Dean, School of Divinity

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• If applicable, supervision of department chairs and directors of academic support programs.
• Supervise faculty, curricular, and school matters.
• Serve as liaison between the school and the Provost.
• Serve as the school's chief representative.
• Preside over school faculty meetings and ensure shared governance.
• Ensure school records, particularly meeting minutes, proposals, and actions, are maintained.
• Encourage academic and teaching excellence.
• Collaborate with the Office of Enrollment Management on strategies to grow enrollment in majors and programs.
• Provide leadership in new program development and program review.
• Oversight of teaching schedules, faculty loads, release time, and other related academic matters.
• Interviewing and hiring prospective faculty members based on recommendations from search committees and approval by the President and the Provost.
• Annual evaluation of faculty and staff performance.
• Evaluation of faculty as part of promotion and tenure reviews.
• Review and responsibility for budgets of academic departments and support programs.
• Review of requests for professional development funding.
• Coordinate accreditation, University, school, and program assessment activities, including Assessment Days and Five-Year Reviews (if applicable).
• Performance of other duties as assigned by the President or the Provost.

• Earned a doctorate or terminal degree appropriate to the discipline from an accredited university.
• Successful, full-time, previous higher education teaching experience and demonstrated commitment to excellence in pedagogy.
• Successful higher education administrative experience in a role such as Chairperson, Director, Associate Dean, or Dean.
• A professing Christian committed to advancing the mission of Christian higher education.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with senior administrators, colleagues, students, and community partners.
• Highly developed emotional intelligence and polished executive presence.
• Strong analytical and quantitative abilities and attention to detail.
• Credentials and professional activity that qualify the candidate for the rank of Professor.
• A significant record of successful leadership experience as a senior university administrator; experience with academic budgets and management of personnel is desirable, as is experience with federal, state, or private grants.
• Ability to work in a transparent and cooperative manner in support of the mission of Gardner-Webb University.

Application Materials:
Preferred start date is January 2027. Interested candidates must submit the following application materials:

• A cover letter detailing qualifications and alignment with our mission and core values.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Gardner-Webb University is a Christian university committed to helping individuals become more in faith, learning, and service. Located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, GWU offers the benefits of a close-knit community with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and the greater Greenville-Spartanburg region.

Founded in 1905 and rooted in the Baptist tradition, the University now serves approximately 3,000 students across more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs. As a Carnegie Doctoral/Professional institution, Gardner-Webb is dedicated to academic excellence, leadership development, and meaningful service to others.

Our community reflects a shared commitment to One Webb, creating an environment where people support one another, pursue their purpose, and work together to make a lasting impact. GWU attracts students from across the nation and around the world and competes in NCAA Division I athletics with 22 teams and more than 500 student-athletes.