Dean, School of Education and Human Development

The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) invites inquiries, nominations and applications for the position of dean of the School of Education and Human Development.

The School of Education and Human Development is a statewide and national leader for educational quality, access and equity across the education and human development lifespan, birth through higher education. Offering 14 areas of studies, the school is the largest graduate school of its kind in Colorado, serving students seeking degrees/licensure and offering many options for continuing education. With approximately 172 faculty and lecturers, 59 staff and serving 1,400 students, the school is committed to educating for a more just and compassionate world. Through innovative research and partnerships, the school strives to be a passionate agent of change, inspiring upcoming generations to learn from the past and shape the future.

Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Constancio Nakuma, the dean will join the university at a time of great momentum and change as CU Denver has prioritized reaching its fullest potential as a public urban research university by 2030. Part of the University of Colorado System, CU Denver is home to nearly 15,000 students (over 10,000 undergraduate and 4,700 graduate), has over 1,100 faculty members across eight schools and colleges and offers 117 degree programs both in-person and online. Over 70% of the fall 2021 entering class were students of color or first generation. In 2021, the campus received Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) status and is on track to be classified as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI).

Chancellor Michelle Marks joined CU Denver in July 2020 and immediately engaged university stakeholders in a 100 Days of Listening tour and established an Equity Task Force charged with addressing priority action items centered on diversity, equity and inclusion. Utilizing the momentum from these conversations, CU Denver launched a university-wide strategic planning process in January 2021 and released a series of Vision Team Reports. Completed in June 2021, the CU Denver strategic plan provides a vision and strategy that differentiates CU Denver and ensures it is achieving its greatest level of impact around big ideas, innovative solutions and equitable access to high-quality education within a diverse workforce context.

The incoming dean will be expected to lead, support and galvanize the School of Education and Human Development around a distinctive vision that highlights and strengthens the school's culture of care, respect, community and collaboration. The dean must foster an environment where creativity and innovation can thrive, and lend their personal leadership and character to cultivating a more diverse, equitable, just and inclusive community. In addition, the dean will build deep relationships with community partners to leverage the tremendous support and opportunities afforded by this vibrant, entrepreneurial school.

The current vision for this position include candidates who have an outstanding record of scholarly and educational achievement; a nuanced understanding of the fields of education and human development; a history of successful administrative leadership; a commitment to the university's and college's mission and values; demonstrated impact in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion; experience building community partnerships; a record of supporting excellence in teaching, scholarship and service; and the capacity to be a skilled fundraiser and advocate. Preferred candidates must be eligible at the rank of full professor within the School of Education and Human Development.

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile. WittKieffer is assisting CU Denver in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by January 17, 2022.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Alejandra Gillette-Teran and Ashlee Winters Musser at CUDenverSEHD@wittkieffer.com

Compensation and Benefit Information
Compensation range: $220,000 - $260,000

Benefits: The University of Colorado offers a full benefits package. Information on university benefits programs, including eligibility, is available at www.cu.edu/employee-services.

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.