Dean, College of Social Sciences
California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) invites experienced and passionate academic leaders with a strong appreciation for the social sciences to apply for the role of
Dean of the College of Social Sciences.
The University
Fresno State, one of the 23 campuses of the California State University system, is the premier regional university serving Central California's diverse and growing community. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while interacting with the state, nation and world. Service to the region is an important part of the University's mission. The prestigious Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching awarded the University its Community Engagement classification, acknowledging its extensive partnership with Central California. California State University, Fresno, with a current enrollment of more than 23,000 students, is a minority-serving institution, a federally designated Hispanic-serving (HSI), and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-serving (AANAPISI) institution, reflecting the rich diversity of Central California.
The College
The College of Social Sciences offers a broad and exciting range of majors, minors, and certificates to its 3659 undergraduate, 92 graduate, and 21 credential students. The College has an operating budget of approximately $12M and consists of ten departments: Africana Studies, Anthropology, Chicano & Latin American Studies, Child & Family Science, Criminology, Geography, History, Political Science, Sociology and Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies.
The mission of the College of Social Sciences (COSS) is to seek and impart knowledge of the human social experience in all its diversity in order to educate students and benefit humanity. COSS seeks to instill a concern for human values and civic responsibility and to provide substantial knowledge drawn from the social sciences. Such values and knowledge will help students respond effectively to many challenges and opportunities.
As students advance in their knowledge of societies and cultures, including their own, they learn communication skills and gain valuable understanding of people from different backgrounds. Global awareness, together with an appreciation of relationships between society and nature, is a fundamental aspect of learning in the social sciences. The College teaches students to think clearly, critically, and analytically that will allow students to engage and solve complex social problems. The College also fosters respect for human diversity and a sense of responsibility for preparing students to adapt both wisely and resourcefully in our ever-changing world. As a leader in liberal arts education, COSS provides excellent preparation for a wide range of careers in academia, government, business, and many other venues in the public and private sectors.
The Position
The Dean of the College of Social Sciences is a member of the Provost's Leadership Team and reports to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and is the chief academic and administrative officer for the College. Additionally, the Dean serves as the intellectual leader of the College, facilitating a positive environment for teaching, scholarship, creative activity, and service to the University and the community. The Dean is responsible for the quality and integrity of academic programs; managing the human and fiscal resources and academic programs; and is an advocate for student and faculty learning and teaching opportunities, as well as supporting the professional development of staff.
The Dean is the primary spokesperson for the College on campus and in the community; and serves as a chief advocate for the College and its faculty, staff, and students. The Dean works in collaboration with other Deans and the senior administration to promote and support the best interest of the College. In addition, the Dean partners with University Advancement in continuing efforts to foster and maintain relationships with alumni and donors.
As a minority-serving institution, Fresno State embraces diversity and inclusion, and is highly focused on student success. The Dean is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that enhance the learning environment and address the needs of first-generation students. In addition, the Dean will create an environment that welcomes transfer, DACA, veteran, and international students. The Dean will also lead the College in advancing academic excellence through the use of innovative instructional technology and striking the appropriate balance between in person and online learning. The Dean is expected to embrace and seize
this unparalleled opportunity.
Required Qualifications
Leading candidates will possess:
- An earned doctorate from an accredited institution and a successful record of teaching, scholarly achievement, and service sufficient to merit appointment as full professor in one of the College's disciplines;
- A successful record of academic administrative leadership and experience at the department level or above;
- Knowledge of and experience in developing and managing budgets;
- Proven experience managing personnel issues;
- Experience with program evaluation and strategic planning;
- Knowledge of enrollment management and student success and retention;
- A commitment to shared governance and an open, collegial management style;
- Experience with student abroad programs;
- A commitment to promoting interdisciplinary collaborations;
- Successful experience collaborating with faculty and administrators from other colleges and units across campus;
- Demonstrated commitment to staff professional growth and development;
- Demonstrated experience in the area of fundraising and external relations, as well as spearheading broader advancement efforts, to build relationships and to connect donors and community partners with philanthropic opportunities.
For a full list of qualifications visit: https://www.storbeckpimentel.com/pd/FresnoCOSS.pdf.
Application / Nomination Process
The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to accept applications and nominations until the position is filled. Priority consideration date is February 26, 2021. Applicants must submit a current curriculum vitae, a letter of interest describing relevant experience and interest in the position.
Nomination letters should include the contact information of the nominee. Applications and letters of nomination should be submitted by email to:
Alberto Pimentel, Managing Partner
Email:
apsearch@storbeckpimentel.com
Refer to code "Fresno COSS" in the subject line
Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates
6512 Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 90601
California State University, Fresno is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status.
