Dean - College of Education and Human Sciences

Dean - College of Education and Human Sciences

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Dean - College of Education and Human Sciences.

Position Details Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States Division College of Education and Human Sciences Position Type Administrative Faculty Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded No Pay Grade

Generic Grade

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should submit a cover letter addressing their qualifications and interest in the dean position, a current curriculum vitae, a brief statement of leadership philosophy and experience, and contact information for three professional references. For full consideration, applications must be submitted by January 6, 2027. Additional materials may be requested at a later date. Questions may be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Chris Winstead (Chris.Winstead@usm.edu).

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Dean provides administrative oversight and leadership for the college, serving as its chief executive and academic officer as it grows and evolves to meet the educational needs of the University. As a collaborative leader, the Dean works alongside School Directors and faculty to champion student success and faculty achievement across teaching, research, creative activity, service, and economic development. The role offers the opportunity to shape the college''s future while balancing strategic growth with responsible resource management.

Offering a number of highly ranked and nationally accredited programs, the College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS) is home to six thriving schools, including the schools of Education, Human Development and Family Science, Kinesiology and Nutrition, Library and Information Science, Psychology, and Social Work. CEHS prepares both traditional and non-traditional students with innovative curricula and field experiences through our 12 undergraduate and 20 graduate programs across Hattiesburg, Gulf Park (GP), and online campuses.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides leadership for and management of the college''s day-to-day operations, including active engagement in shared governance, oversight of faculty and staff recruitment, strategic workload management, and the promotion of organizational alignment and effectiveness across Schools and Colleges.
• Ensures adherence to institutional principles regarding allocation and oversight of facility, fiscal, and personnel resources within the college.
• Oversees faculty and staff personnel actions, including evaluation, retention, promotion, tenure, and advocates for competitive compensation to support the recruitment and retention of high-quality personnel.
• Leads and participates in the college''s strategic planning and continuous improvement, including curriculum, teaching and learning, scholarship, professional and fiscal development.
• Leads the development of internal and external relationships for support of the college''s teaching, scholarship, and strategic growth through partnerships, donations, and grants.
• Represents the college at the University level and coordinates effectively with other divisions of the University and performs other duties as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

An earned doctorate in a discipline represented in or closely related to those represented in the college.

Earned tenure and rank of full professor, or eligibility for promotion to full professor upon appointment consistent with the established promotion criteria in the unit and program of appointment.

Demonstrated success in higher education leadership and administration of an operational unit at the chair level or above, including oversight of budgets, personnel, and complex organizational operations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strategic Leadership and Organizational Acumen

Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of higher education, including academic affairs, enrollment trends, accreditation, shared governance, and the external environment affecting colleges and universities. Demonstrates strategic thinking and aligns college priorities, resources, and initiatives with the University''s mission and strategic plan. Actively seeks relevant information, data, expertise, and perspectives to evaluate complex issues and make informed decisions that advance long-term institutional goals.

• Academic Leadership and Professional Expertise

Demonstrates a record of achievement in teaching, scholarship, creative activity, and service sufficient to earn the respect and confidence of faculty and academic leaders. Maintains current knowledge of emerging trends, best practices, and innovations relevant to education, human sciences, and higher education. Supports academic excellence and student success through continuous improvement and evidence-based decision making.

• Operational and Resource Management

Effectively manages personnel, financial, physical, and technological resources to advance the college''s mission and strategic priorities. Demonstrates strong planning, organizational, and project management skills. Uses data and assessment results to evaluate opportunities, allocate resources, and achieve desired outcomes while maintaining accountability and operational effectiveness.

• Communication and Advocacy

Communicates clearly, professionally, and effectively with diverse internal and external constituencies. Demonstrates strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Listens actively, fosters open dialogue, and promotes transparency in decision making. Effectively advocates for the college, its faculty, staff, students, and programs.

• Relationship Building and Collaboration

Builds and sustains productive relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, community partners, industry leaders, donors, and university leadership. Demonstrates the ability to foster collaboration across academic and administrative units. Establishes credibility and trust through ethical leadership, integrity, and mutual respect.

• Leadership and Talent Development

Provides visionary, collaborative, and inclusive leadership. Creates an environment that supports faculty and staff success through mentoring, professional development, succession planning, and recognition of achievement. Establishes clear expectations, promotes accountability, manages change effectively, and inspires a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior successful experience working with various accreditation bodies (e.g., The Commission on Colleges and Universities, CAEP, APA).

Experience with community partnerships, industry engagement, and alumni relations.

Demonstrated oversight of traditional, online, hybrid, or innovative academic programs.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation''s leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.