Dean - College of Education

Out-of-state employment is limited to Arkansas, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., and subject to supervisor approval.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States on a full-time basis. This position may not be eligible for work visa sponsorship.

The College Dean is responsible for the administration of the college which may include, but is not limited to, department head and faculty recruitment and development, department head and faculty evaluation, program development, program review, student advisement, college budgeting and budget control, and indirect supervision of the teaching, research, and service activities of the college.

The dean will guide and inspire COE while working collaboratively with, and advocating for, faculty, staff and students by promoting excellence in teaching, scholarship and service; encouraging faculty development; prioritizing student learning; facilitating student recruitment and retention; building partnerships with K-12 schools and other external organizations; engaging in fundraising and alumni relations; and demonstrating sound fiscal management. As chief administrative officer of COE, the Dean will provide professional, intellectual, and administrative leadership with a focus on student success, educational innovation, and Missouri State’s public affairs mission.

The minimum acceptable qualifications for the position of College Dean are prescribed by the Provost and the University President. A record of inclusive conduct and evidence of multicultural skills in the workplace is required.

Applicants should upload the following materials as separate documents (PDF format preferred):

· A detailed cover letter, addressed to the search committee, describing the candidate’s qualifications and leadership vision for COE, particularly the opportunities and priorities identified in this announcement.

· A current curriculum vitae (CV).

· A list of five professional references, including email addresses and a brief description of the candidate’s professional relationship with each.

The search committee expects to select a new dean early in 2027, with the successful candidate assuming full-time responsibilities on July 1, 2027. The salary will be competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

For more information about the position, please contact the co-chairs of the search:

Dr. Melissa Bledsoe
Dean, Darr College of Agriculture

MelissaBledsoe@MissouriState.edu

Dr. Shawn Wahl
Dean, Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
ShawnWahl@MissouriState.edu

Although the search remains open until the position is filled, for full consideration, candidates should submit all application materials by Monday, November 30, 2026.

Non-Discrimination Statement



Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, and is strictly prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.



This policy shall not be interpreted in a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces of the United States of America.



The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity employer. Inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance procedure related to discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines, should be addressed to the Director, Office for Institutional Compliance, Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, Compliance@MissouriState.edu, 417-836-4252.

Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense.