Associate Dean of Academic Programs - College of Arts and Sciences

Associate Dean for AcademicPrograms
College of Arts and Sciences at Oklahoma State University

Position Type: Full-time, 12-month administrative appointment

Start date: June 1, 2025

Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma

About the PositionThe College of Arts and Sciences at Oklahoma State University invitesapplications for the position of Associate Dean for Academic Programs. Thissenior leadership role reports directly to the Dean and serves as the college'sprimary leader for academic programs and instructional quality. The successfulcandidate will play a pivotal role in enhancing the college's academicofferings, interdisciplinary initiatives, and alignment with institutionalaccreditation standards.As a key member of the Dean's leadership team, the Associate Dean workscollaboratively with department chairs, program directors, faculty, anduniversity stakeholders, including other system campuses, to ensure continuousimprovement and innovation in academic programming.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesAcademic Program Oversight
• Lead the development, review, and enhancement of undergraduate and graduate academic programs within the college
• Oversee academic program proposals, including new programs, changes, and closures
• Coordinate academic program review processes
• Ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations and accreditation standards

Curriculum Development and Instructional Quality
• Collaborate with faculty and department chairs to maintain innovative, market-responsive curricula
• Monitor instructional quality across the college and promote pedagogical best practices
• Evaluate student learning outcomes and other metrics to assess program effectiveness
• Implement strategies to improve instructional quality and student success

Interdisciplinary and Cross-Campus Collaboration
• Foster development of interdisciplinary academic programs within the college and across university units
• Serve as the college's primary academic liaison to OSU-system campuses
• Promote collaborative initiatives among departments and support innovative cross-cutting academic initiatives
• Oversee interdisciplinary academic programs housed in the College

Assessment and Accreditation
• Lead academic program assessments to ensure continuous improvement
• Represent the college for institutional accreditation processes
• Support program-specific accreditation activities
• Collaborate with Institutional Research and Analytics on training and support for program review

Policy Implementation and Strategic Planning
• Implement academic policies and procedures within the college
• Provide leadership in strategic academic planning and special projects
• Monitor higher education trends and recommend policy adjustments

Operational and Administrative Duties
• Collaborate with the Registrar's Office, Graduate College, and Provost Office on catalog information
• Provide input on classroom utilization, scheduling, and space planning
• Represent college interests regarding curriculum and instructional matters

Required Qualifications
• Doctorate or terminal degree in a relevant field housed in the College of Arts and Sciences
• At least three years of progressively responsible experience in academic and curriculum programming, including leadership roles
• Demonstrated ability to lead, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong commitment to ethical behavior, social responsibility, and academic excellence
• Strong communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage and design complex processes
• Proven ability to innovate, make informed decisions, and manage resources effectively

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with interdisciplinary programs and initiatives
• Significant leadership experience
• Knowledge of accreditation processes and standards (e.g., Higher Learning Commission)
• Familiarity with the unique challenges and opportunities of working in a land-grant, R1 university setting
• Experience collaborating with professional studies or non-traditional education programs
• Significant ability to develop and build programs and articulate a strategic vision for the same

About Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University is a comprehensive land-grant institution committedto excellence in teaching, research and service. Founded in 1890, the OSUsystem extends beyond the main campus in Stillwater, OK to include campuses inTulsa, Oklahoma City, and Okmulgee. OSU offers a vibrant academic environmentof over 34,000 students and 7,400 employees. The College of Arts and Sciencesserves as the intellectual cornerstone of the university, housing 24departments spanning the natural, physical and computational sciences; the artsand humanities; and the social and behavioral sciences. The College emphasizesinnovative research and creative endeavors, interdisciplinary collaboration,and a focus on excellence in instruction and a supportive student environmentthat prepares learners for careers in industry, non-profits and civil service,education, healthcare, law, and creative arts. Beyond the College, OSU is knownfor its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, business and veterinarymedicine and the system includes the Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa withwhom faculty in the College regularly collaborate. OSU has graduatedmore than 264,000 students to serve the state of Oklahoma, the nation, and theworld. The university has developed a strategic plan that focuses on OSUbecoming the nation's preeminent land-grant institution, and this offers an exciting opportunity tocontribute to the College of Arts and Sciences' mission of providinghigh-quality academic programs and fostering an environment of innovation andcollaboration. The Associate Dean for Academic Programs will play a criticalrole in shaping the future of the college and advancing its strategicpriorities. With a commitment toinnovation, community engagement and fostering civic commitment to serve andmake a positive difference, OSU empowers faculty and staff to make meaningfulcontributions while enjoying the charm of a friendly college town atmosphereand the resources of a major research university.

Stillwater, Oklahoma
The OSU main campus is situated in the city ofStillwater and this position will be housed there. Stillwater is known forbeing a welcoming, respectful, and genuine mid-size city that boasts an activeand engaging cultural and arts scene, including the McKnight Center for thePerforming Arts, and a range of beautiful opportunities for outdoor enjoymentlike the OSU Botanical Gardens and the nearness of Lake Carl Blackwell. Inaddition to a local commercial airport with regular flights to Dallas,Stillwater is a one-hour drive to the metropolitan areas of Oklahoma City andTulsa, home to international airports, vibrant art and performance venues, andprofessional sports teams. Stillwater is education-focused and boasts one ofthe top public-school districts in the state. Additionally, OSU employees'dependents receive up to five years of free tuition.
For more information, follow thelink: https://stillwaterok.gov/

Application Process
To apply, please submit a comprehensive CV, letter of interest addressingqualifications for the position, and contact information for three professionalreferences via Interfolio at: https://apply.interfolio.com/164462. Review of applications will beginimmediately and continue until the position is filled. The priority deadlinefor receipt of materials is April 1, 2025.
Oklahoma State University, as an Affirmative Action/EqualOpportunity/E-verify employer, complies with all applicable federal and statelaws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma StateUniversity is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individualsand does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, nationalorigin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression,disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programsand activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visithttps://eeo.okstate.edu

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