Associate Dean - School of Education

Universities of Wisconsin•La Crosse, WI

About The Position

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse School of Education (SOE) seeks an Associate Dean for a 12-month administrative appointment beginning January 7, 2027. The Associate Dean reports directly to the SOE Dean and works across campus to advance the school’s mission and support programs in meeting learning outcomes that promote student success. As a member of the Dean’s leadership team, the Associate Dean participates in distributive leadership and collaborates with the Dean, department chairs, and program directors on academic and curriculum matters. Primary areas of responsibility include leading annual accreditation, curriculum and assessment across SOE programs, enrollment management, grant review and approval, and support for faculty, staff, and students. The role provides leadership for academic programs and initiatives, directs ongoing assessment and continuous improvement, and builds collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders. The SOE is a fully accredited school offering hands-on education experiences in partnership with local, regional, and global educators, and is committed to a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive learning and working environment. The application review begins November 23, 2026, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Initial reviews will be virtual, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus.

Requirements

Earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited university.
Record of teaching and scholarship sufficient to qualify for appointment as a tenured full professor in an SOE department or SOE-affiliated program.
Educator license in a PK-12, administrative, or pupil services area; the license does not need to be current.
Strong record of relevant, progressively responsible administrative and management experience.
Familiarity and experience with current academic assessment and accreditation practices.

Nice To Haves

Experience with grant procurement and/or management.
Experience supporting faculty growth through faculty development and mentoring.
Experience with graduate programs.
Evidence of successful advising and ability to support students.
Experience in a department chair role.

Responsibilities

May exercise supervisory authority over at least 2.0 FTE or equivalent employees, including hiring, assigning work, managing performance and conduct, and approving hours.
Build consensus and develop collegial, collaborative relationships with stakeholders; partner with administrative and academic departments and gather input for recommendations.
Serve on university review committees and work with constituencies including the Faculty Senate, Deans and Associate Deans, General Counsel, and University Leadership.
Advise and collaborate with the Dean, Assistant Deans, and/or Office of the Provost on critical issues; represent the functional area at meetings and events; and serve on or lead committees as directed.
Direct ongoing assessment and continuous improvement of academic programs and services by guiding annual goals, monitoring progress, articulating challenges, and reporting outcomes and achievements.
Ensure initiatives use program assessment and data analysis effectively, identify opportunities for improvement, and make recommendations to the Dean.
Provide leadership for academic programs by setting strategic direction and priorities aligned with the Dean’s academic directives and the university’s initiatives and mission.
Directly supervise department or program leadership and monitor compliance with laws, regulations, university policies and procedures, and contractual obligations.
Lead special initiatives and academic programs requiring senior leadership attention, including program design, planning, coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
Lead annual accreditation and curriculum and assessment for SOE programs, manage enrollment, review and approve grants, and support faculty, staff, and students.