Posting Details
Come and join the Bearkat community!
Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.
SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.
Posting Information
This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.
Requisition 202600019ES Title Dean of College - COE FLSA status Exempt Hiring Salary
Commensurate with education and experience.
Department Office of the Dean - College of Education Division Division of Academic Affairs Open Date 06/10/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Educational and Experience Requirement
Earned doctorate in one of the disciplines represented within the College of Education. Proven experience with a record of scholarly and professional achievement that merits appointment as a full professor with tenure; prior experience as a faculty member at a college or university; demonstrated administrative academic and financial expertise; competent leadership; and communication skills necessary to promote positive collaborations with academics, practitioners, public officials, and the student body. A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.
Nature & Purpose of Position
Responsible for setting strategic, operational, and financial directions. Develops an effective collegial environment and supports excellence in teaching, research and service; facilitates collaboration between faculty members and among programs within the College and University; coordinates the College's efforts with schools, corporations, other universities and communities, and state, federal, and international agencies; and engages faculty, staff and students in developing a shared plan for the future of the College and defining its role within the broader mission of the University.
Primary Responsibilities
Provides strategic leadership for the College of Education, including the development and implementation of long- and short-range plans aligned with the college's mission and the university's priorities. Represents the college across the university and externally, serving as an advocate in academic and administrative forums as assigned by the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and President Contributes to institutional governance through active participation on multiple university committees. Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and university policies, and administers agreements with external agencies. Oversees all centers within the college. Leads academic program development and innovation, including the creation and delivery of programs in multiple modalities to meet evolving student needs. Promotes continuous curriculum review and improvement in collaboration with faculty and college committees and fosters interdisciplinary initiatives with other academic units. Advances the college's research enterprise and enrollment growth, while cultivating an intellectual, collaborative environment that supports employee development and success. Encourages and supports the pursuit of external funding through grants, contracts, and philanthropic opportunities. Provides fiscal and administrative leadership, including developing budget recommendations and ensuring effective resource allocation and budget control. Makes recommendations to the provost regarding faculty and staff employment, retention, and personnel actions. Strengthens communication and collaboration within the college and across the university, including coordination with department chairs, faculty, advisory committees, and external stakeholders. Represents the college in partnerships with other institutions, as well as business and industry, to advance strategic initiatives. Oversees all aspects of student-related operations within the college to ensure a student-centered approach to service delivery. General responsibilities include allocating and supervising disbursement of funds; transparency of goals, strategies, and programs into impactful work assignments and professional development; planning and implementing curricula and schedules; recruiting faculty; recommending faculty promotions, retentions, dismissals, and salaries after consultation with appropriate committees and chairpersons. Performs other related duties as assigned.
A forward-thinking leader with demonstrated experience across a wide range of educational programs and a proven record of effective academic leadership, including program development, research support, strategic resource management, and operational oversight. Brings the ability to anticipate and articulate a clear vision for future academic programming, with an understanding of emerging program needs and opportunities for the college. Possess effective communication and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to engage collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners. Demonstrates the capacity to lead across complex organizational structures, fostering coordination among units and promoting a culture of collaboration and innovation. Values creativity and supports environments that encourage innovative ideas and continuous improvement. Demonstrates a sustained record of achievement in strategic planning, advancement/development efforts, alumni engagement, and community partnership development. Offers experience in building and sustaining productive relationships with external stakeholders across educational, public, and private sectors, along with collaboration with local education agencies, independent school districts, and other K-12 partners. Possess the ability to leverage these partnerships to support educator preparation, research initiatives, and competitive grant development, including securing letters of support and facilitating district engagement. Has successfully guided academic units through accreditation processes and understands the expectations associated with maintaining program quality and compliance. Experienced in overseeing doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate programs, as well as educator certification requirements, with a comprehensive understanding of broad-based academic program administration.
This position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).
Other Specifications
Further details can be found here: https://www.academicsearch.org/open-searches-public/entry/25306/?search=25306
How to Apply
The position is open until it is filled, but applications received by Wednesday, August 19, 2026, will be given full consideration. Applications should include: 1) a detailed letter of interest; 2) a current curriculum vitae (CV); and 3) a list of five professional references with contact information. References will not be contacted without explicit permission from the candidate. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be sent in confidence to: SHSUEducationDean@academicsearch.org.
Sam Houston State University is being assisted by Academic Search. Confidential discussions may be arranged by contacting Chris Butler (chris.butler@academicsearch.org).
Full Time Part Time Full Time Position Number Quicklink https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/47512
EEO Statement
EEO Statement
Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an "at will" employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
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Screening Questions
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