The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education

JBHE is dedicated to the conscientious investigation of the status and prospects for African Americans in higher education.

Framingham State University — Dean, Graduate and Continuing Education
Filed in Administrative on January 26, 2023

Company Description:

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose – meeting a public need to promote the public good. At our founding as the nation’s first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry. FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs and, while we are proud of our roots as a teachers’ college, we have grown far beyond them. Public need continues to evolve and FSU right along with it. Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, and working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham. FSU is unapologetically a public institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs, in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast.

At FSU, we are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of antiracism, encouraging a challenging yet collaborative learning environment, and providing culturally relevant education. FSU is designated as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and also belongs to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence community, providing national leadership in science education and exploring strategies that will lead to more inclusive science education. We are honored that our commitment earned FSU six Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and professional students, offers 39 undergraduate majors, and enrolls 41% BIPOC students in our undergraduate programs. Ideally situated between Boston and Worcester, FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach “truth in theory and principle…truth in spirit and motive…truth in manner and form…truth intellectual and truth moral.” Early leaders found this motto “speaks of sincerity of spirit…of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement.” LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers.

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of the Division of Graduate and Continuing Studies. The Dean articulates the goals of the Division both within the university and to the outside community and demonstrates strong support and advocacy for graduate and continuing education.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Full-time Staff Program Directors, Administrative Assistants, Graduate and Continuing Education Programs Coordinators and Advisors, other employees of lower classifications

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide innovative and creative leadership and work collaboratively with our university community to support student-centered programs (current and new) that respond to university-wide enrollment and retention goals and a diverse community of students, especially adult learners.
Encourage and support quality teaching and scholarship (e.g., oversee course and program evaluation), as well as graduate and continuing education faculty and staff member professional development.
Provide leadership and support for program coordinators who oversee the development, coordination, organization, scheduling, and supervision of their respective programs in the Division.
Communicate regularly with all Graduate and Continuing Education stakeholders, including students.
Promote appropriate interdisciplinary collaboration with programs in the Division and other academic colleges of the University.
Effectively manage and oversee the ~$9 million budget for the Division.
Work to acquire new resources and appropriately allocate resources for graduate and continuing education, including space.
Champion the University’s anti racist commitment in a manner consistent with the policies of the University.
Support student success including graduate assistantships and showcasing student work.
Coordinate planning at the strategic and operational levels in a manner that maintains and advances the overall effectiveness of the Division, including the implementation of strategic market analysis and the use of data to foster improvements in all areas of the division (including, student learning and success, and program growth and development). Initiate and oversee graduate and continuing education program reviews and ensure that individual programs within the Division achieve and maintain appropriate quality in collaboration with the Office of Institutional Assessment.
Serve on committees including Dean’s Council, Provost’s Council and Graduate Education Council.
Work collaboratively with students, faculty, advisors, program coordinators, department chairs, academic deans, and other administrators (including, Executive Staff) to achieve the mission of the University.
Formulate and implement policies and practices which provide support for graduate and continuing education and maintain compliance with university, state, and federal regulations.
Engage in outreach and establish and foster external partnerships in the MetroWest, including with relevant advisory boards.
Closely collaborate with the Director of the College Planning Collaborative.
Collaborate on the development of programming to serve the needs of local, regional, and for- and not-for-profit businesses and organizations.
Grow national and international recruitment strategies and enhance the reputation of the Division in collaboration with the Enrollment and Marketing Offices.
Assure that reports, course schedules, and other written materials are submitted in a timely manner.
Supervise office staff.
Adhere to the spirit of collective bargaining and participate in system-wide negotiations of contracts.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Accountable for ensuring that equal opportunity, affirmative action, and equity are integrally tied to all actions and decisions in areas of responsibility.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

An earned terminal degree from an accredited institution in one of the disciplines of the University. Demonstrated record of distinguished teaching, research/scholarship, and service (including significant contributions to appropriate professional organizations) consistent with a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Professor in one of the University’s academic departments.
At least three (3) years of experience in an administrative leadership position/s, preferably in higher education.
Knowledge of higher education practices and trends, including but not limited to curriculum and instruction for graduate and continuing education programs which serve adult learners.
Ability to work within a unionized environment with shared governance.
Experience in establishing pathways for students interested in earning micro-credentials, badges, etc. to advance their careers and professions.
Experience in securing grants and external funding in graduate and continuing education.
Knowledge of effective practices and programs in support of continuing education and graduate students.
Demonstrated effectiveness in program development, review and revision, and data- informed decision making.
Demonstrated commitment to student success, equity, anti-racism, and institutional diversity and the ability to promote inclusive environments for faculty, staff, and students.
Experience developing and working with industry advisory boards.
Demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing with diverse constituencies. An ability to work effectively and collegially with faculty, students, other administrators, parents, K-12 personnel, and other external constituencies.
Personal qualities to include integrity, good judgment, creativity, and collegiality

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible, non-unit position. The salary range is $145,000-160,000.

It is the policy of Framingham State University that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they begin employment. Proof of the COVID-19 vaccine is required of all individuals hired by FSU, to be verified after a verbal offer of employment has been accepted, and before employment begins. Prospective employees may submit a request for a medical or religious exemption to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement to Human Resources.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Members of underrepresented groups, minorities, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

Cover Letter,
Resume/CV,
Equity and Inclusion Statement*,
Names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

*The Equity and Inclusion Statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss professional skills, experience and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the university’s efforts to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidate application materials.

For full consideration, application materials must be received by January 31, 2023.

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu.