Dean of the College of Education

Who We Are

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking a Dean for the College of Education to join our team! UCCS offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment that fosters innovation, growth, and the holistic development of its students. The work location for this position is on-site. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery--a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

Salary Range:

At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
• Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
• Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
• Further Your Education: Avail nine waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
• Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.
• Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get the complete picture!

Summary

The Dean of the College of Education (COE) serves as the College's chief academic and administrative officer, responsible for leadership, vision, and operational oversight. Reporting to the Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Dean advances the College's mission by promoting excellence in teaching, research, service, and community engagement while ensuring alignment with the broader UCCS strategic goals.

The College of Education comprises three departments--Counseling and Human Services, Leadership, Research, Foundations, and Teaching and Learning. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs that prepare students for impactful teaching, counseling, leadership, and higher education administration careers. The College is committed to collaboration, innovation, and partnerships with P-12 schools and districts, local higher education institutions, mental health agencies, and community organizations.

The Dean fosters an engaged academic environment within and amongst the three departments, builds external partnerships, secures resources through fundraising and grant development, and advocates for faculty, staff, and students. Additionally, the Dean plays a key role in accreditation, licensure requirements, and program development, ensuring the College maintains high academic and professional standards.

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Administration

• • Provide visionary leadership to enhance the College's role in advancing educational excellence and professional development.

  • Develop and implement a strategic plan aligned with the UCCS mission and academic priorities.

  • Oversee budget planning, fiscal management, and resource allocation to ensure financial sustainability.

  • Serve as the college's primary advocate and representative within UCCS, the CU system, and external stakeholders, such as USAFA, Pikes Peak State College, Leadership Pikes Peak, and UCCS Campus Connections.

  • Promote a collaborative academic culture, fostering interdisciplinary initiatives and innovation within and across programs and departments, which include Counseling and Human Services; Leadership, Research, and Foundations; and Teaching and Learning.

  • Oversee Associate and Assistant Deans, Executive Assistant, Department Chairs, and other staff positions. Provide clear direction and guidance on roles and expectations, monitor progress and workflow, motivate the team to meet performance goals and deadlines, identify strengths and areas of growth, and have the authority to evaluate, resolve grievances, and initiate disciplinary actions.

• • Understand and support each department's unique identities and cultures and how they promote academic excellence.

  • Lead faculty in advancing teaching, research, and service excellence.

  • Oversee faculty recruitment, retention, promotion, tenure, annual review, and workload assignments.

  • Support professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.

  • Ensure curriculum quality, accreditation compliance, and continuous program improvement.

  • Encourage innovative teaching practices, online learning initiatives, and research collaborations.

• • Champion student-centered initiatives that enhance learning, retention, and career readiness.

  • Strengthen partnerships with P-12 schools, higher education institutions, early childcare, and community organizations.

  • Develop and maintain structures to support students obtaining state licensure and professional credentials.

  • Expand opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, mentorship, Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), Prior Learning Assessments (PLA), and applied learning experiences.

  • Promote collaboration and fairness within the College's academic programs and student services.

• • Lead efforts to secure external funding through grants, philanthropic gifts, and corporate partnerships.

  • Engage with alumni, industry leaders, and education policymakers to enhance the College's impact.

  • Develop new revenue-generating initiatives and public-private collaborations.

  • Represent the College in state and national education policy discussions.

• • Ensure compliance with university policies, state licensure regulations (up for reauthorization in 2027), and accreditation standards.

  • Lead the College's accreditation and program evaluation processes.

  • Ensure shared governance and collaborative decision-making among faculty and staff.

  • Maintain transparent and equitable policies for faculty, staff, and students.

Tentative Search Timeline

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by: March 4, 2025
• Potential interview dates: March 10, 2025 - March 21, 2025.

• Potential start date: July 1, 2025.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire:

• • Terminal degree in Education or a closely related field.
    • More information here: COE Academics

  • Qualification for the rank of full professor with tenure, in accordance with the relevant department's promotion and tenure expectations.
    • More information here: Tenure & Promotion at UCCS

  • Demonstrated academic and organizational leadership, with a strong history of obtaining and managing finances.

  • Proven education research and policy leader with a record of supporting and developing relationships with faculty, administration, and the broader educational community.

  • Experience with state licensure requirements, accreditation processes, and teacher preparation programs.

  • Ability to manage a large budget, develop successful policies, and advocate for education initiatives at the local, state, and national levels.

  • Demonstrated success in fundraising, securing external grants, and building partnerships with P-12 institutions, Early Child Care Programs, referral agencies, and higher education organizations.

  • Commitment to collaboration and fairness in education, ensuring all programs promote accessibility and student success.

  • Transparent communicator, dedicated to shared governance and collaboration.

UCCS is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.