Dean, Division of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Newberry College seeks and energetic, innovative leader to serve as the Dean of the Division of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS). The global polycrisis of racism, acclimate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic fluctuations, and other challenges have highlighted the negative consequences of socioeconomic disparities and unequal access to education and reinvigorated an awareness of the vital importance of a liberal arts education for addressing the great challenges of our times.

Newberry College’s Lutheran educations heritage recognizes the liberal arts as vital to preparing students not only for professional success but for lives of meaning, purpose, and integrity. The inaugural Dean will be poised to elevate the impact of AHSS across Newberry College’s campus as the well-being of the people of South Carolina, the nations, and beyond. A liberal arts scholar-advocate and leader, the inaugural Dean will inspire a vision for the Division of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and guide it in advancing the distinctive value and relevance of a liberal arts education for students in disciplinary fields, within  and outside the division.

The Division of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences is home to a skilled, experienced faculty who is dedicated to pedagogical excellence and student success. Located in the Midlands of South Carolina, AHSS has trained and supported influential leaders in the private and public sectors through South Carolina and the nation. AHSS academic programs include 13 majors and many dual degree and certificate programs. Students and faculty operate in a collaborative culture, sharing resources, and leveraging all our disciplines to foster educational excellence. AHSS educators also collaborate with all of Newberry College divisions, including the Division of Education, Division of Business and Communications, the Division of Sciences, Mathematics, and Pre-Professional Studies, and the Division of Nursing and Health Science. To strengthen its impact, AHSS will need to steward these existing relationships and foster new ones, seeking partnerships that promote the value and foundational necessity of the liberal arts to the College experience.

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean of AHSS will oversee the following programs:

• Arts
• Art
• Music
• Speech
• Theater

• Humanities
• English
• History
• Religion
• Spanish
• Social Sciences
• Criminal Justice
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Public & Non-Profit Administration
• Sociology

EDUCATIONAL OR OTHER HIRING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION

Candidate must have an earned doctorate or terminal degree in related field and a distinguished record of classroom teaching and scholarship commensurate with appointment as a tenured professor in an academic department within the AHSS division. A proven record of leadership (department head level or above) and collaborative experience in higher education, including experience with academic program leadership, faculty development and evaluation, and budget management is required.

APPLICATION AND NOMINATION PROCESS

Confidential inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited. Direct to Sandra.smith@newberry.edu.

APPLICATIONS:

1. Application packet much include:
2. Letter of Interest that describes strengths, experience, and competencies that will benefit this position and includes: Philosophy of Teaching and Research
3. Philosophy of Leadership & Leadership Accomplishments Philosophy of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

• Curriculum Vitae
• Transcripts/Degree Certification
• Evidence of Clear and Persuasive Communication
• A minimum of 3 recommendations. Topics to be addressed should include: Philosophy of education
• Teaching competencies Administrative abilities Fiscal competencies
• Submit application packet electronically as a single file (PDF preferred) to human.resources@newberry.edu with the subject line “Dean, AHSS Division” by April 17, 2023 for full consideration. Review of applications will begin on April 10, 2023, and applications will be considered until the position is filled.

NOMINATIONS

Submit nominations to Sandra.smith@newberry.edu with complete contact and email information on the individual being nominated and “AHSS Dean Nomination” in the subject line.

Newberry College provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or general expression.