DEAN

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Southern Illinois University Carbondale invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the School of Education. We seek a dynamic, experienced leader with a demonstrated understanding of education, institutional growth and development, and the current and future challenges facing education schools.  The Dean is the chief administrative and academic officer of the School of Education and reports to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

SIU Carbondale recently launched an innovative administrative and academic restructuring program. The School of Education was initiated on January 1, 2020, and is home to our nationally accredited programs in teacher education and preparation. The School’s undergraduate academic degree programs include Child and Family Services, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, and Workforce Education & Development. Graduate degree programs include Curriculum & Instruction / Secondary Education, Educational Administration, Higher Education, Mathematics & Science Education, Quantitative Methods, Special Education, and Workforce Education & Development. Our next Dean will be able to build on a strong base at the university, local, state, national, and international levels.  Your vision can shape how we deliver on our mission.

About SIU Carbondale

Nestled in the beautiful hills of Southern Illinois, SIU is a Research University: High Research Activity and a 2015 Community Engagement Campus, as classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. With an enrollment of approximately 11,500 students, SIU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in eight colleges/schools, as well as professional practice degrees in the Schools of Medicine and Law. SIU embraces a unique tradition of access and opportunity, inclusive excellence, innovation in research and creativity, and outstanding teaching and services focused on student success. The University is committed to a mission of successfully educating and graduating a diverse student population including minority, international, first-generation students, and differently abled students.  

Carbondale, Illinois, is located in a region characterized by its natural beauty with the Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park, and other outdoor opportunities minutes away. The city is a hub for the region yet maintains a small town feel with college town amenities. It is also easily accessible to a host of midwestern (e.g., St. Louis, Indianapolis) and southern (e.g., Nashville, Memphis) cities within a two-to-four-hour drive. The local airport offers a connection to Chicago’s O'Hare airport. 

SIU-Carbondale is embarking on the second year of its transformative strategic plan, Imagine 2030. Under the guidance of the Chancellor, the university has established five foundational pillars to provide faculty, staff, and strategic partners with clear direction:

  • Student Success & Engagement
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Branding & Partnerships
  • Research & Innovation
  • Sustainability

These pillars serve as focal points for planning and resource allocation, ensuring alignment with the university's overarching vision. SIU-Carbondale has structured its objectives and initiatives around these pillars, aiming to achieve measurable outcomes and introduce innovative endeavors in the years ahead. Join us in shaping the future of higher education through impactful goals and collaborative efforts.

https://imagine2030.siu.edu/_common/documents/siu-imagine-2030-strategic-plan.pdf

Position Description

As the chief executive and academic officer of the SIU School of Education, the Dean reports to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and works with the faculty and staff in the development and maintenance of the school’s programs and policies. The duties of the Dean include but are not limited to:

  • Providing leadership to advance the school's mission, including leveraging current resources to positively position School of Education to meet the needs of the region.
  • Serving as a member of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Deans' Council.
  • Participating in and representing the school at university-wide activities. Contributing to university-wide initiatives proposed from the office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
  • Serving as chief administrative officer of the School of Education, which includes responsibility for:
  • Managing the school's finances, including development and implementation of the budget.
  • Continuing a strong fundraising record.
  • Supervising, evaluating, and promoting the advancement and well-being of the school's personnel and students, as well as fostering a collaborative sense of community within the school.
  • Developing institutional advancement and serving as the school's liaison to a variety of outside constituencies, including the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the university, alumni, local superintendents/school systems, Carbondale, Southern Illinois, the state, and state accrediting bodies.
  • Providing leadership to advance the University's mission of promoting inclusive excellence, cultural and professional competency, and diversity.
  • Enhancing and inspiring an academic climate that will foster excellence in teaching, research, and scholarly activity, including intellectual property development, and service.
  • Developing and supporting programs and student services for the recruitment, retention, advisement, and placement of a diverse body of students.
  • Responding promptly and effectively to the needs of students.+

Qualifications and Competencies

  • An earned doctorate in an appropriate discipline in the School of Education;
  • Distinguished record of teaching, peer-reviewed scholarship, and service consistent with the expectations of a tenured Professor at a Doctoral Research-Extensive University;
  • Academic administrative experience and managerial skills at the level of department chair or other academic leadership position of similar responsibility;
  • Experience in budget, planning, personnel, student matters, promotion and tenure review, program reviews and/or specialized accreditation;
  • A commitment to and successful experience with promoting high standards in education, diversity, and equal opportunity;
  • Excellent communication skills;
  • The ability to articulate effectively the School’s mission to students, faculty, alumni, external funding agencies, and other decision-making bodies; and
  • The ability to develop and sustain collegial and productive relationships with on- and off- campus constituencies, funding sources, and fundraising sources on behalf of the School.
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusiveness in the faculty, staff, and student body, and transparency in administration.
  • Ability to provide effective leadership within a university environment, including the empathy and integrity needed to develop productive relationships with the School of Education’s faculty, staff, and within the university community, while promoting a positive image of the School of Education to the public and state.

Application Process

The search committee invites letters of nomination, applications (letter of interest, complete CV, and references) or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. It is preferred, however, that all nominations and applications be submitted by September 16, 2024: 

Porsha L. Williams, Vice President

Erin Raines, Senior Principal

Brett Sauls, Associate

Parker Executive Search Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2875 Atlanta, GA 30328

pwilliams@parkersearch.com || eraines@parkersearch.com || bsauls@parkersearch.com

Phone: (770) 804-1996 x 109 or 117

This is a security-sensitive position. Before any offer of employment is made, the University will conduct a pre-employment background investigation that includes a criminal background check.

***SIU Carbondale is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of

individuals with disabilities and protected veterans that strives to enhance its ability to develop a diverse faculty and staff and to increase its potential to serve a diverse student population. All applications are welcomed and encouraged and will receive consideration.

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