Dean of the College of Letters and Sciences

Buffkin / Baker•Columbus, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Columbus State University (CSU) invites applications and nominations for the appointment of Dean, College of Letters and Sciences. The College of Letters and Sciences is the academic heart of Columbus State University, offering a majority of the General Education core curriculum; undergraduate programs in the sciences, engineering (robotics), mathematics, humanities, and social sciences; and master’s degrees in natural sciences, public administration, public safety administration, and robotics engineering. Students completing degrees in our programs pursue careers in such diverse fields as law, education, public service, public safety, food science, medicine, journalism, scientific research, engineering, and criminal justice. Students learn in the classroom and well beyond it. Professional mentorships, lab work, study abroad opportunities, and a variety of internship programs create a learning environment that's holistic and hands-on. Across curricula, students are encouraged to think critically, engage in informed and respectful debate, and consider the merits of different perspectives. College faculty members are skilled educators and active professionals in the disciplines, conducting new research, publishing, and advancing scholarships at every level. We believe the best education should not only teach; it should spark a curiosity about the world that fuels a lifetime of independent learning. The Dean of the Turner College of Business is the central administrator of the College and reports directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. The dean provides vision, academic leadership, direction and expert administration, and fosters excellence in teaching, scholarly activity and community engagement and service. The dean positively represents the college and university to all constituents and is active in advancement activities.

Requirements

A terminal degree in a discipline within the college
Three to five years of experience as an academic administrator (e.g., dean, associate dean, department head or director)
Accomplishments and credentials in teaching, service and scholarly publications sufficient to meet the requirements of the rank of professor at CSU, which includes a minimum of five years of experience in higher education
Knowledge of university mission, goals and expectations as well as university and college policies, procedures, rules, etc.
Understanding of university accreditation requirements
Familiarity with expectations for teaching, scholarly activity, community engagement and service and collegiality
Organized and attentive to detail
Effective oral and written communication skills to advocate for the college and university
Strong active listening, analytical and problem solving skills
Ability to work cooperatively with faculty, staff, colleagues at all levels, students and external constituents
Ability to use diplomacy and discretion when providing information to others
Experience with or potential to fundraise with alumni and external partners

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership in establishing and achieving the CSU’s vision, mission, goals and expected academic program outcomes
Oversee for administrative functions including but not limited to staffing, budgets and facility management
Partner with enrollment management and student success leaders to develop, implement and evaluate student recruitment and retention strategies
Inspire confidence and motivate others for engagement and innovation
Serve as an advocate and mediator for students, faculty and staff
Direct problem-solving involving students, faculty, staff and others
Maintain visibility on campus, among relevant industries and partners, with alumni and donors, and in the community
Represent the university positively in interactions to build and sustain effective relationships with a broad range of constituents
Provide oversight for recruiting, hiring, orientating, motivating and retaining faculty and staff to effectively manage the college’s human capital
Inspire faculty and staff to work together to build and sustain outstanding academic programs with the capacity for growth
Facilitate the achievements of faculty expectations related to teaching, scholarly activity, community engagement and service and professional practice
Facilitate the accomplishments of staff related to student success and professional expectations
Oversee an effective evaluation system for faculty and staff
Participate in all official CSU functions as determined by the president or provost
Develop and maintain a systematic evaluation plan for the CSU’s academic programs to ensure congruence with national standards, professional guidelines or expected competencies and to evaluate program outcomes
Oversee delivery of classes in a manner to achieve cost-effectiveness and meet student and program needs
Oversee college, department and program procedures related to faculty and student success
Ensure compliance with regulatory and accrediting bodies for academic programs (currently SACSCOC for the university)
Provide support for national and statewide student recruitment and retention activities
Attend and participate in professional conferences and meetings on and off campus
Ensure effective management of financial resources (state funding, foundation accounts, etc.) including strategic budget planning which aligns financial needs with the mission and vision of the University
Direct college alumni engagement and fundraising in collaboration with University Advancement
Interact with alumni and community partners to raise funds for the college and university to enhance the reputation of the CSU
Remain current on university, college and department policies and procedures and state and federal regulations affecting higher education