Associate Dean for Academic Programs

About the role

Description The College of Arts and Sciences at Oklahoma State University invites applications for the position of Associate Dean for Academic Programs. This senior leadership role reports directly to the Dean and serves as the college's primary leader for academic programs and instructional quality. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in enhancing the college's academic offerings, interdisciplinary initiatives, and alignment with institutional accreditation standards. As a key member of the Dean's leadership team, the Associate Dean works collaboratively with department chairs, program directors, faculty, and university stakeholders, including other system campuses, to ensure continuous improvement and innovation in academic programming. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Academic 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 About Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State University is a comprehensive land-grant institution committed to excellence in teaching, research and service. Founded in 1890, the OSU system extends beyond the main campus in Stillwater, OK to include campuses in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Okmulgee. OSU offers a vibrant academic environment of over 34,000 students and 7,400 employees. The College of Arts and Sciences serves as the intellectual cornerstone of the university, housing 24 departments spanning the natural, physical and computational sciences; the arts and humanities; and the social and behavioral sciences. The College emphasizes innovative research and creative endeavors, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a focus on excellence in instruction and a supportive student environment that prepares learners for careers in industry, non-profits and civil service, education, healthcare, law, and creative arts. Beyond the College, OSU is known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, business and veterinary medicine and the system includes the Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa with whom faculty in the College regularly collaborate. OSU has graduated more than 264,000 students to serve the state of Oklahoma, the nation, and the world. The university has developed a strategic plan that focuses on OSU becoming the nation's preeminent land-grant institution, and this offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the College of Arts and Sciences' mission of providing high-quality academic programs and fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. The Associate Dean for Academic Programs will play a critical role in shaping the future of the college and advancing its strategic priorities. With a commitment to innovation, community engagement and fostering civic commitment to serve and make a positive difference, OSU empowers faculty and staff to make meaningful contributions while enjoying the charm of a friendly college town atmosphere and the resources of a major research university. Stillwater, Oklahoma  The OSU main campus is situated in the city of Stillwater and this position will be housed there. Stillwater is known for being a welcoming, respectful, and genuine mid-size city that boasts an active and engaging cultural and arts scene, including the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, and a range of beautiful opportunities for outdoor enjoyment like the OSU Botanical Gardens and the nearness of Lake Carl Blackwell. In addition to a local commercial airport with regular flights to Dallas, Stillwater is a one-hour drive to the metropolitan areas of Oklahoma City and Tulsa, home to international airports, vibrant art and performance venues, and professional sports teams. Stillwater is education-focused and boasts one of the top public-school districts in the state. Additionally, OSU employees' dependents receive up to five years of free tuition.  For more information, follow the link:   Qualifications 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   Application Instructions To apply, please submit a comprehensive CV, letter of interest addressing qualifications for the position, and contact information for three professional references via Interfolio at:.  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The priority deadline for receipt of materials is April 1, 2025.   Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Oklahoma State University as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit .