Dean of the Graduate School of Theology

Abilene Christian University•Abilene, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Abilene Christian University (ACU), affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ, is seeking a Dean of the Graduate School of Theology (GST). This role requires the candidate to be a professing Christian and an active, faithful member of a congregation of the Churches of Christ, willing to support the university's Christian mission. The Dean will provide academic leadership, ensure faculty, staff, and student success, manage financial and operational aspects, and represent the university. Applications are open until September 17, 2026.

Requirements

Terminal degree in relevant discipline (Bible, Theology, Ministry, Christian Education, etc.)
Record of scholarly excellence and effective higher education leadership.
Demonstrated experience in academic administration, including budgeting, personnel and strategic planning.
Understanding of current trends in theological education, ministry preparation and church engagement.
Must be a professing Christian and an active, faithful member of a congregation of the Churches of Christ.
Willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of the university.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading graduate theological or ministry programs.
Track record of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in curriculum design.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain high energy.
Flexibility for travel, extended hours and weekend engagements as needed.
Capacity to work on-site regularly and represent ACU in various professional and congregational settings.

Responsibilities

Develop and regularly review the GST’s academic vision and strategic plan with faculty and the CBS dean.
Lead curriculum, academic programs, and academic standards.
Guide the development and innovation of residential and online programs.
Ensure programs are rigorous, distinctive, and responsive to students, churches, and ministry organizations.
Maintain strong faculty qualifications and student learning outcomes.
Collaborate across the university to advance GST priorities and opportunities.
Supervise, support, develop, and evaluate GST faculty and staff.
Recruit and retain mission-aligned faculty and staff in collaboration with appropriate university partners.
Promote excellence in faculty teaching, scholarship, and professional development.
Oversee student affairs and support students’ academic, spiritual, and vocational formation.
Strengthen advising, mentoring, student services, scholarships, persistence, and completion.
Foster a supportive community that promotes student belonging, development, and preparation for service.
Lead and coordinate recruitment, admissions, and enrollment efforts to support GST programs and students.
Ensure compliance with ATS and SACSCOC accreditation standards and reporting requirements.
Oversee assessment of curriculum, faculty qualifications, and student learning outcomes.
Use assessment and accreditation findings to support continuous improvement.
Coordinate the GST budget in partnership with the CBS dean, chief executive officer of the GST, and university leadership.
Manage the deployment of GST academic and operating resources.
Identify and address annual funding and resource needs.
Represent the GST in university governance, accreditation, advisory, and external academic networks.
Support development efforts related to GST academic programs, research, grants, and external partnerships.
Maintain a collaborative and transparent partnership with the CBS dean and other university leadership.
Engage alumni, donors, and external constituencies where appropriate to advance GST priorities.