University of Arkansas Fort Smith- Dean of College of STEM
Summary
| Title: | University of Arkansas Fort Smith- Dean of College of STEM |
|---|---|
| ID: | 1096 |
Description
Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist the University of Arkansas Fort Smith in their search for a Dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This is a great opportunity to join a friendly, dedicated and passionate faculty in growing and promoting already strong and successful programs with excellent pass and placement rates.
Please be advised that as a result of circumstances surrounding Covid 19- this search has been placed on indefinite hold. Interested applicants may apply and will be notified once the search has resumed.
The successful candidate is a data driven, strategic leader skilled in building and supporting diverse disciplines across a College. The Dean is an effective, engaging, outward-facing leader with a track record of fostering productive relationships within the University as well as with the community, donors, and advisory boards.
Following a significant investment in research, the next Dean will nurture and develop growth in research, grants and overall professional development in an energized and motivated faculty. The dean is expected to be a passionate advocate for students with demonstrable success in recruitment and retention.
The Dean is responsible for providing strategic and administrative leadership to the College of STEM and the School of Education.
The Dean will be committed to excellence and innovation with the ability to champion the disciplines within the college, work collaboratively on initiatives with the other colleges, and engage external stakeholders. S/he is expected to play an active role in the strategic direction of the University. The successful candidate will also have a demonstrated ability to navigate academic administration with exceptional interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, advocacy skills, and a proven commitment to cross-cultural competencies, intercultural sensitivities, and collegial governance. The ideal candidate will possess a record of successful scholarship, demonstrated experience and expertise with curricular development and innovation, and experience with program and university accreditation.
The College of STEM is at an important and exciting juncture. A STEM Living Learning Community, an Americorps Jumpstart program, the pioneering, intensive year-long paid teacher internship program in Arkansas, and the Lion Launch Pad initiative-in which all incoming STEM and School of Education freshmen receive an iPad to be leveraged for mobile digital learning-are just a year old. Over the past four years, the College has purchased almost $1,000,000 in industry-standard instrumentation for teaching and research, and grantsmanship is up by over 300%. It has also upgraded classrooms and laboratories in support of mobile digital learning. Students are eager and engaged, and the faculty are dedicated to thoughtful and robust inquiry and teaching. Several programs are in active pursuit of external accreditation. New programming, expansion of strategic partnerships with stakeholders, and a commitment to shared governance within a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment will provide the successful candidate the opportunity to help shape the future of the College of STEM.
Reporting to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Dean leads a robust team consisting of an Associate Dean, an Assistant to the Dean, four Department Heads, and two Executive Directors. S/he works in collaboration with faculty, staff, and key stakeholders to implement and advance the University’s academic and research goals, and other associated initiatives and priorities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
About the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith:
The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith offers a rich, vibrant learning environment for nearly 7,000 students each semester. Small class sizes allow students the opportunity to collaborate with their professors and peers and develop life-long professional connections with faculty who are experts in their fields.
UAFS’ beautiful 170-acre campus features 20 major buildings and the Donald W. Reynolds Campus Plaza, Tower, and Campus Green. The University opened a 58,000 square-foot visual arts facility in the fall of 2015. A student-supported recreation and wellness center, featuring a rock-climbing wall, basketball, and volleyball courts, and state-of-the-art equipment, opened in the fall of 2016. Such projects initiated the 15-year transformation of the campus in accordance with the University’s updated master plan. These two buildings complement the University's top-notch amenities across campus, including a newly renovated library that boasts expansive areas for student use and vast collections of literature and academic resources.
With more than 60% of students arriving at UAFS from Sebastian and Crawford counties, the university is uniquely involved in the development of the region and exceptionally dedicated to advancing its quality of place.
UAFS aims to build its reputation as a regional destination for high-quality, affordable education, where diverse groups of aspirational students and faculty thrive and excel.
UAFS offers 51 bachelor’s and associate degrees, two master’s degrees, and 36 certificate programs, all aimed at preparing students to explore, innovate, and compete in the global workforce. An intentional focus on increasing evening, weekend, and online course options has afforded more access to adult learners, full time working students, and military and veteran students.
With state-of-the-art on-campus and digital-learning facilities, industry-standard training instrumentation, and cutting-edge research technology, UAFS offers students up-to-date, hands-on education focused on the future.
From application to commencement, UAFS also offers unrivaled support for students through comprehensive, one-on-one academic advising, innovative preemptive student support analysis, and a student-centered philosophy that has defined the institution since its founding in 1928.
