Dean, School of Divinity

Gardner-Webb University seeks a dynamic and dedicated Dean for theM. Christopher White School of Divinity, who reports to the Provostand serves as a key member of the Provost’s leadership team. TheDean provides leadership in advancing academic quality, studentsuccess, faculty development, and operational excellence within theschool.

The Dean must understand and demonstrate a commitment to theUniversity's mission and vision and be prepared to work effectivelywith the faculty of a teaching-focused, private Christianuniversity. The Dean reports to the Provost and plays a significantrole in determining and implementing the University's strategicpriorities, providing leadership to academic programs, fosteringfaculty and staff development, and supporting engaged studentlearning.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• If applicable, supervision of department chairs and directorsof academic support programs.
• Supervise faculty, curricular, and school matters.
• Serve as liaison between the school and the Provost.
• Serve as the school's chief representative.
• Preside over school faculty meetings and ensure sharedgovernance.
• Ensure school records, particularly meeting minutes, proposals,and actions, are maintained.
• Encourage academic and teaching excellence.
• Collaborate with the Office of Enrollment Management onstrategies to grow enrollment in majors and programs.
• Provide leadership in new program development and programreview.
• Oversight of teaching schedules, faculty loads, release time,and other related academic matters.
• Interviewing and hiring prospective faculty members based onrecommendations from search committees and approval by thePresident and the Provost.
• Annual evaluation of faculty and staff performance.
• Evaluation of faculty as part of promotion and tenurereviews.
• Review and responsibility for budgets of academic departmentsand support programs.
• Review of requests for professional development funding.
• Coordinate accreditation, University, school, and programassessment activities, including Assessment Days and Five-YearReviews (if applicable).
• Performance of other duties as assigned by the President or theProvost.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Earned a doctorate or terminal degree appropriate to thediscipline from an accredited university.
• Successful, full-time, previous higher education teachingexperience and demonstrated commitment to excellence inpedagogy.
• Successful higher education administrative experience in a rolesuch as Chairperson, Director, Associate Dean, or Dean.
• A professing Christian committed to advancing the mission ofChristian higher education.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability tocollaborate effectively with senior administrators, colleagues,students, and community partners.
• Highly developed emotional intelligence and polished executivepresence.
• Strong analytical and quantitative abilities and attention todetail.
• Credentials and professional activity that qualify thecandidate for the rank of Professor.
• A significant record of successful leadership experience as asenior university administrator; experience with academic budgetsand management of personnel is desirable, as is experience withfederal, state, or private grants.
• Ability to work in a transparent and cooperative manner insupport of the mission of Gardner-Webb University.

Application Materials

Preferred start date is January 2027.

• A cover letter detailing qualifications and alignment with ourmission and core values.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three professional references.