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Sam Houston State University (SHSU) invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Dean of the College of Education. 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 January 2027. 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 will provide strategic leadership for the College of Education by advancing academic programs, research, enrollment growth, and faculty success while ensuring compliance, fiscal stewardship, and effective resource management. Serves as the college’s primary representative internally and externally, fostering collaboration, partnerships, and student-centered operations aligned with university priorities.

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 five applied associate degree programs, 99 bachelor’s degree programs, 65 master’s 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 provides strategic leadership to advance the College of Education’s mission and align its priorities with those of the university. The Dean is responsible for developing and executing short- and long-range strategic plans that promote academic excellence, innovation, and growth. This includes leading the advancement of academic programs across multiple modalities to meet evolving student and workforce needs, promoting continuous curriculum improvement in collaboration with faculty, and fostering interdisciplinary initiatives across the institution and state. The Dean oversees all academic centers and student-related operations, ensuring a high-quality, student-centered learning environment that supports student success, enrollment growth, and employee engagement. The role advances the college’s research enterprise by supporting external funding efforts, including grants, contracts, and philanthropic partnerships, while cultivating relationships with alumni, community stakeholders, and partners across educational, public, and private sectors. This includes collaboration with school districts and other K–12 partners to support educator preparation, research initiatives, and competitive grant development.

The next Dean will hold an earned doctorate in a discipline represented within the College of Education and possess a record of scholarly and professional achievement sufficient to merit appointment as a full professor with tenure. The candidate will have prior experience as a faculty member and demonstrate a strong record of academic leadership, including administrative, financial, and operational expertise.

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 Wednesday, August 19, 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: SHSUEducationDean@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).

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.