Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA), a member of the University of Texas System, announces its search for the next Dean of the James I. Perkins College of Education (PCOE). The University seeks nominations and applications for an experienced, dynamic, and visionary leader that can usher the College into a new era of success.
SFA is a regional comprehensive university located in the quaint and historic city of Nacogdoches, Texas, located 140 miles northeast of Houston and 165 miles southeast of Dallas. SFA is a mid-sized university with an enrollment consistently falling in the 11,000 – 13,000 range. The University’s student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1, and the average class size is 27 students. SFA continues to have a strong undergraduate emphasis. However, growth in master’s and doctoral degree programs continues to receive significant strategic attention. SFA is currently at an exciting time of significant change: it recently became a part of the University of Texas (UT) System in 2023; its new President – Dr. Neal Weaver – started in 2024; and a new Provost – Dr. Jordan Barkley – will join in the summer of 2025. The University is currently engaged in the process of developing its next strategic plan with the goal of presenting it to the UT System Board of Regents in the spring of 2026. The incoming Dean will leverage this opportunity to collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and the University.
PCOE is comprised of diverse disciplinary offerings including the Department of Allied Health Studies (formerly the Department of Human Services & Educational Leadership and the Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences); the Department of Education Studies (formerly the Department of Education Studies); and the School of Human Sciences & Professional Studies (formerly the School of Human Sciences). PCOE offers nearly 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and 50 educator certification preparation programs. Many of these are available online to better meet the needs of today's students, who often are working adults with families or don't live close enough to SFA to attend traditional classes. The PCOE's programs help students obtain the real-world knowledge they need to be successful professionals. The College enrolls 2,263 undergraduate students, 577 graduate students, and 77 doctoral students. There are 12 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and two doctoral degrees offered. Of the College’s 100 full-time faculty, 74 are tenured and tenure track, and 88 hold graduate faculty status. The College has approximately $25 million in annual active grants and external contracts. Students at PCOE have access to a wide range of labs and facilities designed for their areas of study. There are also two auxiliary service units, the SFA Charter School and Early Childhood Laboratory.
Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and serving on the Deans’ Council, the PCOE Dean is responsible for the College’s strategic planning processes, academic program development, accreditation, student and faculty recruitment and retention, and fundraising. Furthermore, the Dean directs, oversees, and actively participates in fulfilling the College’s mission, vision, and values. PCOE seeks a dean who will lead a strategic planning and visioning process that leverages the strengths of an academic unit with diverse disciplines, help identify new programs and grow enrollment. The incoming Dean will be an experienced, entrepreneurial, creative, and collaborative leader, with a deep appreciation for the variety of disciplines represented in the College and have a passion for providing an outstanding educational experience to all students. The successful candidate will have an earned doctorate and a distinguished record of academic performance consistent with appointment as a tenured full professor in a discipline appropriate to the College.
A detailed leadership profile is available at wittkieffer.com.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile and a CV or resume. WittKieffer is assisting Stephen F. Austin State University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by September 8, 2025. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Alejandra Gillette-Teran and Randi Miller at SFASU-PCOEDean@wittkieffer.com.
Stephen F. Austin State University, an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and Educator, is committed to excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, creed, color, age, national origin, religion or physical or mental disability as required by law. If, because of an impairment or disability, you need accommodation during any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at 936-468-2304.
