SMU Simmons School of Education and Human Development seeks an exceptional academic leader to serve as the next Associate Dean for Academic Affairs within the Simmons School of Education & Human Development. Reporting to and working with the Dean, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will advance the quality and reputation of the academic programs within the school. The 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 demonstrated 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.
Associate Professor Rank
Candidates must meet the requirements for Assistant Professor, have a minimum of five years at the Associate Professor rank, and qualifications for promotion to Full Professor. Candidates must provide evidence of a productive scholarly record that will qualify for tenure and promotion to full professor 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 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.
Professor Rank
Candidates 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, masters and/or doctoral graduate courses in their areas of expertise, excellent track record of external funding for scholarly activities, and successful mentoring and advising of undergraduate and/or graduate students. Candidates must also have experience working with diverse student populations, and involvement in university and/or professional service.
About SMU and the Simmons School of Education and Human Development
Located near the center of Dallas, SMU is a private university of 11,000 students offering strong undergraduate, graduate and professional programs through seven schools – Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Meadow School of the Arts, Lyle School of Engineering, Perkins School of Theology, Dedman School of Law, and Simmons School of Education and Human Development. Southern Methodist University’s location in Dallas, the fourth largest metropolitan area in the country, is an ideal setting for studying the opportunities and inequities that individuals, groups, and communities confront as they navigate and shape urban life. SMU researchers are part of an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community of internationally recognized scholars committed to diversity, equity and inclusion across the university in education, humanities, science, business, the arts, engineering, law, and theology. SMU is committed to inclusive teaching and opportunities for mentoring diverse students at graduate and undergraduate levels and offers excellent benefits including full same-sex domestic partner benefits. SMU welcomes candidates from all backgrounds. Explore SMU at http://www.smu.edu.
SMU’s Simmons School of Education and Human Development was founded in 2005 and is ranked among the top 11 private graduate schools of education in the United States and among the top 3 of public and private graduate schools of education in Texas. The school has undergraduate and graduate programs across five academic departments, including Applied Physiology and Sport Management, Counseling, Education Policy and Leadership, Human-Centered Interdisciplinary Studies, and Teaching and Learning. In addition, Simmons is home to three school-level centers: The Center on Research and Evaluation, The Budd Center: Involving Communities in Education, and College Access. Comprised of two state-of-the-art academic buildings, the Simmons School has over 80,000 sq. feet of office and classroom spaces, applied physiology labs, and a 21st century teacher development studio to advance the development of pre-service and in-service teachers. The Simmons School promotes excellence by engaging in and disseminating research, securing significant external grants and contracts, preparing exemplary professionals, and collaborating with other schools on campus. The Simmons School of Education & Human Development is a catalyst for discovery and innovation that transforms social conditions and advances human potential through excellence in research, teaching, and community outreach. Find out more at https://www.smu.edu/Simmons
Required qualifications:
- earned doctorate in a field aligned with one of the following departments in Simmons: 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 experiences;
- 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 include: (a) experience developing and/or sustaining collaborative partnerships and interdisciplinary initiatives; (b) leadership experience within higher education by serving in administrative positions such as department chair or program director; (c) evidence of participation/leadership in national scholarly organizations; d) history of obtaining external funding for research; and e) excellence in teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses
To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by October 15, 2024; however, the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. Reference the position number in all documents submitted for application and submit 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 at 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.
SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.
Members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
