Founding Dean - St Edwards University

Founding Dean

School of Health Sciences

St. Edward's University, a nationally ranked, independent Catholic university and Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) invites applications for the Founding Dean of the School of Health Sciences. St. Edward's is characterized by its commitment to the Holy Cross educational mission to educate the hearts and minds of a diverse student body that is deeply committed to social justice.

The Founding Dean will lead the direction and growth of the new School of Health Sciences by building programs and partnerships and recruiting top faculty and student talent. The Founding Dean reports to the Provost and serves as a member of the Dean's Council. The Founding Dean provides vision and leadership to all areas of the School's operation: academic and curricular affairs, student success, promotion/tenure, fund-raising, external partnerships, and community service, among others. The Founding Dean is expected to provide leadership for academic excellence and distinction within the School, support equitable student success outcomes, promote mutually beneficial engagement with the community, and guide the School in continued compliance with accreditation standards. Currently direct reports are the Director of Nursing and the Program Director of Occupational Therapy. The Founding Dean will hire faculty and staff as the School and program portfolio expands.

The School of Health Sciences, in concert with the University, enjoys a strong, collaborative connection with the larger community. The Founding Dean can further develop these and other partnerships for the health and wellness of Austin and surrounding area. Because of the rapid growth of Austin, affecting the healthcare sector, there is a rich opportunity to develop the required talent pool to support the demand for allied health providers.

St. Edward's University embraces excellence through diversity and especially encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minority groups. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to supporting a diverse student body.

Required Qualifications

• Academic terminal degree (e.g., PhD, EdD, ScD) from a regionally accredited institution.
• Academic record consistent with the rank of Professor.
• At least ten years of experience in higher education leadership.
• Experience with program accreditation and assessment.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Doctoral degree in an allied health discipline.
• Experience with accreditation within Health Sciences programs.
• Experience in carrying out administrative responsibilities with an emphasis on education, public administration, organization or resources management, personnel management, fiscal management, and/or grants administration.
• Experience in program and/or curriculum development and evaluation, staff development, personnel supervision, resource development, budget preparation, program and student learning outcomes, educational best practices, and/or computer usage in the management of an educational institution.
• Demonstrated leadership and experience in the teaching and practice of one or more academic disciplines in the health-related fields.
• Knowledge of alternative models (to include new or emerging technology) for delivering instruction, academic administration, learning theory, or similar post-secondary education and training.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an administrative organization built around a fluid, consensus-building, and team approach to management.
• A record of success in external relations, particularly in fundraising, networking, and the development of student and faculty success opportunities.

Essential Responsibilities Include:

• Provide leadership and vision to the new School of Health Sciences.
• Lead external accreditation and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Develop strategies and objectives for the School that align with the university strategic plan.
• Mentor, support, and evaluate School faculty and staff.
• Develop, maintain, and nurture key relationships with external stakeholders and community organizations.
• Provide fiscal management, including overseeing the School's budget and managing School resources.
• Seek and oversee external funding opportunities through fundraising, grants, and partnerships to enhance School initiatives.

For detailed information, please see the Position Profile.

The University offers an excellent TOTAL REWARDS package! An overview of St. Edward's University employee benefits is available at; https://www.stedwards.edu/human-resources/benefits-summary

Medical & Rx Coverage (HSA & FSA Available), Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability Insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance, Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Pet Insurance, Annual Leave & Paid Sick Leave, Retirement Plan, Tuition Benefits, Paid Holidays, and Services & Discounts

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should apply online at https://stedwards.applicantpro.com. Application packages should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, names and contact information for five references.

In addition, all applications must include a statement on how they would integrate the University's Holy Cross mission into their work. Your Mission Integration statement should be included as a separate document.

Mission Integration Statement Prompt:

St. Edward's was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross, from which it acquired distinguishing characteristics that include the courage to take risks, an international perspective and the commitment to provide educational opportunities for students of varied cultural, religious, educational and economic backgrounds. In support of the mission, the different backgrounds of St. Edward's students, faculty and staff enrich our community and represent a significant part of our culture and commitment to excellence. We value the individual differences, life experiences, unique capabilities and innovative talent that our employees and students contribute to our vibrant academic environment. St. Edward's honors and respects all members of its community by fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment that respects the dignity and worth of each person and stresses the obligation of all people to pursue a more just world.

While serving as a faculty member at St. Edward's University, how would your individual differences, life experiences and unique capabilities contribute to the mission as described above? Describe how your prior work aligns to the university's mission.

Applicants should submit materials by December 23, 2024, for full consideration; however, the position will remain open until filled.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES

In 2021, SEU's 24th and first-ever Hispanic president, Dr. Montserrat Fuentes, laid out a clear vision to to be a destination university known for excellence and for enhancing the entire region through Holy Cross education. The University's Strategic Plan 2027 called for a new School of Health Sciences (SOHS) to empower a diverse pipeline of compassionate, high-caliber healthcare professionals: a mission-forward response to the pressing need for increased access to healthcare for the community's most vulnerable residents. SOHS will expand the University's proven approach to ensuring minority, first-generation, and underserved students attain a college education, graduate and succeed beyond the Hilltop.

The School of Health Sciences, when fully launched (2024 - 2028), will include a full portfolio of undergraduate and graduate degrees for healthcare professionals, including Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant, and Physical Therapy.

The SOHS facilities include sufficient lab and classroom space intended to support the teaching-learning needs of each program as well as the Simulation and Learning Resource Center (SLRC) which provides an opportunity for additional critical hands-on interactive learning.

ABOUT ST. EDWARD'S UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1885 by the Congregation of Holy Cross, St. Edward's University is a private, Catholic, liberal arts institution undergraduate and graduate students located in Austin, Texas. It is an exciting time to be part of the St. Edward's community as the university increases its global engagement to educate students for the opportunities and challenges of a 21st-century world. SEU is a diverse community that appreciates faculty and students from all backgrounds. Consistent with its Holy Cross heritage, the university maintains a strong commitment to diversity and global initiatives. More information about St. Edward's University may be found at www.stedwards.edu.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion St. Edwards University is a diverse community devoted to proactively nurturing a campus-wide culture that promotes and ensures equity, respect, inclusion and safety for all members regardless of race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity, socio-economic background, or physical ability. We are one University that opens our hearts and minds to conversations, to learning and to creating a community that is welcoming of all. Regardless of position, it is expected that each employee will embrace this commitment and demonstrate an attitude of respect toward and acceptance of all members of our community. For more information on our commitment to diversity, please visit our website https://www.stedwards.edu/about-us/diversity-equity-inclusion

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: St. Edward's University, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. We require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency for employment, and we are not offering visa sponsorship at this time.

Background Checks:

A criminal history background check is required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.