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Westfield State University

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Westfield State University, Westfield, Massachusetts, us, 01085


Westfield State University Job Posting: Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Category: Professional/Executive Department: ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Locations: Westfield, MA Posted: Dec 17, 2024 Closes: Open Until Filled Type: Full-time PositionID: 184029 About Westfield State University: Founded in 1839 by Horace Mann, Westfield was the first co-educational college in America to offer an education without barrier to race, creed, or economic status. The institution is an education leader committed to providing students of every generation with a learning experience built on its founding principles. This spirit of innovative thinking and social responsibility is forged in a curriculum of liberal arts and professional studies that creates a vital community of engaged learners who become confident, capable individuals prepared for leadership and service to society. Westfield State University sits on an expansive 256-acre campus, nestled just west of Springfield in the picturesque Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts. Enjoy the perfect blend of outdoor activities in the Berkshires and convenient access to the vibrant city centers of Hartford and Boston. Job Description: General Statement of Duties: Westfield State University seeks an innovative and collaborative leader who will bring scholarly and administrative skills to the role of Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The Dean will supervise an Administrative Assistant and the academic department chairs; manage a significant budget; and provide leadership to the College of 112 full-time, tenure/tenure-track faculty and a comparable amount of part-time faculty. The Dean will be a champion of the liberal arts, leading the faculty in developing a compelling vision for what it means to provide a public liberal arts education in disciplines ranging from Data Science to Music. The Dean must provide active leadership for the College's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and promote an environment that advances inclusive excellence and actively opposes discrimination and intolerance. Administration of the College Works with department chairs and faculty to develop a vision for the programs within the College that are consistent with Westfield's mission, the University's strategic plan, and the Academic Plan of the Division of Academic Affairs. Shares the University's deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, while working to introduce strategies, systems, and initiatives that work to counter the systemic biases within higher education. Works with the Provost and other deans to develop and administer policies that guide the consistent and responsible use of budgets within the College. Manages the course schedules in the College to ensure course offerings match student needs. Continuously review the organizational structure and operations of the College to enhance efficiency and respond to opportunities. Represents the University's academic interests to external stakeholders, including other educational institutions, government agencies, industry partners, and community organizations. Academic Department Support Works with department chairs, program coordinators, and faculty to ensure that all academic programs meet the needs and demands of today's 21st Century learners. Works with academic departments to develop effective assessment plans that measure the quality and effectiveness of the curriculum. Assists departments in enhancing their connections to alumni and fundraising. Supports and enhances the College's capacity to fund and conduct research and creative activity. Faculty Support and Evaluation Reviews application portfolios in Renewal, Promotion, and Tenure, as well as six-year professional assessments and makes recommendations to the Provost. Works with department search committees to evaluate candidates for faculty and staff positions to ensure we hire high quality people who share our commitment to public education. Supports faculty scholarship and other creative efforts and assists with grant applications. Evaluates staff and makes recommendations for advancement. Requirements: Required Qualifications Earned terminal degree in an academic discipline appropriate to the College of Arts and Sciences. Demonstrated record of distinguished teaching, research/scholarship, and service consistent with a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Professor in one of the University's academic departments. Preferred Qualifications Evidence of a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and experience with programs and pathways to support historically underrepresented groups. A demonstrated history of an open, collaborative, and collegial leadership style that demonstrates a commitment to shared governance and the ability to earn the trust of faculty, students, staff, and administrators. Additional Information: Employee Benefits: Health Insurance: Westfield State offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees. Retirement: the MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities. Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits. Westfield State University is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of reasonable accommodations. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check. Application Instructions: Application Instructions: A letter of intent addressing how the candidate's experiences align with the leadership opportunity and qualifications articulated in this document. A current CV/resume. Contact information for at least five professional references, including email addresses and a brief note on the candidate's working relationship with each. References will not be contacted without the prior knowledge and approval of the candidate and at a later stage in the search. The deadline for initial consideration is Monday, February 17, 2025. Review of applications will continue until the search is completed.

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