University of South Carolina Aiken, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 

The University of South Carolina Aiken, a COPLAC institution, invites applications and nominations for the position of the Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The Dean provides leadership and guidance in all aspects of the college, including teaching, scholarship/creative activities, intellectual development, program development, advancement, administrative management, and representation of the College both within and outside the University. The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences supports 54 full-time faculty and consists of the following departments: Communication and Emerging Media; English; History, Political Science, and Philosophy; Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; Sociology; and Visual and Performing Arts.  

Reporting to the Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the responsibilities of the dean include, but are not limited to: support faculty recruitment, development, evaluation, and promotion; manage financial, personnel, and physical resources; support accreditation processes; cultivate and steward alumni and community relations; collaborate with partners within and outside the university; and secure and facilitate external funding through fundraising and grant acquisition, both public and private. 

Qualifications: 

• Dynamic and visionary leadership with enthusiasm for the position and the ability to build a strong sense of collegiality in the College and across campus. 
• Higher education administrative experience at the departmental level or (ideally) above. 
• Experience with departmental accreditation processes and procedures. 
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, grant acquisition, and student recruitment efforts. 
• An ability to foster faculty development in teaching, scholarship/creative activities, and service. 
• The ability to build strategic relationships with government, business, community partners, alumni, and within the university. 
• A Ph.D. or other terminal degree in a discipline included in the college, with a record of achievement that justifies tenure at the rank of Professor. 
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. 

USC Aiken has “untapped potential” in its connection to the arts, humanities, and social sciences in the community. There are significant opportunities in the area to expand USC Aiken’s presence.  Some entities or initiatives associated with the university and Aiken County: 

• South Carolina’s Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) designation 
• All-Steinway School 
• Aiken Symphony Orchestra
• The Etherredge Cultural Series 
• Joye in Aiken  
• Aiken Community Theatre 
• Aiken Center for the Arts
• Constitution Week 
• Oswald Writers Series 
• Center for African American History, Art, and Culture 
• Aiken County Historical Museum
• Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta 
• USCA Media Learning and Research Lab (MLRL)

This is an exciting opportunity to help continue to grow and shape our Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences program and strengthen our partnerships at USC Aiken.  Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

 USC Aiken continues to diversify its faculty ranks to more closely resemble our student population, approximately 40% of whom are from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups. USC Aiken is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, transgender status, genetics, protected veteran status, or pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.  

Review of applications will begin January 10, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. To be considered for this position, applicants must apply online at: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/134215 and upload the following with their online application: a letter describing the interest and qualifications for the position, a current CV, and full contact information for 5 professional references. References will not be contacted without permission. Please direct additional questions to Dr. Tim Lintner, Search Chair, tlintner@usca.edu. Finalists will be required to submit official hard copy transcripts and three signed recommendation letters.

The University of South Carolina Aiken, a public comprehensive university in the University of South Carolina system, offers undergraduate and master’s degrees to more than 3,900 students in 50 programs of study. USC Aiken, newly recognized as a master’s-granting university, has long been ranked as a top public regional college in the South by U.S. News & World Report’s guide "America’s Best Colleges" with 23 consecutive years ranking among the top three and 15 times as #1. Additionally, USC Aiken was recognized for being a Best College for Veterans and a Top Performer in Social Mobility. USC Aiken is South Carolina’s COPLAC institution providing a unique and strong liberal arts core within our degree offerings. We boast students from 35 states and 32 countries. USC Aiken has ten NCAA Division II Athletic programs. Learn more about the Department of Communication and Emerging Media and USC Aiken at www.usca.edu.

Situated on 450 acres, USC Aiken is located thirty minutes from Augusta, GA (home of the Masters Tournament and Fort Gordon, new home of US Army Cyber Command), one hour from Columbia, SC, and within three hours of Charleston, SC, coastal beaches, and the Appalachian Mountains. Aiken is noted for its famous thoroughbred horses, numerous parks and golf courses, wonderful weather, spacious avenues, and historic homes.