About the College of STEM:
The College of STEM houses the departments of (1) Biological Sciences which offers a BS in Biology, (2) Physical Sciences which houses BS degrees in Chemistry and Geosciences, (3) Computer & Information Sciences and Engineering with a BS in Information Technology (soon to be Computer Sciences) and Associate degrees in Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering as part of a [2+2] program with the flagship University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, (4) Mathematics with a BS in Mathematics. The college is home to the School of Education, which offers the Master of Education and baccalaureate degrees in Elementary Education and Middle Childhood Education and collaborates with Teacher Licensure programs across multiple areas. Endorsements, certificates, and Associate degrees, including Pre School, are also offered. The Office of P-20 Collaboration, comprised of the STEM Education Center and the Educational Renewal Zone is also part of the college of STEM. The college serves 1,100 majors and has 65 faculty.
Living in the Area:
Located on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border and situated in a region of lakes, Fort Smith is the second-largest city in Arkansas and features a vast array of cultural activities, shopping, dining, and entertainment, including a thriving downtown entertainment district. Parks, trails, and water recreation are all within the city limits, and true outdoor enthusiasts will find the area’s lakes, streams, and mountains offer adventure only minutes away from campus. Fort Smith was recently named by Forbes as the number one city in America for cost of living, and a top city in the nation for highest-paying tech jobs. The city is within easy driving distance of Tulsa, Kansas City, Dallas, Little Rock, and Memphis.
Submitting Your Application:
For best consideration, applications should be received by March 23, 2020. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and CV.
Inquiries and nominations are treated confidentially and can be sent to Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner with Academic Career & Executive Search: Jennifer@Acesrch.com or call 860-740-2600.
Affirmative Action Statement. The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution, dedicated to attracting and supporting diverse student, faculty, and staff populations. The University welcomes applications without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
Please be advised that as a result of circumstances surrounding Covid 19- this search has been placed on indefinite hold. Interested applicants may apply and will be notified once the search has resumed.
The successful candidate is a data driven, strategic leader skilled in building and supporting diverse disciplines across a College. The Dean is an effective, engaging, outward-facing leader with a track record of fostering productive relationships within the University as well as with the community, donors, and advisory boards.
Following a significant investment in research, the next Dean will nurture and develop growth in research, grants and overall professional development in an energized and motivated faculty. The dean is expected to be a passionate advocate for students with demonstrable success in recruitment and retention.
The Dean is responsible for providing strategic and administrative leadership to the College of STEM and the School of Education.
The Dean will be committed to excellence and innovation with the ability to champion the disciplines within the college, work collaboratively on initiatives with the other colleges, and engage external stakeholders. S/he is expected to play an active role in the strategic direction of the University. The successful candidate will also have a demonstrated ability to navigate academic administration with exceptional interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, advocacy skills, and a proven commitment to cross-cultural competencies, intercultural sensitivities, and collegial governance. The ideal candidate will possess a record of successful scholarship, demonstrated experience and expertise with curricular development and innovation, and experience with program and university accreditation.
The College of STEM is at an important and exciting juncture. A STEM Living Learning Community, an Americorps Jumpstart program, the pioneering, intensive year-long paid teacher internship program in Arkansas, and the Lion Launch Pad initiative-in which all incoming STEM and School of Education freshmen receive an iPad to be leveraged for mobile digital learning-are just a year old. Over the past four years, the College has purchased almost $1,000,000 in industry-standard instrumentation for teaching and research, and grantsmanship is up by over 300%. It has also upgraded classrooms and laboratories in support of mobile digital learning. Students are eager and engaged, and the faculty are dedicated to thoughtful and robust inquiry and teaching. Several programs are in active pursuit of external accreditation. New programming, expansion of strategic partnerships with stakeholders, and a commitment to shared governance within a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment will provide the successful candidate the opportunity to help shape the future of the College of STEM.
Reporting to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Dean leads a robust team consisting of an Associate Dean, an Assistant to the Dean, four Department Heads, and two Executive Directors. S/he works in collaboration with faculty, staff, and key stakeholders to implement and advance the University’s academic and research goals, and other associated initiatives and priorities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- (30%) Provide leadership and guidance for administrators, faculty, staff, and students in the college
- (20%) Develop and execute goals, objectives, and priorities for the college
- (10%) Develop and maintain partnerships and collaborations with community agencies
- (10%) Monitor accreditation, program reviews, curriculum and program development, and assessment activities
- (10%) Participate in efforts to recruit and retain a diverse student body and faculty
- (5%) Lead the implementation of academic and university policies as applicable to students, faculty, and staff
- (5%) Lead and participate in professional development activities supportive of the needs of the college
- (5%) Manage resources responsibly
- (5%) Miscellaneous to include attending Deans’ Council and other meetings and work representing the University.
