Westfield State University
Dean of the College of Professional Studies
Westfield State University, Westfield, Massachusetts, us, 01085
Westfield State University Job Posting: Dean of the College of Professional Studies
Dean of the College of Professional Studies
Category: Professional/Executive
Department: ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Locations: Westfield, MA
Posted: Dec 12, 2024
Closes: Open Until Filled
Type: Full-time
PositionID: 183911
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. The University has about 4,000 undergraduate students and 800 graduate students across several professional graduate programs.
The College of Professional Studies is home to a variety of professional undergraduate degree programs leading to a Bachelor of Science. The College also offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Education, Physician Assistant, and Master of Social Work degrees.
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 Professional Studies. The Dean will have the opportunity to lead a talented group of faculty in the College that houses a diverse array of disciplines ranging from Management to Nursing. The Dean will supervise an Administrative Assistant and the academic department chairs; manage a significant budget; and provide leadership to the College's 63 full-time, tenure/tenure-track faculty and a comparable number of part-time faculty.
The Dean will be a champion of both undergraduate and graduate education, leading the faculty in developing a compelling vision for what it means to provide a high-quality public education in applied disciplines ranging from Accounting to Social Work. The Dean will work with the campus community to sustain a learning environment that recognizes the value of a transformative education for Westfield's diverse student body. The successful candidate will lead and support the faculty and others in developing and expanding graduate programs. The Dean will serve as the lead accreditation officer for all the accredited programs in the College and also maintain a quality assurance system for continuous program improvements. 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.
Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean of the College of Professional Studies will serve as the senior academic officer for the College. The Dean promotes excellence in curricula; teaching and learning; academic advising; scholarship and creative activities; professional development; the stewardship of financial and other resources; and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Dean develops faculty leadership within the College and enables faculty to develop their scholarly and pedagogical visions to fully realize their strengths.
The new Dean will need to provide leadership in several significant initiatives that are currently underway at Westfield and within the College. These include the implementation of the University's new general education program (Westfield Integrative Student Experience: WISE) and the accompanying Academic Plan in each department. WISE is centered on five student learning outcomes chosen by the faculty and implemented in fall 2024. The Dean will work with departments to ensure their majors are relevant to the 21st Century student. Other initiatives include supporting the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan and continuing to foster Westfield's culture of assessment of both student learning outcomes and academic advising. The Dean will also assist in refining our professional graduate programs to better meet the interests and needs of today's market.
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 inherent 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 directors, 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.
Leads the ongoing accreditation efforts of the academic departments.
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.
Reviews tenure-track position requests from departments and makes recommendations to the Provost.
Works with department search committees to evaluate candidates for faculty and staff positions.
Assists departments in mentoring new faculty.
Supports faculty scholarship and other creative efforts and assists with grant applications.
Works with appropriate governance committees and other offices to develop and implement meaningful faculty development opportunities.
When appropriate, holds the responsibility and shares governance for hearing and responding to faculty or staff issues.
Evaluates staff and makes recommendations for advancement.
Salary $150,000.00-$165,000.00 (will commensurate with education and experience)
Requirements:
Required Qualifications
Earned terminal degree in an academic discipline appropriate to the College of Professional Studies.
Demonstrated record of distinguished teaching, research/scholarship, and service consistent with a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Professor.
Preferred Qualifications
A demonstrated history of an open, collaborative, and collegial leadership style.
Ability to work collaboratively with academic departments and faculty.
Experience developing, overseeing, and assessing professional graduate programs.
A record of progressively substantial and successful experience in academic administration.
Experience successfully leading academic departments through national accreditation.
Evidence of an ability to balance multiple competing demands and priorities.
Evidence of a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Ability to work within a unionized environment with shared governance.
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 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. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check.
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.
References will not be contacted without the prior knowledge and approval of the candidate.
The deadline for initial consideration is
Monday, February 17, 2025 . Review of applications will continue until the search is completed.
APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED OR FORWARDED FROM THIS SOFTWARE APPLICATION.
