Dean, College of Education and Human Development

Overview

Georgia State University (GSU) welcomes applications and nominations for an innovative and mission‑driven leader to serve as Dean of the College of Education & Human Development (CEHD). Blending academic rigor with a rich college experience since 1913, GSU transforms the lives of students, advances the frontiers of knowledge, and shapes future leaders. GSU enrolls one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and provides associate‑to‑graduate‑degree‑level educational opportunities for tens of thousands across its downtown Atlanta Campus and five Perimeter College campuses.

GSU has been ranked among the nation’s top five most innovative public institutions and is recognized as a national model for how novel, data‑informed initiatives drive student achievement. GSU confers degrees to 10,000+ students each year and has experienced the most dramatic graduation‑rate increase of any university in the country since 2003. The College of Education & Human Development is a nationally recognized leader in urban education and human development.

With more than 50 years of history, CEHD offers undergraduate, graduate, and non‑degree programs across seven academic departments, preparing professionals in education, counseling, human development, learning sciences, sport business, and health‑related fields. The College is deeply committed to high‑quality instruction, high‑impact research, and community engagement, and serves a diverse student population reflective of Atlanta and the nation. CEHD is ranked 11th nationally in research expenditures by the National Science Foundation and attracts significant funding from local, state, and federal agencies.

Its research enterprise includes multiple centers and clinics dedicated to addressing critical educational and social issues. The College is comprised of 155 full‑time faculty, 137 staff employees, and serves over 3,500 students.

As the Chief Academic and Administrative Officer of the College, the Dean reports to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and serves on the Dean’s Council. The Dean is responsible for strategic planning, academic program development, the research enterprise, faculty and staff recruitment and retention, fundraising, and external engagement. The Dean manages a budget of approximately $28.5 million and approximately $30 million in dollars raised/won through grants and contracts.

The next Dean will lead CEHD through a period of transformation and opportunity, while advancing the College’s commitment to innovation and impact.

Candidates must have progressive leadership experience, a full‑professor rank with tenure in one of CEHD’s departments, and a record of success in competing for sponsored funding. Direct experience in K‑12 educational settings is a plus. The ideal candidate will bring strength in building excellent and innovative academic programs in education and human development, including interdisciplinary initiatives, and possess the vision and demonstrated experience to engage faculty, staff, and students in research, teaching, and outreach that address educational issues and support collaborative partnerships in urban communities.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by January 20, 2026. Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to the Witt Kieffer consultants supporting this search:
Christine Pendleton, Alejandra Gillette‑Terran, and Cathryn Davis at

Georgia State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.