Dean, College of Education. Leadership Profile

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1 Leadership Profile Prepared by Oliver B. Tomlin, III Jennifer G. Bauer July 2015 This Position Specification is intended to provide information about the Grand Valley State University and the position of the Dean of Education. It is designed to assist qualified individuals in assessing their interest in this position.

2 The Opportunity Grand Valley State University seeks a visionary, collaborative leader to serve as the Dean of its College of Education. This is an exceptional opportunity for someone with the entrepreneurial skills and imagination to build on the college s current strengths, expand its engagement with important educational reform movements and position it for significant involvement and influence in the evolution of policy and practice in K-12 education locally, regionally and nationally. Founded in 1960 as a liberal arts college, today Grand Valley State University offers high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities which attract more than 25,000 students from across the country and around the world. Grand Valley is the comprehensive university for Michigan s second largest metropolitan area and has campuses in Allendale, Grand Rapids and Holland, as well as centers in Muskegon, Traverse City, and Detroit (all in Michigan). The university s liberal education focus fosters critical thinking, creative problem solving and intercultural understanding. Grand Valley has received numerous accolades, including among others, being ranked 3 rd in the Top Public Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report and 30 th in the nation in the Best Master s Universities category for its contribution to the public good by Washington Monthly, in which Grand Valley also ranked first in the nation in the community service subcategory. The College of Education is committed to preparing professionals who provide excellent instruction, service and leadership to a diverse and global community and who are instilled with a sense of advocacy for their profession, their students and their communities. Its mission is to develop quality educators to teach, lead and serve in local and world communities underscoring the commitment to educating students to be increasingly responsible citizens in their home neighborhoods and in the world. The Dean of the College of Education reports to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, sits on the Provost s Cabinet and is responsible for the leadership of the College of Education. The ideal candidate will be an innovative, collaborative and persuasive, energetic leader who is able to work successfully with state and national leaders in education practice, policy and research to promote Grand Valley s programs and to guide the work of Grand Valley s College of Education faculty and staff to help to further develop K-12 education. The Dean will provide strategic, collaborative leadership to advance excellence in all of the college s programs and to work with others across the university to create partnerships and promote interdisciplinary education programs. The successful candidate will have had increasingly responsible and successful leadership roles in similar institutions. Possessing a doctoral degree together with experience within the academy commensurate with an appointment to the faculty as a full professor, the Dean will be a person with a reputation as a leader in the field of education who will bring that expertise to bear on the local and regional constituencies of the University. For information regarding how to submit a nomination or to express personal interest, please see the section entitled Procedure for Candidacy near the end of this document. 2

3 The College of Education Overview The College of Education just completed the celebration of its 50th anniversary. Throughout the fifty years, the college has been dedicated to an approach combining a liberal education philosophy and meaningful and extensive fieldwork for students. It is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education with national recognition for many of its programs (accreditation will change this year to CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation). The College has 24 undergraduate areas of study and 13 advanced and graduate programs. For the seventh consecutive year, the College has been ranked by the Michigan Department of Education as an Exemplary Performance Teacher Preparation Unit. The College has approximately 4000 students, 175 faculty, and 25 staff members. It is also home to initiatives such as two TRiO programs (TRiO Upward Bound and TRiO Talent Search). Additionally, there are two pipeline programs (GEMS and COMPASS) designed to increase the number of under-represented students who graduate from the College of Education. The College also recently became the lead institution in the Consortium of Overseas Student Teaching, which includes 15 institutions in the U.S. and 17 countries for placements. Philosophy: Student Potential, Ethical Implications Believing that schools function as social and political entities as well as for the growth of individuals, the College of Education prepares teachers and leaders a) to enhance the academic and personal potential of their students, and b) to evaluate the social and ethical implications of educational policies and practices. Mission: Teaching, Leading and Learning in a Democratic Society The College of Education prepares candidates who enhance the individual growth of their students while working to establish policies and practices that promote the principles of democratic education. The College articulates this mission as Teaching, Leading, and Learning in a Democratic Society. Structure As shown in the diagram below, the College has two academic departments, Leadership & Learning (L&L) which houses the Teacher Education Program, and Special Education, Foundations, and Technology, that have undergraduate and graduate programs led by Chairpersons or Directors. The College also has three administrative departments, each led by a Director. The Student Information and Services Center serves as the point of contact for information about the College, coordinates and delivers advising, and handles placements for students. The Administrative Services Office works with the Associate Dean on accreditation, collects and analyzes data, maintains the information architecture, and assists with technology integration for the College. The Center for Educational Partnerships manages Convocation each semester, 3

4 the COE Alumni Association, Colleagues magazine, partnerships with external organizations such as Kent Intermediate School District and Grand Rapids Public Schools, and numerous grants. Another major component of the College is shared governance. There are three standing councils (Faculty, Affiliate, Staff) that create and vote on policy for the College. There are also Assembly meetings where everyone in the College is informed and takes action on matters on the Dean s agenda. Standing committees of the College and departments also handle personnel and curriculum. For more information: 4

