Dean Graduate & Professional School

Position: Dean of The Graduate & Professional School
Come and join the Bearkat community!

Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.

SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.

Posting Information

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Requisition ES Title Dean of The Graduate & Professional School FLSA status Exempt Hiring Salary

Commensurate with education and experience

Department Graduate Studies Office Division Division of Academic Affairs Open Date 01/30/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Educational and Experience Requirement

Terminal degree in a discipline represented at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) and an outstanding record of scholarly and professional achievement that will merit a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of associate or full tenured professor in a department within Sam Houston State University (SHSU). Progressive and appropriate leadership experience in graduate education, budget management, resource generation (fundraising or grantsmanship), and personnel management expected.

Nature & Purpose of Position

Assumes delegated responsibility for graduate and professional studies; administrative leadership for academic program reviews of graduate programs as required by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB); assists with university-wide accreditation efforts; and other related administrative functions as defined by the Provost and Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Primary Responsibilities

Serves as the senior academic and administrative officer of graduate programs at Sam Houston State University (SHSU). Provides administrative oversight for graduate programs and initiatives across campus, serves as a resource in the development of graduate courses, programs, and degrees in consonance with SHSU's R2 status, and administers selected graduate scholarship programs. Maintains a presence in regional and national professional associations for graduate studies, supports faculty and academic deans with in-person and online education graduate programs, international student opportunities and exercises fiscal responsibility for The Graduate & Professional School including graduate student travel and research funds.

Participates in academic policy development through membership on the Council of Academic Deans, provides leadership in developing short and long-range plans for graduate education, and communicates activities with reporting agencies. Provides strategic leadership. Develops and implements strategy for bringing campus together with local and regional partners to advance the teaching and R2 mission of the university. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Outstanding scholar in a field with demonstrated experience as a collaborative, strategic, and future-oriented leader in graduate education and community engagement. Experience and understanding of academic disciplines; proven skills in academic administration, resource management, and innovative programming; and demonstrated evidence of strong communication and interpersonal skills with an effective track record of working collaboratively with administrators, faculty, staff, and students, and demonstrated ability to…