last year. The University’s commitment to offering in-demand programs and providing a “culture of caring” has provided a tremendous appeal to a diverse group of students. The national attention the University has earned over the past several years with its affordability and many accolades has made SAU a destination institution with students from 36 states and 31 countries enrolled.
    Located in Magnolia, in the southwestern portion of the state, SAU serves students through six academic units: David F. Rankin College of Business, College of Education and Human Performance, College of Liberal and Performing Arts, College of Science and Engineering, the Honors College, and the School of Graduate Studies. The 400+ faculty and staff are all committed to the success of students in the classroom and beyond. SAU faculty members are recognized experts in their fields, with many having national and international reputations as scholars and researchers. In order to maximize interaction between students and faculty, SAU maintains small class sizes in most academic programs.
    Known for its friendly, close-knit community, SAU continues to build on its dedication to student achievement and to grow its program offerings. The University offers more than 100 academic degree and certificate options, including associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees. These include an ABET-accredited engineering program, a new doctoral program in rural and diverse educational leadership, a top-ranked nursing program, and a teacher education program with double-digit growth. Courses are delivered face-to-face, on-campus, off-campus, online, and hybrid formats to fit the needs of students.
    SAU is a competitive member of the NCAA Division II and part of the Great American Conference. Men’s teams compete in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, track, tennis, and golf. Women’s teams compete in volleyball, basketball, cross country, softball, track, tennis, and golf. The SAU Rodeo Team is nationally competitive and consistently ranks high in regional and national intercollegiate competitions.

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

APPLICATION & NOMINATION PROCESS

Confidential inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited.

Applications

Application packet must include the following: a) Detailed cover letter addressing the duties and qualifications, b) Current curriculum vitae, and c) Complete contact information (names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers) of five references (These references will not be contacted without applicant’s consent.) Non-listed references may be contacted at the final stages of the search after consent is received from the candidate.

Submit application materials to SAU-Dean-EHP@myersmcrae.com by January 10, 2023, for best consideration. The search continues until the position is filled. 

Additional information will be requested upon submission of an application packet.

Nominations

Submit nominations to SAU-Dean-EHP-nominate@myersmcrae.com with complete contact and email information for the individual being nominated.

Consultant

Emily Parker Myers, CEO of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting, is conducting this search with Jessica Thompson, Assistant Vice President and Executive Search Coordinator, assisting. Request a conversation by emailing JessicaThompson@myersmcrae.com.

The Equal Employment Opportunity policy of Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia has been and continues to be that cultural diversity is essential to the educational process. No person shall, on the grounds of race, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected class be denied admission to or employment at Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia or be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any program or activity sponsored by the University. SAU is an equal opportunity employer and an affirmative action institution of higher education. Personnel decisions are made by utilizing objective standards based on individual qualifications as they relate to the particular job vacancy and to the furtherance of equal employment opportunity. The primary purpose is education and to further that purpose SAU recruits students to enroll in its varied programs on an equal opportunity basis.

Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting

www.myersmcrae.com | 478-330-6222