Dean of the College of Education and Human Development Salary $165,000.00 - $205,000.00 Annually
Location: Governors State University, IL
Job Type: Administrative & Professional
Job Number: AP2026001
Division: Provost
Department: Office of the Provost
Opening Date: 02/04/2026
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 0
Description Governors State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). We seek a visionary, dynamic, and collaborative leader who will build upon the Colleges commitment to high-quality instruction, impactful research, and community engagement in Chicagos Southland and beyond.
Governors State University is the only regional, public, comprehensive university in Chicagos south suburban area, serving approximately 4,500 students. GovState provides affordable and accessible undergraduate and graduate education to culturally and economically diverse students with undergraduate tuition that is the most affordable in the state.
Established in 1969, GovState emphasizes excellence, access, and innovation. Students benefit from the universitys high academic quality, range of convenient class times, increasing hybrid and online, and off-campus offerings, and outstanding educational value. GovState is committed to securing and maintaining academic accreditation for programs where accreditation is available.
Furthermore, GovState seeks to become a national leader in the successful transfer of community college students to universities and recently introduced the Dual Degree Program with features such as tuition lock-in at GovState for academically eligible community college students who commit to earn an Associate Degree and attend college full-time.
The campus, conveniently located in University Park, Illinois, is characterized by the quiet of its scenic 760 acre campus amidst vigorous suburban and business growth, towns of character and interest, along with Metra access to the vibrancy of the Chicago Loop, just 35 miles away. The campus and surrounding community enjoy the excellent cultural offerings of Governors State Universitys Center for Performing Arts, as well as its acclaimed Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park.
The CEHD offers undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree programs across academic departments, preparing professionals in areas such as education, leadership, counseling, and psychology. The College offers Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Specialist Degree, a Doctor of Philosophy and a Doctor of Education degree.
The Opportunity
The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the College of Education and Human Development, reporting to the Provost and Senior Vice President. The Dean will lead the Colleges mission to offer diverse programs that provide professional preparation to improve the lives of students, clients, and communities. Within the College are two Divisions, the Family Development Center a counseling center, literacy zone, the Office of Educator Preparation, a research lab, and an electronic journal.
Essential Responsibilities
The Dean will provide strategic, fiscal, and administrative leadership, including but not limited to:
• Strategic Leadership: Provide visionary leadership to define and implement a strategic direction for the college that supports GOVSTATEs mission and goals. • Academic Oversight: Oversee the planning, development, review, and evaluation of all academic programs, ensuring academic excellence and accreditation compliance (e.g., CAEP and CACREP). • Research and Scholarship: Champion the expansion of research, creative activity, and scholarly output, seeking and providing resources for faculty and students. • Faculty and Staff Management: Recruit, retain, and support diverse and outstanding faculty and staff. Ensure fair administration of promotion, tenure, and annual review processes. • Fiscal Responsibility: Develop, manage, and monitor the Colleges financial resources, aligning budget planning with strategic priorities and enrollment trends. • Advancement and External Relations: Promote and advocate for the Colleges interests, cultivating effective relationships with advisory boards, external agencies, and alumni. Lead fundraising strategies and secure external funding, including grants, to enhance the Colleges programs. • Student Success: Lead strategies to attract and retain an inclusive student population, monitoring student success metrics and promoting career readiness. • Inclusivity: Foster a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes collegiality, academic integrity, and ongoing professional growth. Demonstrate a commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the College.
Required and Preferred Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
• Terminal degree (e.g., Doctorate/Ph.D.) in an education or human development field represented within the College or a related discipline. • Distinguished record in teaching, research/creative activity, and professional service sufficient to merit appointment as a tenured full professor. • Substantial administrative experience demonstrating effective management of budgets and personnel, and progressive leadership experience. • Demonstrated experience with program accreditation (e.g., CAEP, CACREP). • A clear commitment to the principles of equity and inclusion, and evidence of success in fostering a diverse environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Three or more years' experience as a 12-month administrator in a college or University. • Demonstrated experience in the successful acquisition and management of large federal, state, or private foundation grants. • Documented experience in securing significant gifts and donations from individual, corporate, or foundation sources.
Supplemental Information
Please attach the following to your application:
• Cover letter of interest • Curriculum vitae • Transcripts • Three professional references with current contact information
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For priority consideration, a complete application should be submitted by March 6, 2026.
Governors State University is committed to building a diverse and inclusive academic community.
Governors State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position qualifies for an expansive suite of fringe benefits including, various insurance options, paid time off, retirement and investment options, and tuition waivers. Visit: https://www.govst.edu/benefits/.