The University will ensure that employment and academic decisions, programs, and policies will be based solely on the individual eligibility, merit, or fitness of applicants, employees, and students.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Category: Professional/Executive
Department: ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Locations: Westfield, MA
Posted: Dec 12, 2024
Closes: Open Until Filled
Type: Full-time
PositionID: 183911
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. The University has about 4,000 undergraduate students and 800 graduate students across several professional graduate programs.
The College of Professional Studies is home to a variety of professional undergraduate degree programs leading to a Bachelor of Science. The College also offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Education, Physician Assistant, and Master of Social Work degrees.
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 Professional Studies. The Dean will have the opportunity to lead a talented group of faculty in the College that houses a diverse array of disciplines ranging from Management to Nursing. The Dean will supervise an Administrative Assistant and the academic department chairs; manage a significant budget; and provide leadership to the College's 63 full-time, tenure/tenure-track faculty and a comparable number of part-time faculty.
The Dean will be a champion of both undergraduate and graduate education, leading the faculty in developing a compelling vision for what it means to provide a high-quality public education in applied disciplines ranging from Accounting to Social Work. The Dean will work with the campus community to sustain a learning environment that recognizes the value of a transformative education for Westfield's diverse student body. The successful candidate will lead and support the faculty and others in developing and expanding graduate programs. The Dean will serve as the lead accreditation officer for all the accredited programs in the College and also maintain a quality assurance system for continuous program improvements. 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.
Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean of the College of Professional Studies will serve as the senior academic officer for the College. The Dean promotes excellence in curricula; teaching and learning; academic advising; scholarship and creative activities; professional development; the stewardship of financial and other resources; and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Dean develops faculty leadership within the College and enables faculty to develop their scholarly and pedagogical visions to fully realize their strengths.
The new Dean will need to provide leadership in several significant initiatives that are currently underway at Westfield and within the College. These include the implementation of the University's new general education program (Westfield Integrative Student Experience: WISE) and the accompanying Academic Plan in each department. WISE is centered on five student learning outcomes chosen by the faculty and implemented in fall 2024. The Dean will work with departments to ensure their majors are relevant to the 21st Century student. Other initiatives include supporting the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan and continuing to foster Westfield's culture of assessment of both student learning outcomes and academic advising. The Dean will also assist in refining our professional graduate programs to better meet the interests and needs of today's market.
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 inherent 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 directors, 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.
Leads the ongoing accreditation efforts of the academic departments.
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.
Reviews tenure-track position requests from departments and makes recommendations to the Provost.
Works with department search committees to evaluate candidates for faculty and staff positions.
Assists departments in mentoring new faculty.
Supports faculty scholarship and other creative efforts and assists with grant applications.
Works with appropriate governance committees and other offices to develop and implement meaningful faculty development opportunities.
When appropriate, holds the responsibility and shares governance for hearing and responding to faculty or staff issues.
Evaluates staff and makes recommendations for advancement.
Salary $150,000.00-$165,000.00 (will commensurate with education and experience)
Requirements:
Required Qualifications
Earned terminal degree in an academic discipline appropriate to the College of Professional Studies.
Demonstrated record of distinguished teaching, research/scholarship, and service consistent with a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Professor.
Preferred Qualifications
A demonstrated history of an open, collaborative, and collegial leadership style.
Ability to work collaboratively with academic departments and faculty.
Experience developing, overseeing, and assessing professional graduate programs.
A record of progressively substantial and successful experience in academic administration.
Experience successfully leading academic departments through national accreditation.
Evidence of an ability to balance multiple competing demands and priorities.
Evidence of a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Ability to work within a unionized environment with shared governance.
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 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. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check.
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.
References will not be contacted without the prior knowledge and approval of the candidate.
The deadline for initial consideration is
Monday, February 17, 2025 . Review of applications will continue until the search is completed.
APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED OR FORWARDED FROM THIS SOFTWARE APPLICATION.
The University will ensure that employment and academic decisions, programs, and policies will be based solely on the individual eligibility, merit, or fitness of applicants, employees, and students.
#J-18808-Ljbffr