Graduate Studies Dean​/Education Department Chair

Job Description

The Dean of Graduate Studies is a senior academic leader responsible for overseeing all graduate-level programs within the institution. This role provides strategic vision, academic leadership, and administrative oversight to ensure the quality, integrity, and growth of graduate education. The Dean works collaboratively with faculty, department heads, and university leadership to enhance student success, research excellence, and program innovation. The Dean will also serve as Education Department Chair, overseeing curriculum, faculty, student success, accreditation, and partnerships with PK–12 school systems to ensure high-quality educator preparation.

• Develop and implement strategic academic plans aligned with institutional goals and accreditation standards.
• Lead curriculum development aligned with Mississippi educator licensure requirements and MS CCRS.
• Promote innovative and technology-enhanced instructional delivery.
• Ensure continuous program assessment and improvement.
• Oversee graduate education programs for quality and compliance.
• Monitor enrollment, retention, and licensure pass rates.
• Develop and enforce academic policies.
• Evaluate programs and recommend improvements or changes.
• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty.
• Ensure faculty credentials align with SACSCOC, ACBSP, CSWE, and EHAC standards.
• Promote scholarship, research, and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with SACSCOC, CAEP, MDE, ACSBP, CSWE, and EHAC requirements.
• Lead accreditation reporting and continuous improvement efforts.

• Earned Ph.D. or other terminal degree with demonstrated excellence in teaching, research and service; qualified to teach in education, as well as other disciplines.
• Experience with two or more program accrediting bodies and scholarly research productivity.
• Highly motivated, able to work independently and as a team member.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and meticulous in performing job duties.

• Earned Ph.D., strong evaluation and assessment skills, graduate degree or 18 graduate hours in 2 or more disciplines.
• Experience leading accreditation efforts in multiple disciplines.
• Experience developing, implementing and leading graduate online programs.
• Strong grant writing skills.