5 Opportunities and Expectations for Leadership The Dean s responsibilities will include academic programming, assessment of learning, and accreditation and certification; faculty and staff recruitment, development and review; strategic planning in collaboration with the faculty; budget and personnel management; enrollment management; fund-raising; alumni and community relationship development and outreach; and the promotion of collaborations within and beyond the university. The new Dean will work with the faculty and staff to further strengthen current graduate and undergraduate programs and develop new programs so that the college might more powerfully realize its mission of excellent education in service to the common good. The new Dean will be asked to address the following critical leadership issues, among others. Vision and Strategic Direction The Dean will provide leadership for the college in continuing to refine its vision and academic strategic plan. He/she will vigorously advance new modes of education, including those possible through current and future technologies, and he/she will be engaged in the on-going conversations about the current and future state of teacher preparation and K-12 education at the local, state and national levels. The success of the College both regionally and nationally is critically important to the University and the Dean has a key role to play in maintaining its current reputation and growing it even further. Leadership for the Academic Endeavor The Dean will bring a demonstrated strong commitment to maintaining and developing quality undergraduate and graduate programs of study and maintaining high standards for the College s teaching and learning, scholarship and service programs. The Dean will provide leadership for the implementation, monitoring and modification of programmatic activities to accomplish the policies established by the faculty relative to the delivery and evaluation of the curricula. He/she will plan and coordinate the process of program reviews which include student and institutional outcomes for undergraduate and graduate programs, support required accreditation and regulatory compliance and advance a research environment aligned with the mission of the University. In addition, he/she will foster and develop interdisciplinary collaborations to strengthen ties with other colleges/schools within the University and maintain strong communication across the institution. Build Enrollment One of the central challenges and opportunities for the new Dean will be to develop and successfully implement a strategic enrollment plan that will achieve enrollment goals. During a time when changes in the State s requirements for certification are taking place, the Dean will need to work with the legislature, university leadership, education deans from other state universities, local superintendents and other interested parties to influence and accommodate the legislative changes. 5

6 Well-qualified students come to Grand Valley because of the quality of education and preparation they receive. The teacher education program has taken advantage of that fact and the program has been highly successful, as evidenced by the students who are now in the field, and the fact that school districts look to hire Grand Valley graduates. Programs such as Museum Education and the master s degree in Place Based Education are examples of new programs that are being developed and exemplify how Grand Valley is adapting to the changing environment in higher education. The Dean will need to balance the traditional strength that Grand Valley has had in its first fifty years and build programs that will continue to attract students to the college in the future. The new Dean will need to effectively convey a wellarticulated value proposition for both prospective and continuing students as well as advocating at the state and national level the importance of educational preparation. Lead in Educational Policy The Dean of the College of Education should be a state and national leader in shaping policy. He/she will leverage faculty expertise and serve as a compelling spokesperson for the college in shaping the local and national conversation on education. Grand Valley is a key player in the educational landscape of Michigan and the Dean is a crucial advocate for quality educational programs and policies. Michigan, as a State, has embraced Charter Public Schools. There are currently over 360 charter schools and Grand Valley sponsors 64 of them, serving over 31,000 students. While the Grand Valley authorized charter schools are not under the direction of the College of Education, this category of schools is a key element of education within the state. The Dean will work within Grand Valley and with the State on charter schools impact on the overall landscape in education, curriculum development, teacher preparation and other key areas. Build Collaborative Relationships with University Leadership The Dean of Education must work closely and effectively with the deans of the other colleges and with the central administration of the university. The new Dean will work with the deans and the Provost and President to fulfill the strategic goals of the university as a whole as well as to advocate for the needs of the College. The new Dean will be expected to establish a strong working relationship with the provost and forge cooperative ties with peers on the Provost s Cabinet, working together to define opportunities for inter-disciplinary collaboration. Management of Resources The Dean will oversee the development of annual and multi-year financial plans and manage the effective allocation of resources. The Dean will maintain an effective review process for recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff, and make recommendations regarding appointment, continued employment, promotion and tenure, as well as other personnel matters in accordance with University policies. He/she will work closely and collaboratively with the department chairs and other leadership of the College providing vision and leadership as well as support to the needs of the individual departments, centers and programs. 6

