Divisional Dean - Counseling and Human Services - University of St. Thomas

Divisional Dean of the School of Education and Human Services - Counseling and Human Services

The University of St. Thomas-Houston

The University of St. Thomas (UST) announces a national search for the position of Divisional Dean of the School of Education and Human Services (SEHS) in the area of Counseling and Human Services (CHS) to begin employment in 2024. As UST strives to increase enrollment and enhance its standing as a major institution of higher education, we seek a Divisional Dean who will ensure the delivery of quality programs and instruction, mission-focused faculty development, and help guide the strategic growth of the school while staying true to our distinctive mission.

UST prepares students for success in today's dynamic landscape through a strong curriculum, exceptionally talented and dedicated faculty, and innovative co-curricular programs. As an independent, coeducational private university committed to the liberal arts, UST enrolls nearly 4000 students (over 2900 undergraduates and over 900 graduates) who come from 34 states and 61 countries. We are Houston's only Catholic university, an institution that welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. Our student body closely reflects the diversity of the city we serve and exemplifies the campus of tomorrow.

Located in the fourth largest city in America, UST spans almost 20 city blocks in the heart of Houston's highly desirable Museum District/ Innovation Corridor. The city is known for its fine and performing arts culture, leading medical and research facilities, a large port, winning sports teams, and abundant professional opportunities.

The campus is only minutes from the renowned Texas Medical Center, the largest in the

world, of which UST is a member institution. The vibrant downtown area, with its many restaurants, theaters, concert halls, and sports arenas, is also in close proximity.

Academic Programs

The Counseling and Human Services (CHS) Chair oversees the Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) program, the Counselor Education (COUN) program, Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program, and Criminology, Law & Society (CLS) program. The new CHS divisional dean will continue the ongoing work of the CMHC core faculty to complete and maintain the CACREP process. The new divisional dean will also offer leadership to the department in maintaining alignment with the university's Catholic mission.

UST is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and also holds accreditations from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the American Chemical Society.

Basilian Fathers

The Basilian Fathers, the priests of the Congregation of St. Basil, with the collaboration of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston established the University of St. Thomas. The Basilian Fathers are committed to UST where they remain closely engaged. They serve as faculty members, administrators, and members of the Board of Directors. A teaching order, the Basilian Fathers promote education with the values of goodness, discipline, and knowledge. They care about the whole person, the soul, and the intellect. These are the hallmarks of a Basilian Catholic education.

Governance

University of St. Thomas has a 40-member Board of Directors that meets four times a year. According to the bylaws, one-third of the Board must be either Basilian Fathers or Basilian appointees. The remaining board members are a representation of Houston's business, medical, philanthropic, and cultural interests.

Stewardship and Strategic Role Functions

• Support the school's strategic and operational priorities and integrate these into the school's academic mission and planning
• Help guide strategic development and implementation and evaluation of the school's academic programs to ensure
• Facilitate the conditions and relationships that support creativity, innovation, and formation of learning communities.
• Support faculty and staff development at both the individual level and that of learning

Support/Oversight Functions: Faculty and Department Chair

• Inspire conditions that facilitate strategic and operational effectiveness of all
• Facilitate the development and implementation of plans and resource distribution for faculty scholarship engagement.
• Create, implement, and evaluate processes and procedures essential to an effective collaborative academic enterprise.

Support/Oversight Functions: Academic Programs

• Collaborate with deans, faculty, staff, and other colleagues in Finance, Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, Institutional Advancement, Marketing, and Human Resources to develop and support programs that contribute to sustainable growth and high-quality learning outcomes.
• Oversee the development and orientation of department chairs.
• Facilitate growth and enhancement of academic programs (both online and face-to-face) through support for sponsored research, grants, and partnerships.

Academic Leadership

• Provide academic leadership at the department level.
• Assure that academic program reports and proposals presented to the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs meet appropriate quality standards to support effective review, decision-making, and implementation.

Administrative and Regulatory Functions

• Facilitate the work of department chairs and other staff to ensure the school's goals and objectives are met, including enrollment and student retention goals.
• Oversee resource acquisition and the school's budget management.
• Assure compliance with regulatory requirements and reporting associated with SACSCOC and
• Assure due compliance and consistency in applying policies relevant to the school's faculty and academic
• Leading and coordinating the departments' functions and directly supervising full-time faculty, staff members, and multiple adjunct faculty members.
• Teaching four (4) graduate-level courses per year (usually 2 per semester).
• Continuing a productive research agenda in clinical, supervision, or education issues in the professional counseling field.
• Serving on department, school, and university committees.
• Advising and mentoring students.
• Participating and leading in the profession, such as in ACA, ACES, and/or SACES.
• Maintaining the CACREP initial accreditation process.
• Investigating possible new MS delivery options and doctoral program in Counselor Education and Supervision.

Applicant qualifications:

• Possess an earned doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision, preferably from a CACREP-accredited doctoral program.
• Be licensed or license-eligible as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Texas.
• Possess a License and/or some background in School Counseling.
• Possess advanced clinical, supervision, and teaching skills.
• Demonstrate an active and productive program of research.
• Demonstrate well-developed professional leadership skills in professional counseling and/or counselor education.
• Demonstrate experience with CACREP or similar accreditation processes.
• Demonstrate support for a diverse array of worldviews and faith traditions and social justice.
• Must be an active member in good standing in the Roman Catholic Church and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of Ex Corde

Applicants must provide a cover letter addressing qualifications for the position; curriculum vitae; philosophy of teaching; research proposal involving graduate students; official transcripts, three professional references, and a substantive reflection on their expertise as an Expression of Catholic Mission,click on for details.