Dean Of Graduate & Leadership Studies

VUU is nourished by its African American and Christian heritage and energized by a commitment to excellence and diversity. Its mission is to: 1) Provide a nurturing, intellectually challenging and spiritually enriching environment for learning; 2) Empower students to develop strong moral values for success; and 3) Develop scholars, leaders, and lifelong learners of a global society.

Established in 1865, Virginia Union University gave newly emancipated slaves an opportunity for education, for establishing a community, and for gaining economic, political, and social advancement. The University is the result of a merger among four historic institutions: Richmond Theological Seminary, Wayland Seminary, Hartshorn Memorial, and Storer College. Richmond Theological Seminary held its first classes at Lumpkin's Jail, a former holding cell for runaway slaves. The Wayland Seminary was founded in 1865 by the American Baptist Home Mission Society in Washington, DC. Two years later Storer College was founded in West Virginia, and Hartshorn Memorial College opened its doors in 1883 as the first college for African American women in the country. After operating independently for three decades, these notable seminaries joined forces to form Virginia Union University in 1899. Hartshorn Memorial and Storer Colleges would eventually join this Union in 1932 and 1964, respectively.

Located in the heart of Virginia's capital city, Virginia Union University, a Baptist affiliated private institution, is best known for its world-renowned graduate school of theology. It also offers a broad range of educational opportunities in the liberal arts, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement, and study abroad. VUU's commitment to student success has included an emphasis on student engagement and retention, and close interaction between faculty and students, both of which produce a synergy among scholarship, teaching, and learning.

At Virginia Union University, we consistently search for and create growth opportunities that forge groundbreaking research, state of the art technology, or top-of-the-line curriculum. We welcome and encourage new ideas and processes that positively impact experiences. We require the following core values.

Spiritual Formation, as a faith-based University, we welcome the regular practice of prayer, worship, silence, and mediation that matures one's relationships, values, and life purpose that lead to ongoing spiritual growth and transformation.

Integrity, we value our commitment to fairness, honesty, and truth reflected in each person's words and deeds while holding ourselves accountable for our personal and words and actions.

Diversity & Inclusion, as one of the nation's oldest HBCUs, we value diversity in thought, perspective, and embodiment, trusting that we are stronger when various voices, traditions, and experiences are present. We value inclusivity and promote safety with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Excellence, we provide the highest quality of experiences and interactions while remaining flexible, responsive, and open-minded in developing and delivering programs, services, and facilities committed to exceeding the standards of what it means to be Best-In-Class.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The School Dean is responsible to the President through the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Dean is the chief executive officers of their respective schools and serve at the pleasure of the President or his/her designee. Deans are responsible for all aspects of academic life within their schools to include budgets, teaching, service, and research, personnel matters, and issues involving faculty, staff, and students.

The Dean of Graduate Studies will play an integral role in developing the new School of Graduate Studies and will provide leadership and coordination for the staff and operations within the school. Working collaboratively with the Academic Deans, the new Dean will support graduate education at the University, serve as an advocate for the graduate programs across the institution, enhance and expand the University's existing programs, and extend the reach and brand of the University by leveraging existing and new external partnerships to bring educational opportunities to a diverse community of learners. As the operations leader of the School, the Dean will provide guidance on instructional strategies to deliver traditional, online, and hybrid coursework; represent the interest of the University and the constituents we serve; and link the work of the school with the needs of the wider community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assume leadership in the development of the programs of the school and coordinate and integrate the work of its department.

• Recruit, orientation and general supervision of the faculty within the school.

• Promote excellence in teaching, research and scholarship, and professional service activities of the schools.

• Formulate and administer policies for the school, either on own initiative or as directed by the appropriate authority, with consideration for the prerogatives of the chair/faculty with regard to the educational policy.

• Forward the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs recommendations concerning actions relating to all personnel in his/her school, with approval or disapproval, together with a statement of reasoning or rationale, when appropriate.

• Serve as the communications officer for all official business within the school, and with other University authorities, the students, and the public.

• Certify to the Office of the Registrar as to the compliance of individual students with requirements for graduation, after receiving the recommendation of the department chair/faculty;

• Formulation of the budget of the unit for academic year and the general administration of the budget.

• Serve as member of the Academic Affairs Advisory Council, Academic Affairs Planning Council, and other committees as assigned.

• Preside at all regular and special meetings of his/her school.

• Supervise the work of departmental chairs and assume general supervisory responsibility for faculty members and other employees within the school.

• Oversee the registration and progress of students in his/her school, and act for the faculty after consultation with the appropriate department chair in recommending exceptions or substitutions in the students' degree program.

• Consider academic appeals by students.

• Review the formative and summative (mid-year and annual) performance of professional and administrative personnel under his/her supervision.

• Notify department chairs of the schedule (approved by the Office of the Vice President) for submission of the recommendations for reappointment, promotion, and tenure of faculty members.

• Serve as custodian of all School and University property, which is in facilities of his/her school; and

• Do whatever else is practical to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the school and to enhance the image, visibility, and prestige of the University.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• A Doctoral degree in a disciple served by the school from a regionally accredited institution is required.

• Significant experience in a discipline related to a program(s) in the School of Global Studies. Experience with intelligence, national security, cybersecurity, or global security is preferred.

• Five or more years of teaching experience, preferably at an online institution.

• Five or more years of experience as an academic leader whose responsibilities included leadership of personnel and budget management.

• Leadership experience in the intelligence community, cybersecurity, or military is highly preferred.

• Proven experience in leadership and management of programs and people.

• Experience and proficiency with grant management.

• Experience and proficiency with college accreditation procedures, practices, and standards.

• Experience with academic program development and enrollment growth is desired.

Applications Deadline:

Review of candidate materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. If you have any questions, please contact Askhr@vuu.edu

The selected applicant may be required to submit to a background investigation. VUU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class.

Preferred Candidate to have residency in New York City

Salary:

Commensurate with experience

Applications Deadline:

Review of candidate materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. If you have any questions, please contact Askhr@vuu.edu

The selected applicant may be required to submit to a background investigation. VUU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class.