- Doctoral degree in a STEM field
- Experience as a dean or associate dean, or minimum five years of experience as a department head or related higher education administration experience
- Credentials appropriate for faculty rank of full professor within the college
- A record of successful grantsmanship and research with undergraduate students
- Expertise in modern learning and student support strategies
- Understanding of mission and scope of a regional teaching-focused institution
- Record of successful collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to understand and work across a diversity of disciplines
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrated problem solving ability
- Familiarity with budgets and budgeting in the academic setting
- Strong leadership skills with a history of developing and maintaining high performing teams and providing direction and mentorship for direct reports
- Ability to develop successful relationship with vendors, other agencies, institutions and the general public
About the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith:
The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith offers a rich, vibrant learning environment for nearly 7,000 students each semester. Small class sizes allow students the opportunity to collaborate with their professors and peers and develop life-long professional connections with faculty who are experts in their fields.
UAFS’ beautiful 170-acre campus features 20 major buildings and the Donald W. Reynolds Campus Plaza, Tower, and Campus Green. The University opened a 58,000 square-foot visual arts facility in the fall of 2015. A student-supported recreation and wellness center, featuring a rock-climbing wall, basketball, and volleyball courts, and state-of-the-art equipment, opened in the fall of 2016. Such projects initiated the 15-year transformation of the campus in accordance with the University’s updated master plan. These two buildings complement the University's top-notch amenities across campus, including a newly renovated library that boasts expansive areas for student use and vast collections of literature and academic resources.
With more than 60% of students arriving at UAFS from Sebastian and Crawford counties, the university is uniquely involved in the development of the region and exceptionally dedicated to advancing its quality of place.
UAFS aims to build its reputation as a regional destination for high-quality, affordable education, where diverse groups of aspirational students and faculty thrive and excel.
UAFS offers 51 bachelor’s and associate degrees, two master’s degrees, and 36 certificate programs, all aimed at preparing students to explore, innovate, and compete in the global workforce. An intentional focus on increasing evening, weekend, and online course options has afforded more access to adult learners, full time working students, and military and veteran students.
With state-of-the-art on-campus and digital-learning facilities, industry-standard training instrumentation, and cutting-edge research technology, UAFS offers students up-to-date, hands-on education focused on the future.
From application to commencement, UAFS also offers unrivaled support for students through comprehensive, one-on-one academic advising, innovative preemptive student support analysis, and a student-centered philosophy that has defined the institution since its founding in 1928.
About the College of STEM:
The College of STEM houses the departments of (1) Biological Sciences which offers a BS in Biology, (2) Physical Sciences which houses BS degrees in Chemistry and Geosciences, (3) Computer & Information Sciences and Engineering with a BS in Information Technology (soon to be Computer Sciences) and Associate degrees in Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering as part of a [2+2] program with the flagship University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, (4) Mathematics with a BS in Mathematics. The college is home to the School of Education, which offers the Master of Education and baccalaureate degrees in Elementary Education and Middle Childhood Education and collaborates with Teacher Licensure programs across multiple areas. Endorsements, certificates, and Associate degrees, including Pre School, are also offered. The Office of P-20 Collaboration, comprised of the STEM Education Center and the Educational Renewal Zone is also part of the college of STEM. The college serves 1,100 majors and has 65 faculty.
Living in the Area:
Located on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border and situated in a region of lakes, Fort Smith is the second-largest city in Arkansas and features a vast array of cultural activities, shopping, dining, and entertainment, including a thriving downtown entertainment district. Parks, trails, and water recreation are all within the city limits, and true outdoor enthusiasts will find the area’s lakes, streams, and mountains offer adventure only minutes away from campus. Fort Smith was recently named by Forbes as the number one city in America for cost of living, and a top city in the nation for highest-paying tech jobs. The city is within easy driving distance of Tulsa, Kansas City, Dallas, Little Rock, and Memphis.
Submitting Your Application:
For best consideration, applications should be received by March 23, 2020. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and CV.
Inquiries and nominations are treated confidentially and can be sent to Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner with Academic Career & Executive Search: Jennifer@Acesrch.com or call 860-740-2600.
Affirmative Action Statement. The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution, dedicated to attracting and supporting diverse student, faculty, and staff populations. The University welcomes applications without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
This opening is closed and is no longer accepting applications
