Dean of Graduate Studies

Job Summary

The Dean of Graduate Studies reports directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and provides leadership to the graduate mission of the University and of the Division of Graduate Studies. Specifically, the Dean is responsible for creating a climate for expanding the quality and currency of graduate programs and overseeing related policies and procedures. The Dean is responsible for fostering innovative curriculum development and assessment of graduate program reviews. The Dean works in consultation with the Provost, the School/College Deans, other Academic Affairs leaders, and leaders of other divisions on campus. The Dean is a member of the Academic Affairs Leadership Team. The Dean provides direct supervision to the personnel of the Division of Graduate Studies.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of higher education issues and trends, including best practices in graduate education, curriculum development, and program assessment.
• Understanding of general concerns and processes of educational equity and the needs and expectations of diverse student and faculty perspectives.
• Knowledge of principles of institutional planning, budgeting, and resource allocation in a complex university setting.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective leadership, motivation and performance evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership in developing and advancing a vision for graduate education aligned with institutional priorities and workforce needs.
• Knowledge of computer office systems and ability to use a broad range of technology, systems, and software packages.
• Knowledge of graduate enrollment management practices, including recruitment, admissions, yield strategies, and retention of a diverse and highly qualified student population.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural, diverse, and complex university environment with staff, faculty, and administrators.
• Ability to develop policies to enhance graduate student success and promote academic excellence.
• Ability to analyze complex problems, devise innovative solutions, and perceive the implications and potential consequences of various situations.
• Skill in oral, written, and interpersonal communication.
• Skill in consultative decision-making, leadership, planning, and evaluation.
• Develop and implement short and long-term plans and initiatives to meet established goals and advance the vision of the university as set forth by the President.
• Ability to facilitate group participation, consensus building and foster employee development through coaching, counseling and training.
• Ability to develop and sustain external partnerships with industry, government, and community organizations to support graduate student research, internships, and career pathways.

Education And Experience

• Must have an earned doctorate and the appropriate academic credentials to qualify for appointment as a tenured full Professor in one of the colleges/schools within the Division of Academic Affairs.
• This includes substantial evidence of research and scholarly activities.
• A minimum of five years of progressive experience and leadership in college/school academic administration, equivalent to chair or associate dean, including the development of interdisciplinary programs.

Department Summary

We value all Fresno State graduate students and we pride ourselves in fostering excellence and promoting success. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe. Fresno State is nationally recognized for providing a transformational education that has a ripple effect on the region's economic development and beyond. The university is fully accredited by the California Board of Education and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), housing 26 departmental programs, among the highest number within the CSU system.