Associate Dean/School of Education (SOE) Director - University of Wisconsin-Stout

The University of Wisconsin-Stout (UW-Stout) is seeking a dynamic, creative, collaborative, entrepreneurial leader to join our team as an Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Human Sciences (CAHS)/Director of the School of Education (SOE). UW-Stout has a longstanding history of preparing educators and is a renowned leader in applied learning and career and technical education. The teacher shortage, coupled with dynamic changes in licensure requirements, provides an opportunity for innovative approaches to increase the educator pipeline. Our next Associate Dean/School of Education Director will guide this important work via partnerships across the education ecosystem which includes K-12, two-year technical colleges, the Universities of Wisconsin, business, industry, community, and professional organizations.

INSTITUTIONAL OVERVIEW

An innovative leader within the University of Wisconsin System, the UW-Stout offers an unparalleled career-focused education that integrates applied learning, theory and research, and real-world experiences to prepare our students for the future. At UW-Stout, our students think and do from day one, and we are proud to produce lifelong learners, ethical leaders, and responsible citizens who succeed in a global society.

UW-Stout is recognized nationwide for its operational excellence. We were the first and remain the only four-year public higher education institution in the nation to receive the Malcolm Baldrige Award, and we are dedicated to a process-improvement model that leverages the power of data and the value of our people. We believe in critical thinking and fact-informed decision making. We pursue sustainability in form and function and collaborate across campus with our partners to solve problems in industry and society.

This position joins a student-focused and collaborative leadership team within academic affairs, working in support of the university's FOCUS2030 strategic plan. The university's goals encompass five fundamental pillars: Student Success; Employee Success; Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity; Institutional Sustainability; and Identity. UW-Stout is seeking candidates who will prioritize these pillars and serve as a change agent during this active time in higher education.

UW-Stout offers 45 undergraduate, 20 masters, and 3 advanced programs and more than 30 certificate options in Art, Design & Graphics; Business & Management; Education; Human & Social Sciences; Information Technology & Communications; and Science, Engineering & Math. Our first-class digital infrastructure and learning environments provide our approximately 7,000 students with every avenue to explore and personalize their success. And we invest in people who share our vision to advance our position as Wisconsin's only Polytechnic University and as a regional, national, and international leader in higher education.

Be a part of the future at UW-Stout. Learn more at https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us

The University of Wisconsin-Stout is in Menomonie, Wisconsin, a community an hour east of Minneapolis-St. Paul. A pillar of Wisconsin's Chippewa Valley and recognized as one of the best small towns in America, Menomonie provides an idyllic combination of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, boutiques and arts and culture with access to a metropolitan area. For more information about the UW-Stout community and region visit: https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us/our-community

COLLEGE INFORMATION

The College of Arts and Human Sciences (CAHS) is committed to providing innovative, high-quality instruction that empowers students to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens who value scholarship, diversity, and the pursuit of truth. The college offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that prepare professionals to become successful and effective leaders in their discipline, improve the human condition, and meet the challenges of a changing world.

Classroom-laboratory instruction, student research, service learning, professional organization linkages, and supervised field experiences in the community and schools prepare our graduates for a variety of professional settings. Our coursework introduces students to a broad-based understanding of the human experience, as conveyed through the arts, communication, education, health, human and social sciences, and humanities.

CAHS serves approximately half of all UW-Stout students and works as a critical cross-disciplinary partner to meet the dynamic and emerging needs of our graduates and the region. The CAHS includes specialized laboratories across seven buildings, approximately 250 faculty and staff FTE, and 3,100 students. The college includes eight academic departments, two schools -- the School of Education and the School of Art and Design --and several centers, institutes and galleries, including the Child and Family Study Center and the nationally recognized Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute. CAHS offers in-person, online and, hybrid offerings, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, in addition to certificates and specializations available to working adults, and pre-professional offerings.

SCHOOL INFORMATION

The School of Education has been preparing teachers and educators since 1891 to work in childcare facilities, primary schools, middle schools, secondary schools, higher education, and more. With over 700 students, we offer 9 undergraduate programs, serving both traditional and non-traditional students in campus-based and online modalities, 4 M.S. programs, an Ed.D. in Career & Technical Education Leadership, and a wide variety of certificates, certifications, and online professional development offerings. The college houses the university's Child and Family Study Center, which provides applied learning experiences for students in our programs, ranging from early childhood to dietetics to psychology. That Center, and our entire School of Education will be moving into new facilities, a state-of-the-art renovated Heritage Hall, in Fall 2028.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the College Dean, the Associate Dean/School Director will be responsible for general oversight, strategic vision, operational and active leadership of the School of Education, accreditation, cross and interdisciplinary partnership coordination, curriculum, and personnel. Associate deans work collaboratively across the institution on initiatives that foster improvement, innovation, inclusion, and excellence in all aspects of the College, while following university and UW System policies, rules, regulations, and guidelines. This position serves as the university liaison to the WI Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and ensures DPI approved licensure programs adhere to regulatory requirements. This position is a full-time, annual, limited appointment. Applicants may be considered for a concurrent tenure appointment per UWS Administrative Policy 1250. The projected start date is January 6, 2025.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership, Planning and Development

