Dean of College of Education and Human Development

The University of Maine, the state’s flagship and land-grant university, invites applications and nominations for Dean of the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD). The next Dean will lead the College’s programmatic expansion and deepen its statewide impact while implementing a streamlined administrative structure approved by COEHD faculty in 2025. The Dean will join a close-knit community in a region of notable natural beauty and exceptional quality of life.

The University seeks a transformative leader committed to its “learner-centered R1” vision. Building on the University-wide Strategic Reenvisioning process, the Dean will develop and implement a holistic organizational strategy that brings together the College’s historic strengths in educator preparation and its emerging strengths in human development and allied health. Working collaboratively within COEHD, across the University, and with external partners, the Dean will help guide interdisciplinary academic programs, research, and outreach with the goal of improving the lives of individuals, families, schools, and communities across Maine and beyond.

COEHD prepares professionals who advance learning, leadership, health, and quality of life across the lifespan. Its faculty conducts research that informs policy and practice for educators working from birth through adult learning, health professionals, child and family specialists, and educational leaders. College priorities include growing undergraduate and graduate programs in educator preparation, allied health, and human development; fostering a first-class undergraduate experience;

strengthening research and graduate education; and reinforcing relationships with schools, healthcare systems, community organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Dean will also play a pivotal role in implementing the recommendations of a newly launched task force on allied health and clinical education programs.

COEHD offers four-year undergraduate programs in kinesiology and physical education, human development sciences, and elementary and secondary education. Its certificate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral programs account for roughly 25% of the University’s total graduate enrollment. These include northern New England’s only master’s program in athletic training located at an R1 university, an executive doctoral program in educational leadership, and a traditional PhD in education.

COEHD operates programs that meet or exceed national quality benchmarks: its athletic training program is accredited by CAATE, and its educator preparation programs are accredited by CAEP. The College also collaborates closely with education programs at the University’s regional campus, the University of Maine at Machias, and with other universities in the UMaine system.

Reporting to the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the Dean serves as the College’s chief executive officer, with responsibility for academic, fiscal, strategic planning, and personnel matters. The Dean guides and assists in securing state, federal, and private grants; participates actively in university fundraising initiatives; and serves as the College’s primary spokesperson to constituencies within and beyond the University of Maine.

Candidates should hold an earned doctorate in education, human development, kinesiology, physical education, allied health, or a related field and must qualify for appointment as a full professor with tenure at the University of Maine. UMaine seeks an academic leader with the ability to work effectively with a range of constituencies, including rural populations, local communities, state and federal agencies, legislators, and allied health professionals…