Dean - Facundo Valdez School of Social Work
Listed on 2026-03-01
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Education / Teaching
Education Administration, University Professor -
Management
Education Administration
New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU)
Located in the beautiful mountains of Northern New Mexico, NMHU is a public, state‑funded regional comprehensive university founded in 1893. It is a Hispanic Serving Institution and an aspiring Native American Serving Non‑Tribal Institution, with open admissions and master’s level programs serving more than 68 % Hispanic, Native American, and African American students. Fifty‑one percent of all students study at the master’s degree level.
The total Fall 2025 FTE for all campuses, both undergraduate and graduate, was 2,741.
The Facundo Valdez School of Social Work (FVSSW) is the oldest school of social work in New Mexico, dating back to 1974, and the oldest school accredited by the Council of Social Work in the Southwest. It offers both the BSW and MSW degree programs on the main campus and at selective center campuses and online. FVSSW operates the Native American Social Work Studies Institute and the Center for Social Work Excellence.
In 2025, the school awarded degrees to 126 graduate and 49 undergraduate students, a total of 175.
New Mexico Highlands University seeks a student‑centered, community‑engaged visionary and innovative leader for Dean of the Facundo Valdez School of Social Work. The Dean reports to the Provost of NMHU and serves as the chief academic officer of FVSSW, providing strategic leadership to faculty and staff.
Responsibilities- Provide strategic leadership to faculty and staff and oversee strategic initiatives for the school’s majors and two centers.
- Ensure effective planning, fiscal management, accountability, and continuous improvement of academic programs and services.
- Foster relationships with New Mexico’s diverse communities; promote student success, enrollment, and retention.
- Support fundraising efforts; advance faculty development and research.
- Lead curriculum development, evaluation, and administration across all campuses, including online.
Completed applications are due by March 23, 2026
. To ensure full consideration, you will be required to submit:
The search page, which includes the Executive Search Profile and application and nomination links, is located at
Search Team ContactRH Perry & Associates, a national executive search firm, is assisting New Mexico Highlands University in this search. All confidential communications may be directed to our search team:
Dr. Sue DeWine, Senior Consultant, or Dr. Pam Shockley‑Zalabak, Senior Consultant, at (828) 785‑1394, or to
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