Dean, College of Education and Human Services Professions (UMD)

About the Position

The dean of the College of Education and Human Services Professions (CEHSP) serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of CEHSP. The College is primarily located in the Endazhi-gikinoo’amaading Education Building. In the Ojibwe language, this means “The place of teaching and learning together.” The College embodies this spirit through its commitment to preparing educators, health professionals, and human service leaders who strengthen the educational, social, and physical wellbeing of the region.

The dean provides strategic leadership, fosters academic excellence, promotes inclusive excellence, and manages the college's resources to advance the University's mission of teaching, research, and outreach. The dean is responsible for the College's overall vision, direction, and operational success.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership 

• Provides visionary leadership to define and implement a strategic direction for the college that supports UMD's mission, vision, and goals
• Leads the development of long-term strategic planning to ensure institutional agility in a complex internal and external environment
• Builds and nurtures a collaborative culture that values shared governance, interdisciplinary innovation, and continuous improvement
• Advocates for the college within the University and to external stakeholders
• Participates in campus-wide committees and planning groups, fostering alignment with broader institutional goals
• Builds strong partnerships across colleges and administrative units to pursue collaborative initiatives, share resources, and support University-wide priorities

Academic Oversight and Development

• Oversees the planning, development, review, and evaluation of academic programs to ensure excellence, relevance, and accreditation compliance
• Champions academic innovation and the integration of high-impact practices that support student learning, access, and success
• Promotes the expansion of research, creative activity, and scholarly output through resource allocation and strategic partnerships
• Collaborates with faculty governance, academic affairs, and assessment committees to maintain the integrity of curricular processes and academic standards

Faculty Development and Management

• Recruits, retains, and supports diverse and outstanding faculty who positively impact internal and external stakeholders through their research, teaching, and service
• Ensures mentoring and professional development programs that advance teaching effectiveness, research productivity, service, and leadership potential.
• Ensures fair and transparent administration of promotion, tenure, and annual review processes aligned with faculty union contract provisions and University policy
• Manages faculty performance, addressing concerns in a timely and effective manner per University policy and the collective bargaining agreement
• Fosters a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes collegiality, academic integrity, accountability, and ongoing professional growth

Fiscal Responsibility and Resource Stewardship

• Develops, manages, and monitors the college’s financial resources with college leadership and University finance professionals
• Aligns budget planning and resource allocation with strategic priorities and enrollment trends, ensuring fiscal sustainability
• Identifies and secures external funding opportunities, including grants, to advance institutional goals
• Oversees staffing and infrastructure planning to ensure operational efficiency and effective support of teaching, research, and service missions

Student Recruitment, Retention, and Success

• Leads the development and implementation of strategies to attract and retain an inclusive student population to enhance educational experience and community impact
• Collaborates with internal UMD units to deliver a high-quality student experience
• Promotes experiential learning, global engagement, and career readiness through partnerships with industry, alumni, and community organizations
• Monitors key student success metrics (e.g., retention, graduation rates, employment outcomes) and initiates responsive interventions as needed

External Relations and Advancement

• Cultivates strong relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders to enhance the visibility and reputation of the college
• Develops and facilitates effective relationships with advisory board members who invest in CEHSP’s and UMD’s success in the larger community
• Partners with University advancement to develop fundraising strategies and secure private support for scholarships and program initiatives
• Represents the college in public forums, media engagements, and professional associations
• Promotes community engagement and builds strategic alliances that benefit students, faculty, and UMD as a whole

Required Qualifications

• Terminal degree in a field represented within CEHSP or a related discipline
• Record of teaching, research, and service appropriate for appointment as a tenured full professor
• Significant administrative leadership experience in higher education, such as department head, associate dean, or equivalent
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to relevant accreditation standards
• Evidence of inclusive leadership, strong communication skills, and collaborative decision-making

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in or with public regional comprehensive universities
• Record of successful fundraising, alumni engagement, or external partnerships
• Experience supporting faculty development and fostering a positive academic culture
• Demonstrated commitment to shared governance and collaborative leadership
• Record of curriculum and program development.
• Strong managerial, problem-solving, and budgetary experience
• Familiarity with current trends and challenges in education and human service professions
• Evidence of commitment to advancing inclusive excellence
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with faculty unions and a diverse faculty, staff, and student body, as well as across University of Minnesota campuses

The salary range for this position is $160,000–200,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and pharmacy coverage
• Retirement plans with employer contributions
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Tuition benefits for employees
• Disability and life insurance options
• Wellbeing resources and professional development opportunities

More information about University of Minnesota benefits can be found on the Benefits at UMN webpage.

How to Apply

Applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled. For full consideration, apply by December 15, 2025. Review of applications will begin January 5, 2026. 

Apply now

Submit the following materials through the University of Minnesota’s employment website:

• A letter of interest addressing qualifications and how you would approach the leadership for CEHSP
• A current curriculum vitae

For inquiries or nominations, please contact Jennifer Erickson ([email protected]) and Autumn Amadou-Blegen ([email protected]).

Note that this position is not eligible for H1-B visa sponsorship.

The College of Education and Human Service Professions (CEHSP) is a community of students, faculty, and staff who make a difference in the lives of others through the advancement of the human service professions. The College has approximately 1,900 undergraduate and graduate students and 125 faculty members in its five academic departments: 

• Applied Human Sciences
• Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Education
• Psychology
• Social Work

With more than 9,000 enrolled students and an $850 million economic impact on the region, UMD perfectly blends the benefits of a great location, a personalized learning experience, and meaningful research on a medium-sized campus of the University of Minnesota. 

This is an exciting time at the University, as we are envisioning a strategic roadmap for the future. Learn about the strategic roadmap.

About the Chancellor

Charles Nies, PhD, is UMD’s 10th chancellor. Nies joined UMD in 2024, bringing over 25 years of experience in higher education. In his time with UMD, he has co-led the University of Minnesota’s statewide strategic roadmap committee and led the Duluth campus through collaborative visioning to help lift up the work of faculty, staff, and students. He also led an initiative in partnership with area schools, colleges, and community leaders to create the Duluth Promise, which provides clear pathways to careers that fulfill local workforce needs. Nies came to Duluth after serving as vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of California, Merced. One of ten campuses in the University of California system, UC Merced was formed in 2005 and became the youngest university in the nation to earn the Carnegie R2 designation.

About the Provost

Rebecca Ropers has been a scholar and leader for three decades. After joining UMD as interim executive vice chancellor in 2024, she became executive vice chancellor and provost in 2025. Ropers prioritizes building inclusive and engaged communities that create conditions for faculty, staff, and students to thrive. Her efforts are informed by scholarship and leadership focused on equity-oriented change in higher education, and leadership roles such as department chair, journal editor, UMN faculty governance executive body chair, and vice provost for faculty and academic affairs. As executive vice chancellor and provost, Ropers works with faculty and staff to implement UMD’s academic mission.

With a population of 85,000, Duluth is a tourist destination for the Midwest, with 6.5 million annual visitors. The city offers more than 11,000 acres of park space within city limits and abundant natural areas for recreation within easy driving distance. Major industries include health care, education, aviation, technology, and tourism. In addition, Duluth boasts a thriving arts and culture scene. As a major shipping port, about 1,000 vessels from around the world pass under its iconic Aerial Lift Bridge annually. Duluth is a regional medical center for surrounding states and provinces. 

Learn more about Duluth.