Dean, College of Liberal Arts

South Dakota Board of Regents
Spearfish, South Dakota
Full Time

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Posting Details

Logo Institution Black Hills State University Working Title Dean, College of Liberal Arts Posting Number NFE03042P Department BHSU-College of Liberal Arts Physical Location of Position (City) Spearfish Posting Text

Black Hills State University is seeking an innovative and experienced leader to serve as the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. The Dean reports directly to the Provost and will work closely with faculty to maintain and enhance high-quality academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels and to foster an innovative environment in which students and faculty are engaged with their disciplines, resulting in graduates who are equipped to have a positive impact in the region, the nation, and the world.

The mission of the College of Liberal Arts is to provide all students at BHSU with the opportunity to acquire a broad liberal education in the areas of fine and applied arts, humanities, mathematics, media, and social sciences. These experiences develop valuable skills in critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, the use of the scientific method, numeracy, and oral and written communication, and a greater understanding and appreciation for different cultures and international issues for all Black Hills State University students enrolled in a COLA course, whether they are majoring in a liberal arts program or completing a general education requirement. There are 435 BHSU students enrolled in at least one of the academic programs offered in COLA's three schools: Math and Social Science, Fine Arts, and Humanities.

The College's mission also includes:

Ensuring that challenging academic majors and minors are offered in the various disciplines of the College to help prepare students for their future careers.
Guiding students into career-appropriate coursework through individualized advising by faculty mentors.
Fostering research and other creative activities with faculty and students, leading to personal and professional growth.
Supporting alliances with the outside community, such as through the Center for American Indian Studies.
Contributing to the progress of the University, supporting the general education program, and enhancing the quality of life in our state and region through service activities.

Position Responsibilities

Generally, the Dean is expected to:

Provide transformative leadership and advocacy for the College of Liberal Arts at Black Hills State University.
Work collegially and collaboratively with leadership across campus to support the priorities of the University.
Foster an environment of innovation, collegiality, collaboration, and support where faculty, staff, and students thrive.
Assure ongoing quality and improvement in College of Liberal Arts academic programs through the review and assessment of existing programs and the development of new academic program opportunities and projects when appropriate.

Primary Duties

Oversee the College of Liberal Arts' efforts to enhance the program's visibility and reputation.

Lead, with the assistance of three school chairs, strategic planning for the College of Liberal Arts in alignment with university priorities.
Oversee ongoing program-level assessment, assessment of student learning outcomes, and use of assessment results for improvement.
Contribute to institutional effectiveness, retention, and completion initiatives.

Provide leadership and mentorship to 45 dedicated COLA faculty.

Perform annual evaluation of faculty and staff performance.
Participate in faculty recruitment, hiring, onboarding, retention, and succession planning.
Review faculty, staff, and student grievances and petitions within the College of Liberal Arts.
Make recommendations related to tenure, promotion, sabbaticals, and professional development.
Address student concerns related to academic progress, conduct, and appeals at the college level.
Review course schedules that serve program and student needs for all courses offered by the College of Liberal Arts on the main campus, the Rapid City campus, and online.
Oversee faculty instructional workload, course assignments, and the use of adjunct faculty to ensure academic quality, equity, and compliance with university policies.

Develop and manage COLA's operating budget, including allocation of resources in alignment with strategic priorities.

Provide leadership for the development, review, and continuous improvement of academic programs within the College of Liberal Arts.

Identify opportunities for new degree programs, certificates, minors, and concentrations aligned with institutional mission, workforce needs, and student demand.
Support program and university accreditation efforts as appropriate.
Work with professional student advisors and faculty mentors to ensure proper student recruitment, advisement, retention, and degree progress.
Support shared governance through collaboration with the Faculty Senate and standing committees.

Other Duties

Work with University Advancement to maintain and cultivate relationships with the alumni and friends of the College of Liberal Arts to secure financial resources through development efforts and initiatives.
Identify, attract, and strategically manage financial resources for the College of Liberal Arts (including state appropriations, revenue programs, and private gifts and grants).
Represent the College of Liberal Arts and the University to the state university system and to the community at the local, regional, national, and international levels.
Represent the College of Liberal Arts and carry out other duties as assigned by the provost.
The finalist must possess strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills, paired with a commitment to high personal and professional integrity.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a terminal degree in a discipline housed in the BHSU College of Liberal Arts or a related discipline.
A distinguished record of accomplishments in the areas of teaching, research, and service.
Evidence of strong leadership that includes a record of progressively more responsible administrative experience and budget management.

Comments

Sponsorship is not available for this position.

To Apply

Applications must be made online at . Candidates will need to attach a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names/contact information of at least three professional references. This position is open until filled with a first review date of May 18, 2026, at 11pm (MDT). For application assistance, please contact Human Resources at .... Questions specific to the position may be directed towards Dr. Pamela Carriveau at ....

Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Cassie Maser at ... or .... Employment is dependent upon a satisfactory background check.

Posting Date 04/29/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 05/18/2026 Advertised Salary Minimum $135,000 depending on experience and qualifications Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Faculty Status No Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search This position requires Travel, No Requirement If other, please indicate Department Description and Cultural Expectations

Black Hills State University is a master's-level state university with more than 3,300 students. The campus leads the region in sustainability efforts and maintains top academic programs in business, exercise science, natural sciences, behavioral sciences, social sciences, the arts, mass communication, health sciences, and education. The University, founded in 1883, is located in the northern Black Hills, a region abundant with outdoor activity and culture. Spearfish, SD, is recognized as one of the top-10 most livable small towns in the USA and has also been recognized nationally for its outdoor recreational opportunities. A second location, BHSU-RC, is in Rapid City, the state's second-largest city and the fastest-growing city in the Midwest. BHSU, a member of NCAA Division II athletics, offers 14 sports and has a legacy of champion rodeo teams.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Black Hills State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Black Hills State University and the Board of Regents ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination.

Contact Information

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Pace-average, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

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Physical Requirements

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Sensory Requirements

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Working Conditions & Exposures

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Working Environment

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