For best consideration, complete applications should be received before March 7, 2025.

Complete information is available on the Search Profile.

Utah Valley University (UVU), located in Orem, Utah, the heart of Utah County, invites applications for an innovative and experienced leader as the Dean of the School of Education. The ideal candidate will foster an environment that promotes UVU’s core values of exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results. Reporting to the Provost, the Dean serves as the academic and administrative leader for the School of Education and works collaboratively within the college, as well as across UVU and the community, to cultivate a positive scholarly environment focused on excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. This position has a preferred start date of July 1, 2025, or earlier.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Utah Valley University (UVU) seeks a visionary, energetic, and innovative Dean to guide the School of Education’s future growth and champion its talented faculty, staff, and students. The Dean will be a strategic and collaborative leader, energized by opportunities to develop innovative programs and delivery methods that address the need for competent educators and leaders for the twenty-first century. They will foster a supportive culture while bringing creative solutions to challenges in education.

The School of Education strives to be a leader in educational innovation and excellence. Plans include developing new and existing programs to address industry and workforce demands and initiatives to enhance student success and achievement. The school is committed to leveraging educational technology and creative learning environments to provide innovative educational experiences.

Opportunities ahead include increasing enrollment, expanding alternative pathways to credentialling, strengthening collaborations with industry, and launching programs that reflect shifting demographics and interests. The school aims to expand its leadership in educational technology through partnerships and initiatives like the Pledge for Digital Equity and the Academy on AI in K-12 Education. Its focus on fundraising and revenue generation will enhance access and opportunity for students.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Dean is expected to lead effectively and deliver results. They will formulate strategy, execute program expansion, manage student growth, and ensure academic programming meets community and industry needs.
• The Dean will enhance and execute the school’s strategic vision, facilitate student success (retention, completion, and job placement), and motivate faculty and staff to do excellent work. The ideal candidate will foster an environment that promotes UVU’s core values of exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results.
• The Dean will lead in telling the story of the School of Education and the noble profession of teaching. In so doing, they will contribute significantly to fundraising, working with Institutional Advancement.
• The Dean will help secure financial support from industry partners, government, alumni, and the community.
• The Dean will support academic departments, oversee specialized accreditation, and manage a sustainable budget. They will cultivate collaboration within the college, UVU and our community, to create a positive scholarly environment focused on excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
• The Dean will maintain high standards for faculty and staff performance and lead by example in cooperation, innovation, accountability, and ethical governance.

DESIRED LEADERSHIP SKILLS

• Understands opportunities in teacher preparation and public service and articulates a vision and strategy to position the school competitively.
• Focuses on student success and leverages university resources to create a positive student experience.
• Motivates, mentors, and empowers others; fosters optimism and energy for reaching goals; and commits to creating inclusive environments.
• Communicates effectively with internal and external audiences. Gives clear, honest, and frequent feedback to people under direct supervision of the dean. Achieves high-quality results, understands and follows policies, follows through on commitments, makes informed decisions, and holds self and team accountable.
• Contributes to the university’s mission, vision, and long-term objectives; plans for internal and external changes; focuses on achieving strategic goals for self, department, school, and university.
• Navigates the UVU environment effectively, understanding vertical and horizontal interactions, cultural differences, and various constituencies, including donors, advisory boards, industry leaders, and the legislature.
• Demonstrates proficiency in delegation, budgeting, fundraising, and team building; stays current on trends in areas of expertise.
• Builds trust by demonstrating integrity, respecting individuals, and promoting unity and confidence.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited university appropriate for an appointment with tenure in the School of Education
• At least five years of leadership experience, resulting in continuous growth and innovation
• Evidence of strategic thinking, data-driven decision making, and proven results• Understanding of, and commitment to, academic freedom and shared governance
• Evidence of fundraising experience or capacity to garner financial resources
• Proven experience with networking, engagements, and collaborations with higher education groups, government, industry partners, and/or community entities that create positive social impact
• Familiarity with current academic accreditation practices

OREM/PROVO, UTAH

The City of Orem was organized in 1919 and named after Walter C. Orem, President of the Salt Lake and Utah Railroad. The naming of Orem was an apparent attempt to curry his favor and attract future investments from this prosperous Salt Lake City resident. It shares the general location and history of Provo UT and was often referred to as the “Provo Bench.” In 1942, the Geneva Steel Works was constructed by the federal government as an inland producer of steel for WWII. Built along the eastern shore of Utah Lake, Geneva provided employment and economic growth to local residents, either directly or indirectly, for six decades.

In 2021, The Milken Institute released its list of the best performing metropolitan areas in terms of creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. The analysis considered the following items: jobs, wages and salaries, and technology growth. The Provo-Orem area was ranked #1 in the country. Orem/Provo continue to receive Top 10 rankings for cities from a variety of publications as time goes on.

Today, there are dozens of technology companies, manufacturers, and service companies employing thousands of Orem residents, making the economic importance of Geneva Steel just a memory in the historical archives.

Utah County is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the American West, where rugged mountain ranges meet sweeping valleys. The majestic Wasatch Mountains rise sharply to the east, their snowcapped peaks often mirrored in the serene waters of Utah Lake below. Vibrant wildflowers blanket the hillsides in spring, while the changing colors of fall transform the landscape into a painter’s palette of gold, red, and orange. Whether hiking through lush canyons, exploring picturesque alpine lakes, or simply gazing at the panoramic vistas, the natural beauty of Utah County is both awe-inspiring and peaceful.