Dean College of Arts & Science

The UNC Pembroke College of Arts and Sciences is home to fourteen academic departments, two programs, the School of Southeast American Indian Studies ( SAIS), over 200 enthusiastic faculty, and about 3,000 of UNCP's total undergraduate and graduate student body. We believe that education changes lives, and UNCP offers a vibrant student experience that prepares them to be market-ready in a field of their choice. At UNCP students are taught by professors in small class-size settings and receive the personal attention necessary to be equipped for the challenges of the 21st century. They produce their own research, engage in study abroad and other travel and internship opportunities, attend and present at research conferences, and network with employers and world class experts while building bonds with fellow students and faculty that will last a lifetime.

The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences reports to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, serves on the Provost Council, and leads the largest College at UNCP. The Dean provides visionary leadership, strategic planning and operational management to advance the College's mission. The next Dean of Arts and Sciences will lead and inspire all stakeholders to demonstrate their commitment to student success. The Dean will foster a collaborative cultural environment that aligns with the core values of UNC Pembroke. A successful candidate will cultivate an environment where innovation is nurtured and actualized to advance the College. UNC Pembroke is a purpose-driven University, and the next Dean will appreciate and strengthen its distinctive history of service to others, which is a vital component of UNCP's identity.

The Dean will play a pivotal role in advancing the College's commitment to a strong liberal arts education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels while balancing the external pressures in today's higher education context. This includes championing the values of critical thinking, creativity, ethical reasoning and global awareness as core elements of the University's general education curriculum. The next Dean will partner with department chairs and faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences on disciplinary curriculum innovation, encouraging progressive pedagogical approaches and program design that reflect the needs of today's students and their career goals. We expect the next Dean to invest in the development of department chairs and faculty, providing resources, mentoring and initiatives that support teaching excellence, scholarship and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Student Champion
A key priority for the Dean will be supporting and expanding initiatives focused on student success, including, but not limited to, enrollment, retention and graduation rates. The Dean will work collaboratively with the College's faculty and administrators to extend support for high-impact practices, enhance advising and create pathways to degree completion, addressing academic and non-academic barriers to student persistence. The successful candidate will foster an inclusive, supportive environment for diverse student populations, ensuring that all students are well-prepared for success in their careers and communities. Through these efforts, the Dean will position the College as a leader in academic excellence, innovation and student-centered outcomes.

Steward of Resources
The Dean will work with Associate Deans and Department Chairs to manage a complex budget and oversite of an inventory of equipment and facilities. The Dean is expected to monitor resources to ensure proper maintenance, health and safety needs and to advocate for service, improvements and replacement as warranted. The Dean serves as the advocate for the College in the yearly budget process, assessing and presenting the needs of the College while promoting and encouraging opportunities for external funding.

Please view our Senior Leadership Profile for additional information.

How to Apply:
Buffkin/Baker is assisting The University of North Carolina at Pembroke with this search. Inquiries, nominations and applications may be directed to:

Pelema Ellis, Ph.D., | pelema@buffkinbaker.com or uncpdeanartsci@buffkinbaker.com

Applications should include a 1) current CV and 2) a letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications described above.

Priority consideration will be given to materials received by the preferred submission date of January 9, 2025.

This position is Mandatory Personnel: Employees whose presence has been determined to be mandatory to University operations during certain types of adverse weather or emergency events

N/A

This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable) and credit history check (if applicable). In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 as a part of the online application process.

UNC Pembroke is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their age, race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and national origin. UNC Pembroke is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.