Dean of School of Education - 2340

Primary Purpose of Organization Unit:

The mission of the UNC Pembroke School of Education (SOE) is to prepare competent education professionals to serve in school and community settings as effective practitioners, leaders and advocates in their respective fields. As an inclusive and collaborative community of learners, the SOE will support student success and well-being using innovative teaching practices, scholarship development, technology and partnerships with local schools, families and community resource and organizations.

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke School of Education works to:
• Establish a strong foundation by focusing on education and human development,
• Inspire future educators by modeling excellent teaching practices,
• Support faculty in research, teaching and service on local, state and national levels,
• Engage students in service learning,
• Maintain accreditation in all program areas,
• Develop school and community partnerships,
• Focus on undergraduate and graduate recruitment,
• Acquire additional funding through grants and stakeholder relations, and
• Lead the way in the application of technological innovations.

Primary Purpose of Position: The Educator Preparation Program (EPP) supports 31 degrees leading to an initial teaching license and three add-on programs including the bachelor of arts, bachelor of music and bachelor of science degrees. The EPP also supports 11 degrees and two programs leading to advanced licensure at the graduate level, and has five departments offering graduate degrees: counseling, educational leadership and specialties, inclusive education, aerospace studies and military science. Graduate degrees are offered by three of these departments: counseling, educational leadership and specialties, and inclusive education.

Job Description:  The University of North Carolina at Pembroke seeks a visionary dean of the School of Education to embrace the opportunity to positively impact all stakeholders in southeastern North Carolina, and have a keen awareness about the importance of student success in facilitating future educators. The dean reports to the provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, and is a collaborative partner with senior leaders, faculty, staff and students within the university, and with community partners/stakeholders. The dean provides overall leadership while developing short- and long-term plans consistent with the university’s mission and strategic plan.

The successful candidate will be a leader in higher education with demonstrated increased levels of responsibility across multiple units and/or academic department areas in a college or school of education. The successful candidate must have an earned doctorate in education or an education related field and possess the credentials to qualify for tenure at the rank of full professor.

Core Competencies:
• Knowledge and proven leadership in teaching, research/scholarship, service and policy.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication and relationship-building skills.
• Successful administrative leadership experience, including program planning, budget management and experience in distance education.
• Proven ability to recruit, mentor and evaluate a diverse group of faculty and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate and work within a public higher education system and understanding of the commensurate demands on teacher preparation programs.
• The ability to sustain and expand the legacy of excellence in teacher education with a record of substantive and consistent engagement with local and statewide school districts and leaders.
• Experience with CAEP accreditation.
• Current or previously held teacher license in a public school setting.
• A record of collaboration and coordination with deans, department chairs and program directors across the institution and in partnerships with public schools across the state.
• Knowledge of and experience in leading faculty in the Science of Reading.
• Collaborative leadership style that sustains an environment of innovation and accountability to deliver academic programs of the highest quality to UNC Pembroke students.

Other highly desirable leadership attributes:
• Experience at the assistant, associate dean levels
• Experience with and/or working knowledge of CACREP accreditation.
• Develop an understanding and appreciation of the history, traditions, culture and values of UNC Pembroke, School of Education and unique mission as North Carolina’s historically American Indian university.

Please view the Executive Profile for more information about the position and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

HOW TO APPLY: Buffkin / Baker is assisting The University of North Carolina at Pembroke on this search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed to:

Pelema Ellis, PhD Associate Partner 831.292.5757
Dinah DeWitt Associate 202.803.7262

Or you can send an email to: uncpdeansoe@buffkinbaker.com

Applications should include 1) a current CV and 2) a letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications described above. The position is open until filled; however, initial consideration will be given to materials received by the preferred submission date of October 6, 2023.

This position is Mandatory Personnel: Employees whose presence has been determined to be mandatory to University operations during certain types of adverse weather or emergency events.

Minimum Training and Experience Requirements:  The successful candidate will be a leader in higher education with demonstrated increased levels of responsibility across multiple units and/or academic department areas in a college or school of education. The successful candidate must have an earned doctorate in education or an education-related field and possess the credentials to qualify for tenure at the rank of full professor.

Management Preferences:  Other highly desirable leadership attributes:
• Experience at the assistant, associate dean levels
• Experience with and/or working knowledge of CACREP accreditation.
• Develop an understanding and appreciation of the history, traditions, culture and values of UNC Pembroke, School of Education and unique mission as North Carolina’s historically American Indian university.

Special Instructions to Applicants:   This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable) and credit history check (if applicable). In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 as a part of the online application process.

UNC Pembroke is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their age, race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and national origin. UNC Pembroke is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.