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Stephen F. Austin State University welcomes applications and nominations for the founding position of Dean of the College of Health Professions. The dean will lead a new college that will expand pathways into high-demand health professions and strengthen the university’s role as the leading rural-serving institution in East Texas.

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began over a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges: Business; Fine Arts; Forestry and Agriculture; Sciences and Mathematics; Education, Humanities and Social Sciences; and the newly established College of Health Professions. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, SFA provides the academic breadth of a comprehensive university with the personalized attention of a liberal arts college. Nestled in a pine tree sanctuary, the main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 36 academic facilities, nine residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through six gardens. With the inclusion of its off-campus Todd Agricultural Research Center, DeWitt School of Nursing Complex, and aviation program hangars, SFA is spread across 1,210 acres of land in Nacogdoches County.

Effective July 1, the College of Health Professions will position the university as a regional leader in rural health workforce development and innovation by uniting programs in nursing, psychology, kinesiology, athletic training, public health, dietetics and nutritional sciences, counseling, social work, speech-language pathology, and family sciences, creating SFA’s largest and most interdisciplinary academic unit. The college will be the largest on campus with over 3,000 students and will include two schools – the De Witt School of Nursing and the School of Social Work – as well as three departments – Allied Health Studies, Family Sciences, and Psychological Sciences – and the advising function for students pursuing pre-health professions. The changes were officially approved by The University of Texas System Board of Regents in November 2025.

The Founding Dean of the College of Health Professions is a full-time, twelve-month faculty position responsible for working with academic administrators and the academic council to provide responsible leadership within the college while also representing the college and university in administrative matters. Responsible for overseeing graduate and undergraduate education within the new College of Health Professions, the dean also promotes teaching, research, and other professional activities; facilitates planning and development of new programs; supervises the budget; and solicits funds from external sources. The dean is an administrator, the quality of whose performance has fundamental impact on the success of the institution in attaining its specific goals. The dean works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment and reports to the Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs.

A Terminal degree in an academic discipline tenurable at the rank of full professor within the College is required. Five years of administrative experience in academic administration, preferably at the academic unit head level or above is required.

More information, including full lists of responsibilities, qualifications, and a leadership agenda, can be found in the institutional profile linked above.

How to Apply

Applications should consist of a substantial letter of interest, a CV, and a list of five professional references with full contact information and a note indicating the nature of your working relationship with each. No references will be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted electronically, and in confidence, to:

SFADeanHealthProfessions@academicsearch.org

The position is open until filled but only applications received by Wednesday, April 1, 2026, can be assured full consideration. The University is being assisted by Academic Search. Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting consultants Ann Hasselmo at Ann.Hasselmo@academicsearch.org and Chris Butler at Chris.Butler@academicsearch.org. Further information about Stephen F. Austin State University is available at https://www.sfasu.edu/.

Stephen F. Austin State University, an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and Educator, is committed to excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, creed, color, age, national origin, religion or physical or mental disability as required by law. If, because of an impairment or disability, you need accommodation during any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at 936-468-2304.