Associate Dean for the Center for Student Success

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Center for Student Success (CFSS) houses a diverse portfolio of programs and services designed to help students achieve their academic and personal goals. CFSS includes the nationally recognized UNC Writing and Learning Centers (providing academic coaching, tutoring, workshops, ADHD/LD support, and other programs), Peer Mentoring (a descendant of the Minority Advising Program established in 1973), Carolina Firsts (for first generation students), Summer Bridge, and Transfer Student Services. CFSS serves the entire UNC undergraduate population, reaching well over half of our students during their time at Carolina. We treat students as experts in their own lives, each one shaped by diverse backgrounds, experiences, and challenges. We partner with students to help them develop the skills and strategies needed for success, and we foster collaborative relationships with numerous partners across the University. Our work is guided by our values and by our commitment to innovative, evidence-based practices.  If this mission aligns with your professional experience and personal commitments, we encourage you to apply.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a dynamic, visionary, experienced leader to serve as the Associate Dean of the Center for Student Success. Reporting to the Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, the Associate Dean leads a dedicated team to design and implement innovative strategies and programs that support student retention, academic success, and holistic development.
 

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all programs and services within the Center.
• Oversee academic support programs and co-curricular activities offered by the Center, including but not limited to academic coaching, tutoring, peer mentoring, transfer and first-generation college student services, and ADHD and learning development services.
• Prepare and oversee the budget, allocating resources in accordance with strategic and operational objectives to effectively support student needs.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of professional staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. This includes evaluating the performance of Center for Student Success personnel.
• Remain current in state and national trends regarding college student transition, retention, and post-secondary student success.
• Develop new ideas, initiatives, and interventions that enhance student success.
• Participate as an active member of the Undergraduate Education Leadership Team in developing, implementing, and refining a vision for improving undergraduate education across UNC Chapel Hill.
• Serve as an advocate for students, ensuring their voices are heard in institutional decision-making processes.
• Monitor faculty needs and concerns (e.g. around academic dishonesty, AI, or writing, reading, and data literacy skills), refining the Center’s services to address them.
• Serve on various university committees and participate in working groups related to student success and other functional areas, as a representative of the department or at the request of the Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education.
• Partner with members of the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to advance student belonging and other related initiatives.
• Foster relationships with external partners, including alumni and community organizations, to create additional resources and opportunities for students.
• Work with architects and space planners to manage the upcoming relocation of the Center to a new home in the center of UNC’s campus.
• Engage in philanthropic efforts to enhance support for the Center and its constituent units, including fundraising for the Center’s relocation.

Qualifications Required

• A master’s degree in higher education administration, student affairs, counseling, or a related field; or a doctoral degree in any field
• A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in student success, retention, tutoring, or a related area, with at least 5 years in a leadership role/s.
• A proven track record of developing and implementing successful student retention, student support, and/or student success initiatives.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to articulate and implement a vision for the Center.
• Ability to work collaboratively across academic and administrative departments.
• Extensive experience working with diverse populations of students.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable educational environment.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.

Preferred

• Ph.D. or Ed.D.
• Professional experience at a large public research university.
• Extensive knowledge of best practices and national trends in student success and/or undergraduate education.
• Strong understanding of data analytics and their application to improving student outcomes.
• Significant experience with college-level teaching.

 Applications

For priority consideration, please apply by February 14.

Interviews will be held in March and April 2025. Applications should be submitted at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/293359

Please include: • Cover letter (2-4 pages) • Curriculum vitae 3 • List of 3-5 references (to be contacted later, and only after approval by the candidate)

Interviews will be held in March and April 2025.

The anticipated start date is July 1, 2025. Questions? Feel free to contact Ian F. McNeely Professor of History Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education College of Arts and Sciences ifm@unc.edu