Open Searches

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Dean of The Graduate & Professional School. The university seeks a collaborative, strategic, and future-oriented academic leader who will advance the mission and values of the university and is expected to take office in summer 2026. SHSU’s motto, “The measure of a Life is its Service,” resonates across the university’s nine colleges. Guided by a focused strategic plan, SHSU has expanded beyond its historical roots, advancing through research, creative endeavors, innovative learning, and meaningful community engagement. The new dean supports faculty and academic deans in online and distance education graduate programs; international student opportunities and will work with campus stakeholders in the support and creation of graduate programs that advance the university and its R2 status and mission.

With a student population of more than 21,000, Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is located in Huntsville, Texas, with off-site instructional locations in The Woodlands, the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the new Health Professions Building in Conroe, and a robust online presence through SHSU Online. Huntsville is located on the rapidly developing Interstate 45 corridor between Houston and Dallas. SHSU is 70 miles north of downtown Houston and 170 miles south of Dallas, ideally situated between the fourth and ninth largest cities in the country and two of the 10 fastest-growing cities in the U.S. This location presents many strategic opportunities for the future of Sam Houston State University.

For more than 145 years, SHSU has been preparing students for meaningful lives of achievement. Named for Sam Houston, Texas’s greatest hero, SHSU continually strives to honor its historical roots through academic excellence and meeting the workforce needs of Texas. While embracing its legacy, SHSU also strives to meet the needs of contemporary students, both traditionally and online. SHSU offers two applied associate degree programs, 93 bachelor degree programs, 64 master degree programs, nine doctoral programs, one professional doctorate (DO), and more than 90 online degrees and certificates. SHSU is classified as a Carnegie doctoral university with high research activity (R2). Graduate education is supported by a research enterprise that emphasizes faculty mentorship, applied and interdisciplinary scholarship, and student engagement. The university is also a Community Engaged University and a proud AASCU institution, demonstrating a commitment to education for the public good. The university has award-winning online programs, nationally and internationally recognized scholars, and innovative initiatives to help students develop and succeed. SHSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SHSU is part of the Texas State University System, the first university system established in Texas, composed of seven institutions.

The Dean of The Graduate & Professional School is responsible for graduate and professional studies; administrative leadership for academic program reviews of graduate programs as required by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and assists with university-wide accreditation efforts and other related administrative functions. The Dean of The Graduate & Professional School serves as the senior academic and administrative officer of graduate programs at SHSU and provides administrative oversight for graduate programs and initiatives across campus. The dean serves as a resource in the development of graduate courses, programs, and degrees in consonance with SHSU’s R2 status; and administers selected graduate scholarship programs. The dean maintains a presence in regional and national professional associations for graduate studies; supports faculty and academic deans with in-person and online graduate programs, international student opportunities and exercises fiscal responsibility for The Graduate & Professional School including graduate student travel and research funds. Additionally, the dean participates in academic policy development through membership on the Council of Academic Deans; works with the faculty, department chairs, and deans to provide leadership in developing short and long-range plans for graduate education; communicates activities with reporting agencies; and provides strategic leadership. The dean develops and implements strategies for bringing the campus together with local and regional partners to advance the teaching and R2 mission of the university and performs other related duties as assigned.

The Dean of Graduate & Professional School must possess a terminal degree in a discipline represented at Sam Houston State University and an outstanding record of scholarly and professional achievement that will merit a faculty appointment at the rank of associate or full tenured professor in a department within SHSU. Progressive and appropriate leadership experience in graduate education, budget management, resource generation (fundraising or grantsmanship), and personnel management are required.

A profile including more information about Sam Houston State University and the Dean search – including preferred qualifications and a leadership agenda – is available at the link above.

How to Apply

The position is open until it is filled, but applications received by Tuesday, March 10, 2026, will be given full consideration. Applications should include: 1) a detailed letter of interest; 2) a current curriculum vitae (CV); and 3) a list of five professional references with contact information. References will not be contacted without explicit permission from the candidate. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be sent in confidence to: SHSUGraduateDean@academicsearch.org

Sam Houston State University is being assisted by Academic Search. Confidential discussions may be arranged by contacting Chris Butler (chris.butler@academicsearch.org) or Ann Hasselmo (ann.hasselmo@academicsearch.org).

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.