Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

SMU Simmons School of Education and Human Development seeks an exceptional academic leader to serve as the next Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Reporting to and working with the Dean, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs advances the quality and reputation of the academic programs within the school. A successful candidate will be an established scholar, teacher, and leader in a field of study of the school appropriate to the rank of advanced associate or full professor (with tenure) and with a proven commitment in proactively supporting efforts towards equity and inclusion. Per Simmons’ workload policy, Associate Deans have a 50% administrative commitment with the remaining 50% devoted to teaching, research, and professional service which is expected and supported.

The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will have experience in providing strategic, inspiring, and consensus-building leadership to an academic unit. The Associate Dean works to advance the quality and integrity of academic programs, implementing processes and procedures to support accreditation, overseeing educator preparation and certification, and leading faculty professional development and clinical faculty promotion. Further, the Associate Dean provides leadership and oversight to academic affairs matters including the curriculum committee, budgeting, course scheduling, new course and program development, and supporting the West Dallas STEM School initiative.

An Associate Dean of Associate Professor rank must show five years of experience at the Associate Professor rank. Candidates must provide evidence of a productive scholarly record that qualifies for tenure and promotion to full professor in one of the three research departments in Simmons: Teaching and Learning, Education Policy and Leadership, or Applied Physiology and Sport Management. In addition, candidates must show evidence of an externally funded research program; a publication record demonstrating sustained excellence in nationally recognized top-tier peer-reviewed journals; experience teaching graduate and/or undergraduate level courses and advising and mentoring students; history of working with diverse student populations; and previous involvement in varied service activities.

An Associate Dean of Professor rank must meet the requirements and qualifications for Professor with tenure rank. Candidates must provide evidence of sustained excellence in scholarly activity in recognized top-tier peer-reviewed journals that merits tenure and full professor rank in one of the three research departments in Simmons: Teaching and Learning, Educational Policy and Leadership, or Applied Physiology and Sport Management. In addition, candidates should have teaching experience in higher education, including undergraduate, master’s, and/or doctoral courses in their areas of expertise; an excellent track record of external funding for scholarly activities; and experience in successfully mentoring and advising undergraduate and/or graduate students. Candidates must also demonstrate experience working with diverse student populations and involvement in university and/or professional service.

Required qualifications
earned doctorate in a field aligned with one of the following Simmons departments: Applied Physiology and Sport Management, Teaching and Learning, or Education Policy and Leadership;
demonstrated and ongoing record of scholarly work commensurate with rank of advanced associate or full professor with tenure;
leadership ability developed through prior experience;
demonstrated mentorship of graduate students and/or faculty;
experience with curriculum and program development;
experience with accreditation and/or licensure;
demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion;
excellence in teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses.
Preferred qualifications
experience developing and/or sustaining collaborative partnerships and interdisciplinary initiatives;
leadership experience within higher education by serving in administrative positions such as department chair or program director;
evidence of participation/leadership in national scholarly organizations;
history of obtaining external funding for research; and
excellence in teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses

Application Process
To ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted by October 15, 2024, although the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. Reference position number “52417” in all documents submitted for application and include the following: (1) cover letter outlining research, teaching, and administrative experience; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) copies of two representative scholarly publications; and (4) the names, affiliations, and contact information for three references. References will only be contacted if the candidate advances to the on-campus interview stage. All materials should be submitted electronically through Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/154173).

For questions about the department or position, contact Dr. Anthony Petrosino, Search Committee Chair. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check. The start date for this position is no later than August 1, 2025. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.