Internal–Academic Dean, College of Arts and Education

Job Summary

The Academic Dean is responsible for providing academic vision, leadership, and strategic direction to enhance the quality and reputation of the College. Reporting to the VPAA, the Academic Dean oversees the development and administration of academic policies, curriculum, faculty, and student success initiatives. This role involves collaboration with faculty, staff, and other administrative leaders to achieve the institution's academic goals and objectives.

Responsibilities

• ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Academic Leadership: Provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the College. Enhances the quality and reputation of academic programs. Fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment that promotes academic excellence and innovation.
• Curriculum and Program Support: Leads faculty in regular reviews of curricular offerings to ensure fulfillment accreditation requirements, employer expectations, and academic standards. Oversees the development of new courses and programs to meet the changing needs of the College and community.
• Class Scheduling: Develops effective semester class schedules; monitors teaching loads and faculty assignments.
• Syllabi Review: Review instructors’ syllabi prior to the start of each semester; provide recommendations for revisions in accordance with syllabi standards.
• Faculty Development and Support: Recruits, hires, and retains highly qualified faculty members. Provides professional development opportunities and support for faculty. Conducts annual performance reviews and provides constructive feedback. Promotes effective teaching and learning strategies.
• Student Success and Support: Ensures faculty use student reporting tools and procedures to support student success initiatives. Advocates for and supports student success programs and services. Promotes a positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Coordinates the development and implementation of assessment activities for the College. Works with the assessment coordinator to lead faculty in program improvements.
• Engagement: Encourages faculty, staff, and student engagement, participation, collegiality, and innovation.
• Visibility: Represents the College at various campus functions (New Student Orientation; Enrollment Clinics; Move-In Days; etc.)
• Conflict Resolution: Arbitrates disputes between instructors or between instructors and students.
• Advising and Recruitment: Is accessible to students year-round for advising. Ensures degree plans are updated annually. Coordinates faculty and student recruitment strategies and efforts.
• Office hours: Maintains administrative office hours on campus in addition to the 10 minimum weekly office hours per week.
• Performance: Shows initiative in completing all departmental tasks and proactively manages their responsibilities.
• Operations: Supervises the operations of the College.
• Budget and Resource Management: Develops and manages the College’s budget. Recommends appropriate expenditures to the VPFA. Assists with planning and supervising resource development activities.
• Strategic Planning: Works with the VPAA and faculty to develop short-term, intermediate, and long-range planning. Prepares annual reports summarizing accomplishments, goals met, and future objectives.
• Website and infrastructure Management: Ensures College webpages are updated regularly. Ensures the maintenance, updating, replacement, or repair of classroom furniture and specialized instructional equipment.
• Professional and Physical Requirements:
• Must have a strong work ethic and lead by example.
• Must be a professional, credible, and respected representative of the institution internally and in the community.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to act ethically and socially responsibly.
• Communicates in a courteous manner.
• Must be able to lift more than 25-lb. objects; frequent bending, stooping, and walking.
• Can be exposed to a variety of weather conditions for periods of time.
• Other duties: Perform other duties as assigned by the VPAA. The omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree is required. Doctorate degree is preferred.
• Accessible, resourceful, and effective problem-solver who works well under pressure
• Demonstrates initiative, understands urgency, and meets deadlines.
• Works effectively and cooperatively with College and University administrators.
• Inspires students and faculty, achieving success through positive teamwork.
• Exhibits excitement about OPSU and its goals for enrollment, retention, and graduation rates.

About Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU): OPSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is the first public Hispanic Serving Institution in Oklahoma. The university is a baccalaureate degree granting institution located in Goodwell, Oklahoma. Rooted in “Progress through Knowledge,” OPSU is committed to promoting excellence in the preparation of students for success in a global community. Our university achieved multiple rankings by the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings: #3 Best Value Regional Colleges West; #8 Top Public Colleges for the Western Region; and #17 Best Regional Colleges West. U.S New and World Report also recognized OPSU as one of the top ten universities in Oklahoma, standing out of our affordable tuition rates.