National Search for Two New University Deans

Published: September 25, 2017 | Author: Miles Anderson | Read Time: 4 minutes

Southern Utah University has launched a national search for the dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the dean of the School of Business.

The University hired Myers McRae, a nationally respected executive search and consulting firm, to assist in the nation-wide search for highly qualified applicants to fill these integral positions.

Committees have been formed to head up the search with Shawn Christiansen, dean of the College of Education and Human Development, as the chair of the HSS search committee and Steven Meredith, assistant to the president for Institutional Effectiveness, as the chair of the School of Business search committee. Both committees invite applications, nominations, and expressions of interest.

Humanities and Social Sciences Search

“The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is a dynamic and growing college with over 1,400 students enrolled and represented by seven departments,” said Christiansen. “Our hiring committee is especially focused on finding applicants who are experts in high-impact learning practices and fit with our focus on innovative and engaged experiential learning.”

Some of the responsibilities of this position will include:

• Representing and advocating for the students, faculty and programs of the College.
• Promoting diversity and effective interaction within a multicultural environment.
• Overseeing the review of the academic programs in the college.
• Taking responsibility for budgets and financial sustainability of the college.
• Supporting and seeking funds for the research and scholarly work of the faculty and students in the College.
• Representing the College in the Dean’s Council and in other governance venues of the University.
• Implementing student success strategies to support student completion of degrees.

In order to meet the expectations of these responsibilities, the qualifications of the individual to fill this position includes having an earned doctorate in a discipline within the College, a minimum five years of full-time teaching experience in higher education, and three to five years of higher education management experience, preferably at the level of department chair or above. Other qualifications include:

• Superb interpersonal abilities.
• Fiscal management experience.
• Experience with emerging technologies, including online instruction.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and interpersonal.

School of Business Search

“Conducting a national search for this critical position will further increase the reputation of both the School of Business and the University,” said Meredith. “The dean of Business will be an important leader for both the institution and our community as SUU looks to strengthen its role as an economic driver for southwestern Utah. Most importantly, we will look to the new dean to take the lead in providing new educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for our students that will better prepare them for the jobs of the global economy.”

The dean will be responsible for all functions and matters relating to the School of Business which currently serves over 1,000 students. A few of those responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the alignment of the School with the University vision and mission.
• Implementing and supporting high impact learning practices within the School.
• Nurturing industry relationships that provide student internships, graduate career opportunities, scholarships, and other fundraising prospects.
• Crafting marketing strategies to promote the School of Business.
• Fostering existing and new international partnerships and opportunities.

The qualifications for this position require applicants to have an earned terminal degree preferably in a business field from an AACSB institution - an international accreditation held by four undergraduate degree programs at SUU. There is also a strong preference for candidates with experience promoting entrepreneurship and economic development - a focus of SUU’s Business Program. Additional requirements include:

• A strong track record of higher education leadership.
• Experience with AACSB accreditation processes.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to build a collaborative environment within the school and across the community.
• Demonstrated fundraising skills.
• Ability to promote experiential learning and student success strategies.

The new business dean will also have the unique opportunity to come into a program that will have a 42,000 square foot, state-of-the-art building dedicated within months of assuming the position. The completion date of the new business building is expected to be in the fall of 2018 and stands as a clear indicator of SUU’s commitment to an innovative, entrepreneurial, and collaborative environment for business students.

 

The key to SUU’s success is an unwavering dedication to students and a commitment to delivering a personalized education. Classes are designed to offer maximum interaction. The University’s highly engaged faculty teach and mentor students. While bringing exceptional educational and experiential backgrounds to the classroom, SUU faculty also are engaged in professional organizations and are active scholars in their respective fields.

The national search to fill these positions seeks to find individuals who will continue to uphold these values and standards and foster the incredible growth and progress of this institution.

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