Dean, College of Education, Arts, and Sciences (09-15-2023)

LeTourneau University is seeking a dynamic individual to lead the College of Education, Arts and Sciences through an upcoming period of significant growth. The dean will cast a compelling vision for the school that aligns with LeTourneau University’s ambitious strategic plan and comprehensive campaign, which will include significant investments in faculty, facilities, and programs. The dean must embody and be able to articulate the character and purposes of the university as stated in our Vision and Mission and set forth in our Statement of Faith and Community Covenant . This individual must be animated by an authentic and vital personal Christian faith; the hands-on, Christian polytechnic education of LeTourneau University; and the opportunity to prepare students who influence the world for Jesus Christ through their vocation.

For more information about the dean opening, see the full announcement .

The College of Education, Arts and Sciences at LeTourneau University

The College of Education, Arts and Sciences is home to more than 400 students across its variety of residential and online programs. The College also serves campus extensively through its general education curriculum and oversees instruction within our thriving dual credit program. The College’s leadership team, consisting of the dean, associate dean, dual credit director, and department chairs, shepherds and oversees approximately 30 full-time faculty who prepare students through a hands-on, Christ-centered curriculum where the integration of faith and learning is at the fore. Outstanding faculty bring decades of teaching, industry, and missions experience to the classroom, connecting closely with students and equipping them for life and work after graduation. The College plays a central role in fulfilling our unique calling as the Christian Polytechnic University, especially through the general education curriculum. The general education curriculum is currently undergoing a revision as part of LeTourneau University’s strategic plan to strengthen, clarify, and create cohesion across disciplines, while leaning into our Christian Polytechnic identity.

The College of Education, Arts and Sciences offers undergraduate programs in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, kinesiology, computer science, history, criminal justice, political science, English, and communications; graduate programs in education; and a variety of courses in Fine Arts. Additional information about these programs can be accessed online at www.letu.edu/education and www.letu.edu/arts-and-sciences .

Primary Responsibilities

• Setting a compelling vision for the college that supports the university’s mission, heritage, Christian Polytechnic identity, and strategic plan
• Fostering a healthy environment for faculty, staff, and students that supports teaching, learning, discipleship, and scholarship
• Supervising the recruitment, development, evaluation, and retention of faculty and staff
• Ensuring high standards in the college’s programs, including residential, online, and dual credit programs, and supporting institutional and specialized accreditation
• Partnering with campus leaders to strengthen and increase enrollment and retention within the college
• Working with department chairs and campus leaders to cultivate existing programs, assess the need for new and/or expanded offerings, and launch new programs or initiatives that strengthen the university’s position as the Christian Polytechnic University
• Collaboratively leading the implementation and assessment of the revised general education curriculum
• Partnering with campus leaders to set funding priorities for the college and participating in strategic fundraising efforts for our ambitious comprehensive campaign
• Developing and maintaining strong partnerships with alumni, industry, and donors
• Overseeing the college’s administrative and financial affairs
• Working collaboratively with six academic deans and the Provost’s Office to provide input and insights on strategic decisions for the good of the university as a whole

Qualifications

The dean should be a visionary leader, strategic thinker, and excellent communicator with an earned doctorate in one of the fields represented in the College of Education, Arts and Sciences. This individual is expected to demonstrate a mature personal faith in Jesus Christ, the ability to articulate and champion integration of faith and learning, the desire to engage the broader evangelical Christian community, and agreement with the University’s Statement of Faith and Community Covenant. Additional qualifications include:

• A person of deep personal faith and absolute integrity who engenders trust
• A champion of the liberal arts, with an ability to articulate their distinctiveness and importance at a Christian Polytechnic University
• A record of excellence in administration, including strategic planning, budgeting, and team building
• An ability to provide innovative leadership internally while advancing the school externally
• Academic credentials that qualify the candidate for the rank of full or associate professor in the College of Education, Arts and Sciences
• Outstanding academic and professional experience with a demonstrated track record in effective teaching and research
• Enthusiasm for meeting the changing needs of traditional residential students and nontraditional online students
• Experience with and a working knowledge of program assessment
• An open, transparent, and collaborative spirit; a desire to empower others; a consensus-building management style predicated on mutual respect and active listening; and the skill to inspire colleagues
• An ability to build trust through collaborative decision making, embracing shared governance, and a demonstrated commitment to academic freedom
• A strong appreciation for Christian higher education and the unique strategic vision of LeTourneau University

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, CV, completed application, and copies of unofficial transcripts by November 30, 2023, for full consideration. Applications after that date will be reviewed as received until the position is filled. Applications are available at www.letu.edu/jobs and should be submitted electronically to:

In accordance with applicable provisions of federal law, applicants for employment who are in agreement with the educational mission of LeTourneau University and applicants for admission to educational programs or activities are considered without discrimination on the basis of race, age, sex, handicapping condition, national origin or genetic information.  Inquiries about this policy should be directed to the Director of Human Resources, (903) 233-4170.

LeTourneau University is the premier Christian polytechnic university in the nation where educators engage students to nurture Christian virtue, develop competency and ingenuity in their professional fields, integrate faith and work, and serve the local and global community.

LETU is a Christ-centered, interdenominational institute of higher learning offering more than 85 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in arts and sciences, aviation, business & technology, communication, computer science, criminal justice, education, engineering, nursing, psychology & counseling and theology & vocation. LETU's 2,700 students represent nearly all 50 states, more than 30 foreign countries, and around 50 different denominational groups.

LETU is consistently recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of "America's Best Colleges," and the engineering program is ranked nationally. LeTourneau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone 404-679-4500, at http://www.sacscoc.org) to award associate, baccalaureate and master's degrees. LeTourneau University's engineering and engineering technology programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission and the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 - telephone: 410-347-7700. The Carnegie Foundation classifies LeTourneau University as a Master's (Comprehensive) University II.

The 162 acre main campus is located in Longview, Texas, a progressive hub city with an MSA of over 190,000, nestled among the beautiful pine-forested hills and lakes of East Texas. It is approximately 120 miles east of Dallas, Texas and 60 miles west of Shreveport, Louisiana.

See https://www.letu.edu for more information.