The University of Maine, the state’s flagship and land-grant university, invites applications and nominations for Dean of the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD). The next Dean will lead the College’s programmatic expansion and deepen its statewide impact while implementing a streamlined administrative structure approved by COEHD faculty in 2025. The Dean will join a close-knit community in a region of notable natural beauty and exceptional quality of life.

The University seeks a transformative leader committed to its “learner-centered R1” vision. Building on the University-wide Strategic Reenvisioning process, the Dean will develop and implement a holistic organizational strategy that brings together the College’s historic strengths in educator preparation and its emerging strengths in human development and allied health. Working collaboratively within COEHD, across the University, and with external partners, the Dean will help guide interdisciplinary academic programs, research, and outreach with the goal of improving the lives of individuals, families, schools, and communities across Maine and beyond.

COEHD prepares professionals who advance learning, leadership, health, and quality of life across the lifespan. Its faculty conducts research that informs policy and practice for educators working from birth through adult learning, health professionals, child and family specialists, and educational leaders. College priorities include growing undergraduate and graduate programs in educator preparation, allied health, and human development; fostering a first-class undergraduate experience; strengthening research and graduate education; and reinforcing relationships with schools, healthcare systems, community organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Dean will also play a pivotal role in implementing the recommendations of a newly launched task force on allied health and clinical education programs.

COEHD offers four-year undergraduate programs in kinesiology and physical education, human development sciences, and elementary and secondary education. Its certificate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral programs account for roughly 25% of the University’s total graduate enrollment. These include northern New England’s only master’s program in athletic training located at an R1 university, an executive doctoral program in educational leadership, and a traditional PhD in education. COEHD operates programs that meet or exceed national quality benchmarks: its athletic training program is accredited by CAATE, and its educator preparation programs are accredited by CAEP. The College also collaborates closely with education programs at the University’s regional campus, the University of Maine at Machias, and with other universities in the UMaine system.

Reporting to the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the Dean serves as the College’s chief executive officer, with responsibility for academic, fiscal, strategic planning, and personnel matters. The Dean guides and assists in securing state, federal, and private grants; participates actively in university fundraising initiatives; and serves as the College’s primary spokesperson to constituencies within and beyond the University of Maine.

Qualifications

Candidates should hold an earned doctorate in education, human development, kinesiology, physical education, allied health, or a related field and must qualify for appointment as a full professor with tenure at the University of Maine. UMaine seeks an academic leader with the ability to work effectively with a range of constituencies, including rural populations, local communities, state and federal agencies, legislators, and allied health professionals and who can think creatively about the College’s future and identify opportunities for growth across disciplines and programs, including those beyond traditional education and teacher preparation.  Candidates must have a record of effective leadership, including personnel and budget management and demonstrated effectiveness in the acquisition of public and private resources to develop and expand strong programs. Candidates should demonstrate readiness for a long-term commitment to the deanship, providing stability and continuity through large-scale organizational change. Faculty seek a dean familiar with the full range of COEHD’s disciplines and programs, including those beyond teacher education, and knowledge of the mission and responsibilities associated with a land-grant, R1 institution. The successful candidate will be comfortable serving as the College’s public face and voice and advocating for the professions it serves. 

Procedure for Candidacy

Review of candidate materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is filled.  For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on January 11, 2027. A complete application will include a letter of interest, a current curriculum vitae and contact information for five professional references who can speak about the candidate’s qualifications for this position.  Named referees will not be contacted without the candidate’s prior consent.  Expressions of interest, nominations and inquiries should be directed to UMaine’s search consultant, Mr. Chuck O’Boyle of C. V. O’Boyle, Jr., LLC, at chuck@cvoboyle.com. For additional information about the college and dean position, please view UMaine COEHD Dean Search.

Application submission link to the job ad.

Salary range: The salary range for the position is anticipated to be $215,000 to $225,000.  The final compensation package will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and leadership accomplishments.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.