Academic Dean, College of Sciences & General Studies

Baptist•Memphis, TN

About The Position

The Dean provides leadership for the Baptist University College of Sciences & General Studies through effective planning, academic innovation, and resource management. Under the administrative direction of the Provost, the Dean oversees associate, baccalaureate, and future master’s-level programs across the sciences and general studies curriculum, ensuring alignment with the University’s mission and health sciences focus. The role is responsible for the college’s academic, operational, and personnel management, and fosters excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service while building partnerships that enhance student learning, workforce readiness, and community engagement. The Dean serves as a Campus Security Authority (CSA), with significant responsibility for student and campus activities. The CSA is designated as someone to whom students and employees may report criminal offenses and must report all allegations of crimes to the Security Office. The position is responsible for the department 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including resolving issues that may arise at any time during the week.

Requirements

Earned doctorate in a discipline related to sciences, general studies, curriculum and instruction, educational administration/supervision, adult education, or a closely related field from an accredited university.
Proficiency applying advanced concepts, principles, and techniques of learning theories, curriculum design, assessment, and educational practices at associate, baccalaureate, and master’s levels.
Five years of full-time college or university teaching experience.
Five years of progressive and significant academic leadership, such as program director, department chair, or associate dean, with oversight of multi-level programs.
Demonstrated ability to supervise, develop, manage, evaluate, and promote faculty, staff, and academic or educational programs.
Experience with program and institutional accreditation, such as SACSCOC and applicable discipline-specific professional agencies.
Current license or certification to practice in the State of Tennessee, as appropriate to the individual’s professional discipline.

Nice To Haves

Eight years of progressive and significant higher education leadership focused on sciences, general studies, or health sciences programs.
Experience in curriculum innovation, including interprofessional education, high-impact practices, and technology-enhanced learning.
Experience cultivating partnerships with healthcare providers, industry, or community organizations.
Record of scholarly activity, grant writing, or securing external funding in support of academic programs.
Current license or certification to practice in the State of Tennessee, as appropriate.

Responsibilities

Lead college strategy and planning, align short- and long-term goals with University initiatives and external workforce needs, develop and implement college goals, monitor effectiveness, and drive continuous improvement.
Support enrollment management and student success, including recruitment, advising, retention, and progression policies; collaborate with University leadership to promote program growth, market responsiveness, and pathways from general studies into professional health sciences programs.
Oversee curriculum development and academic quality, ensuring programs meet student learning outcomes, accreditation standards, and industry expectations.
Promote high-impact educational practices, including innovation and digital transformation in teaching and learning, interprofessional education, and integration of faith, science, and service.
Recruit, onboard, mentor, and evaluate faculty and staff; support faculty development in teaching, scholarship, and practice; oversee promotion and advancement processes; and foster a collaborative, student-centered culture.
Champion faculty participation in formal course reviews facilitated by the Center for Learning and Innovative Pedagogy to support continuous improvement, institutional alignment, and evidence-based instructional strategies.
Manage college operations and resources, including academic scheduling, budget planning, capital requests, payroll, and technology needs; allocate resources to support innovation, equity, and instructional quality.
Ensure compliance with external requirements, including SACSCOC, professional accrediting agencies, and regulatory bodies; lead program reviews, assessment cycles, and accreditation reporting.
Cultivate partnerships with healthcare providers, educational institutions, and industry to support clinical placements, service-learning, and employment pipelines.
Serve as Campus Security Authority and report allegations of crimes to the Security Office.
Be responsible for the department 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and resolve issues that may occur at any time during the week.
Perform related accountabilities as assigned or directed.