7 Qualities and Qualifications of the New Dean The successful candidate will be an innovative, open and persuasive leader and skilled collaborator. He/she will demonstrate a deep appreciation for excellent education and possess the networking and entrepreneurial skills required to work successfully with a wide range of individuals and constituencies across multiple organizations. The new Dean will advocate for faculty and staff development; diversity in the faculty, staff and student body as well as in curriculum; the strengthening of students educational experience; and will develop creative partnerships for the college across the region. He or she will also possess: Appropriate Academic Background: An earned doctorate in a discipline appropriate to the College of Education and an academic, scholarly record meriting an appointment at professor rank with tenure in the College of Education. A record of significant scholarship, superior university teaching, successful administrative leadership and constructive university, professional, and community service. A track record of increasingly responsible and effective leadership in large and complex institutions similar to GVSU Professional Acumen: A reputation as a current leader in the field of education. A demonstrated and politically astute connection to a local, regional and the national community regarding K-12 education and related fields. This connection should include an understanding of the possible future of K-12 education and its economic and political realities from various perspectives, a familiarity with current research and emerging trends in education, and an involvement with national professional societies and organizations. Knowledge of Education Requirements: Current knowledge of and effective engagement with accreditation and certification requirements in teaching, counseling and education leadership delivered through traditional and nontraditional modes. Public Policy and Institutional Engagement: A record of successful involvement as an academic or institutional leader in public policy and/or institutional planning that engaged wider constituencies. An individual who is politically savvy and is able to collaborate with integrity. Managerial Skills and Experience: Demonstrated success in managing complex projects, groups or organizations. Managerial skills should include an ability to work with and supervise others, manage budgets and financial projections, plan and organize work, communicate effectively throughout the organization and make difficult decisions when necessary. Leadership Skills: Demonstrated success in an academic administrative position in higher education, to include: team building and collaboration, transparency in decision-making, respect for other opinions and voices, an understanding of shared governance in the academy and the exercise of creativity, vision and entrepreneurial spirit in developing and achieving goals. Strategic Planning Knowledge and Experience: A record of leading or having had major responsibilities in a strategic planning process that resulted in genuine change in programs or the institution. 7

8 Carrier of Vision: A demonstrated ability to articulate, animate and sustain a narrative vision that will ground strategic planning; provide the rationale for program assessment, development and change; inform the strengthening of current programs and the development of new programs that advance the college s mission and contribute to its competitive advantage in the fluid landscape of K-12 education. Intra-Institutional Networking Credentials: Ability to work across unit lines to expand educational quality and to develop and sustain programs. Fund Raising Abilities: A successful record of fund raising including such activities as successful grants, work with alumni and friends of the institution and constituency building. The new dean will also present the following personal characteristics: a self-starter; a creative thinker willing to explore alternative approaches to education to reach the changing demographics of the student body; excellent verbal and written communication skills; authenticity and strong interpersonal skills; the ability to encourage debate and to effectively deal with conflict; the ability to multitask and manage multiple projects; a reflective, thoughtful leader with a clear commitment to working in collaboration with faculty; a participatory management style; and the ability to bring a sense of humor and patience to his or her work 8

9 Grand Valley State University: An Overview Founded in 1960, Grand Valley State University has become one of the most dynamic comprehensive public institutions of higher education in Michigan with an enrollment of 25,000 students and campuses in suburban Allendale, downtown Grand Rapids, and Holland, and centers in Muskegon, Traverse City, and Detroit, Michigan. Despite its growth in size and complexity since it began, GVSU has remained dedicated to its liberal education philosophy as the foundation of every academic program. GVSU has received increasing national attention over the last decade. It has been named one of the Best Midwestern Colleges by The Princeton Review, and has been ranked first among up and coming master s universities in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report. GVSU was named College of the Year for 2014 by Educate To Career Inc. and for the 17th year in a row, Grand Valley was named one of America s 100 Best College Buys by Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc. In addition, Grand Valley is ranked third in the Top 10 Public Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report, and listed as one of the Best Business Schools for 2013 by Princeton Review. Washington Monthly ranked Grand Valley State University 30th in the nation in the Best Master s Universities category for its contribution to the public good. Grand Valley ranked first in the nation in the community service subcategory and 11th in the financial aid support, courses and service staff subcategory. Grand Valley is one of the top Fulbright Scholar producers in the country. Set in the natural beauty of West Michigan close to Lake Michigan, the University also enjoys the advantages of a vibrant business environment as well as the rich cultural life of the state s second largest city. For further information about the university, see its Accountability Report at: GVSU Accountability Report For more information about Grand Rapids and the surrounding community, please visit: Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce - Hello West Michigan - West Michigan Tourist Association - 9

10 Procedure for Candidacy Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae, a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in this Leadership Profile, and the names and contact information of five references. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. These materials should be sent electronically via to GVSUDEAN@wittkieffer.com. Materials that cannot be ed should be mailed to the Witt/Kieffer consultants; Oliver B. Tomlin III and Jennifer G. Bauer at 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 775, Bethesda, MD The consultants can be reached by telephone through the office of Natalie Clay at Grand Valley State University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law. The material presented in this position specification should be relied on for informational purposes only. This material has been copied, compiled, or quoted in part from Grand Valley State University documents and personal interviews and is believed to be reliable. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, the original source documents and factual situations govern. 10

11 Witt/Kieffer is the preeminent executive search firm that identifies outstanding leadership solutions for organizations committed to improving the quality of life. The firm s values are infused with a passion for excellence, personalized service and integrity. 11