Dean Thayer School of Education

Wingate University is a teaching university which serves more than 3,400 students on two campuses. Wingate is an equal employment opportunity employer. Wingate’s main campus is located on 500+ acres of beautiful landscape and is only 25 minutes from the Charlotte, North Carolina metropolitan area. Learn more at University in Charlotte, NC | Quick Facts About Wingate .

Position Summary:

The Dean of the Thayer School of Education provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and

administrative oversight for all academic programs, faculty, and staff within the School. The

Dean ensures the delivery of high-quality teacher preparation, educational research, and

professional development programs while fostering a culture of academic excellence, innovation,

and community engagement. The role includes curriculum development, faculty recruitment and

mentorship, budget management, accreditation oversight, and external partnerships.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Administration:

• Develop a strategic plan for the School of Education, inclusive of faculty development, program review, student success, and areas for growth and improvement that is aligned with Wingate University’s mission and goals.
  
  
• Oversee academic programs, ensuring excellence in teaching, research, and service.
  
  
• Supervise the School of Education’s academic scheduling process.
  
  
• Direct leadership and evaluation of the Traditional Undergraduate Education and Graduate Education Department Chairs within the School of Education.
  
  
• Provide oversight and leadership in the annual, mid-point, and milestone review and evaluation process for faculty within the School of Education.
  
  
• Facilitate the process of hiring of faculty and staff and their onboarding into the culture of Wingate University and the School of Education.
  
  
• Track the School of Education’s budget to include travel and development funds.
  
  
• Ensure appropriate maintenance of School of Education records, practices, and procedures.
  
  

Academic Excellence & Program Development:

• Ensure high-quality curriculum and program offerings that meet accreditation standards and respond to evolving educational trends.
  
  
• Support faculty research, scholarship, and innovative teaching practices.
  
  
• Lead efforts in securing grants and external funding to support research and program development.
  
  

Student Success & Engagement:

• Foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students.
  
  
• Develop initiatives to improve student recruitment, retention, and graduation rates.
  
  
• Enhance experiential learning opportunities, including internships and partnerships with local schools and educational organizations.
  
  
• Facilitate conflict resolution of student and faculty concerns.
  
  
• Teach one course per semester.
  
  

Accreditation & Compliance:

• Review compliance reports of accreditation standards for teacher preparation and educational programs.
  
  
• Support assessment and continuous improvement efforts for academic programs.
  
  
• Seek national accreditation and compliance under CAEP.
  
  

Community & External Relations:

• Establish and maintain partnerships with local, state, and national education agencies, school districts, and community organizations.
  
  
• Advocate for policies and initiatives that advance education at local and national levels.
  
  
• Represent the School of Education on the Provost’s Cabinet, professional associations, and public forums.
  
  

Qualifications & Experience:

• Earned doctorate in Education or a related field.
  
  
• Significant leadership experience in higher education, preferably in teacher preparation or educational research.
  
  
• Demonstrated success in academic administration, faculty development, and budget management.
  
  
• Strong record of scholarship, research, and professional contributions to the field of education.
  
  
• Experience with accreditation processes and program assessment.
  
  
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in securing external funding and managing grant programs.
  
  
• Strong connections with educational organizations, school districts, and policymakers.
  
  
• Commitment to innovation in education, technology integration, and workforce development.
  
  
• Experience obtaining national accreditation is strongly desired.
  
  

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of leadership philosophy, and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin on March 10, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.

In compliance with applicable law and University policies, Wingate University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and veteran status and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply. At this time, we are currently seeking candidates with legal authorization to work in the U.S.