Dean of College of Health and Human Services

Job Overview

Dean, College of Health and Human Services – Dallas Campus, Abilene Christian University (ACU). Undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs are offered primarily online, with limited in‑person instruction. The Dean will report directly to the Provost and will hold an academic rank of Associate Professor or Professor (non‑tenured). The position is remote with occasional travel.

• Develop and articulate a vision for the college’s graduate and undergraduate academic programs.
• Lead faculty in providing a high‑quality academic experience that advances ACU’s mission and goals.
• Represent and align college programs with the University and Dallas Campus strategic vision.
• Champion the development of new programs and the continuous improvement of existing programs to promote student development.
• Oversee the administrative functions of the college, including budgeting, faculty hiring, and staff management.
• Provide academic evaluation to faculty and programs and participate in the Enhanced Program Review process.
• Participate in salary reviews, faculty promotion evaluations, and contract‑continuation matters.
• Lead the College Academic Council(s) and ensure documentation and compliance on curriculum assessment.
• Manage student affairs involving the Dean’s List, student appeals, admissions/readmissions, and disciplinary matters.
• Oversee doctoral dissertations and projects within the college; collaborate with the ACU‑D Dissertation Center.
• Initiate and develop external collaborations, funding opportunities, and networking with stakeholders outside the university.
• Support teaching by coaching faculty, encouraging at least one course teaching per academic year when time allows.

• Must be a professing Christian and willing to support ACU’s Christian mission.
• Earned Ph.D.,
  Ed.D., or other terminal degree in a discipline related to the college.
• Five (5) years of teaching or administrative experience in higher education or equivalent industry experience.
• Evidence of active scholarship (within the last ten years) is preferred.
• Experience designing, developing, or leading online degree programs is preferred.
• Expertise in developing innovative interventions to improve access for post‑traditional and diverse student populations.
• Proficient in standard computer software and internet‑based applications.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills; collaborative, consensus‑builder, and able to work with diverse teams.
• Strong organizational and project‑management skills with a record of meeting deadlines.
• Self‑motivated, problem‑solver, and capable of exercising sound judgment in varied circumstances.

• Attention to detail and follow‑through.
• Time‑management and organizational skills.
• Confidentiality and data‑security awareness.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Leadership of faculty and staff through clear communication.
• Effective collaboration with multiple constituencies.

• Predominantly seated computer work; must remain stationary for extended periods.
• Manage conversations in person, online, and by telephone.
• Limited travel; occasional overnight trips may be required.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage stress.
• Clear verbal, written, and auditory communication required.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law. ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Background checks will be conducted for all employees in security‑sensitive positions.

Questions? Contact Human Resources at human resources or call 325‑674‑2359.