• Provide creative leadership in the development and/or continuous improvement of program initiatives to increase the educator pipeline
• Enhance UW-Stout's cross-disciplinary collaborations in support of education initiatives (i.e., youth camps, Fab Lab applied learning activities, dual-enrollment, certificates, undergraduate education programs, graduate education programs, etc.)
• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of the College's and School's strategic plans and priorities, in alignment with the university's mission and goals
• Assist in coordinating opportunities with stakeholders including faculty, staff, Program Directors, the University Partnership Council (Stout University Foundation, Career Services, Office of Corporate Relations and Economic Engagement, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and the Provost's Office), alumni, regional employers, PK-16, business, and the community-at-large
• Provide leadership on behalf of UW-Stout on the Universities of Wisconsin Education Deans and Directors group

Accreditation, Enrollment Management and Program Coordination

• Provide leadership and assistance for the College and School's academic programs, including enrollment management, needs analysis, curriculum development, cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary partnerships, procedures, workload, experiential learning, and program advisory committees
• Provide leadership and oversee all activities related to Department of Public Instruction (DPI) accreditation
• Serve as liaison with DPI licensure division including monthly meetings, accreditation reports and visits, updating SOE procedures based on legislative changes
• Serve as assessment coordinator and manage the educator preparation program assessment system to ensure alignment with PI 34 and other education policies. Ensure that required annual federal, state, and campus reporting is completed
• Facilitate departmental, School-wide and/or College-wide conversations about accreditation-related topics
• Provide leadership in the preparation and oversight of school-level or college-level reports
• Oversee program assessment systems
• Provide assistance with orientation, recruitment, and articulations with other colleges and universities
• Address student placement and other issues related to licensure as they arise

Advocacy and Outreach

• Leverage UW-Stout's polytechnic advantage to promote cross-disciplinary collaborations and outreach
• Represent and advocate for the College and School both on and off campus
• Serve as the UW-Stout voting member for the Universities of Wisconsin Education Deans and Directors group
• Collaborate with program directors, department chairs and Marketing Communications, to direct external and internal marketing and communications
• Coordinate outreach and partner engagement efforts across the university

Supervision

• Supervise staff and students as assigned
• Facilitate monthly SOE Council meetings and form ad hoc committees as needed
• Facilitate other activities related to the College's programs, as assigned by the dean
• Provide assistance with personnel issues as requested by the dean

Budget and Facilities (as assigned)

• Spearhead facility planning and manage college facilities in collaboration with the dean, campus planner, department chairs, faculty, and staff
• Assist with oversight of budgets
• Provide leadership and oversight of health and safety policies and practices

Additional duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum / Required

• Terminal degree in education or a closely related field
• Demonstrated leadership ability
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team
• Demonstrated success working with diverse stakeholders
• K-12 experience

Highly Desired / Preferred

• Demonstrated understanding of the challenges of a rapidly changing higher education environment at the local, state, and national levels
• Strong record of teaching, research, scholarship, service, and professional development
• Leadership experience related to accreditation and/or grants
• Experience in establishing partnerships between business/industry and educational institutions
• Experience in fundraising

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Complete applications received by end of day, August 19, 2024 are ensured full consideration. Applications submitted after August 19, 2024 may be reviewed at the discretion of the search committee.

To apply, click on the APPLY button or go to: https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us/careers-jobs

Required application materials:
1. Cover letter*
2. Curriculum vitae or resume
3. Names and contact information for a minimum of three (3) professional references
4. Leadership Statement: Please submit a two-page or less statement demonstrating your leadership and administrative philosophy and how you will help lead the School of Education and foster diverse pathways for teacher licensure.

*Please use your cover letter to speak to each of the Minimum/Required Qualifications for this position as listed above. For each required qualification, describe your relevant experience, using specific examples from your work history to illustrate how your experience satisfies the requirement. Please also address the extent to which you meet the stated Preferred Qualifications.

Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application.

Once you have attached your materials and submitted your application you will not be able to go into the system and change them.

Before starting the online application process, we recommend you preview the frequently asked questions (FAQs) available at: https://kb.uwss.wisconsin.edu/21900

It is the policy of UW-Stout to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance, or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact us using the information below. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual's disability.

For questions regarding this position or recruitment, please contact:
Search Chair: Beth Hein
Email: heinb@uwstout.edu

If you need assistance with the online application process or if you submitted your application prior to uploading all the required application materials, please contact:
Search Coordinator: Dinah Schoonover
Phone: 715-232-2687
Email: schoonoverd@uwstout.edu

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. UW System provides an excellent benefits package including participation in the Wisconsin State retirement plan, demonstrating our commitment to the diverse needs of our employees.

• Benefit Details: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguidefasl.pdf
• Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator | Employee Benefits (wisconsin.edu)

All qualified candidates meeting application requirements will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against. As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, UW-Stout welcomes applications from individuals from diverse groups; veterans, individuals with disabilities and from historically excluded populations. UW-Stout provides equal opportunity to all persons and is committed to inclusive excellence. At UW-Stout we value our differences and welcome diverse perspectives as we continually commit to developing an inclusive and equitable environment for all employees and students.

Employment is contingent upon the final candidate's completing a criminal background check and being cleared to work by the Human Resources Office. Employment is also contingent upon the final candidate passing reference checks and an essential job function test, as applicable. The reference check process includes asking the final candidate and most recent supervisor(s) questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Final candidates with previous employment within the UW System and State of WI agencies will be subject to additional reference checks.

Official transcripts required at time of hire.

In response to a public records request, the University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in their online application, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

UW-Stout is committed to providing safety and security of all members of our community in accordance with the Clery Act. For campus safety information and crime statistics visit: https://www.uwstout.edu/life-stout/police-and-parking/clery-information

Job Family: Supervisory