University of Houston: Dean of the Honors College
The University of Houston (UH) invites nominations and applications in the search for the next dean of the Honors College.
The Honors College creates a community where motivated students learn and grow together. It provides students the best of both worlds – the personal support and advantages of a small liberal arts college together with the rich resources and diversity of a large metropolitan university. The Honors College offers each student rigorous academic opportunities through the Honors curriculum and an opportunity to be part of a close-knit community by way of informal gatherings, social activities and cultural events.
Reporting directly to the provost, the dean is the chief executive officer of the Honors College and is responsible for providing the academic leadership and vision necessary for setting strategic, operational and financial directions. This includes strategic planning, personnel hiring and evaluation, student success, academic program development, professional accreditations, interdisciplinary collaborations, building and maintaining partnerships and integrated programming with the other colleges, and fiscal management and efficiency. The dean has overall responsibility for developing an effective, collegial environment that supports excellence in research, teaching and service.
Preferred Qualifications
It is required the successful candidate possesses an earned doctorate or other terminal degree with qualifications that merit appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure in a department at UH. The dean must embrace diversity and foster a climate in which students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds are supported in reaching their full potential. In addition, it is preferred the successful candidate demonstrates:
- The ability to engage the entire campus community in maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence
- A commitment to the liberal arts as foundational for undergraduate education
- A demonstrated appreciation for interdisciplinary curriculum
- An appreciation for Honors education and the distinctive qualities it brings to the university at large
- A proven track-record of initiative and creativity in the development of new programs
- Evidence of successful advocacy to garner support for a robust four-year Honors curriculum across all disciplines
- Passion and values that embrace a holistic and student-centered approach to education
- A commitment to preparing students to be critical thinkers and engaged global citizens
- An appreciation for the mission of UH and the university’s demonstrated commitment to diversity and access
- A proven ability to work effectively to secure support in a resource limited environment
- Experience working with donors and a comfortability with sharing the fundraising vision of the College (in partnership with the Development Director) to external constituents
- Effective communication skills and the ability to engage all Honors constituents (students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community partners)
- Commitment to maintaining a professional environment characterized by mutual respect, dialogue, and productive disagreement
- Experience developing and administering interdisciplinary courses and curricular programs
- Knowledge of best practices in developing and administering academic programs
- A vision for the growth and continued success of the Honors College and experience developing and implementing a strategic plan
Application Instructions
The Search Committee invites letters of nomination and applications containing:
- a letter of interest;
- a complete curriculum vitae;
- and a list of at least five references that includes contact information.
Click here to learn more and apply >>
Review of applications is ongoing and will continue until the position is filled.
About the Honors College:
As a national curricular and co-curricular education leader, the Honors College cultivates a community of agile and innovative thinkers, engaged citizens, and lifelong learners. Its 2,500 students come from majors across the University to take intellectually challenging courses (generally taught as small seminars), minors, and programs that emphasize speaking and writing, encourage critical inquiry in disciplined conversation, and promote active learning and principled leadership. We welcome candidates whose experience in teaching, research, or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence.
Learn more about the Honors College >>
From the school:
With over 45,000 students on the main campus and as one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse public universities in the nation, the University of Houston (www.uh.edu) is a Carnegie-Designated Tier One Public Research University. Houston is the fourth largest and the most ethnically diverse city in the country. It has multi-national industries, commercial centers, the largest medical center globally, a robust arts community, professional sports, an entrepreneurial approach to new technologies, and is the world capital for petroleum exploration and energy.
Learn more about the University of Houston >>
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