The Opportunity

Missouri Baptist University is a Christ-centered university located in Saint Louis. MBU offers more than forty undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees in education, business, and Christian ministry, and two doctoral degrees. In addition to the degree programs offered on its 66-acre West St. Louis County campus, MBU offers programs at 10 regional learning centers throughout Saint Louis, in Southern Illinois, and online.

MBU is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning, and service to others. The University is filled with people who believe students have the potential to change the world for the better. We encourage innovation, experimentation, and creativity in the pursuit of excellence for all members of the university community while underscoring the most important of our core values: “We are serious and intentional about our Christian faith.”

This position represents an incredible leadership opportunity: The selected Dean will step into an institution filled with talented students who desire to learn and grow, faculty and staff dedicated to excellence, and a senior leadership team committed to inclusion and collaboration among all members of the university community.

Position Summary

In the governance structure of Missouri Baptist University, the Dean of Business is directly accountable to the Provost/Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. All activities of the Dean of Business provide essential support for the academic activities of the School of Business regardless of location, delivery system, and instructional modality. It is the Dean’s responsibility to provide a uniform process for delivering instruction for all Business courses across the University campus including the oversight of syllabi, textbooks, and course objectives.

Role and Responsibilities

Working closely with students, faculty, and staff the Dean provides academic leadership for the School of Business. The incumbent is responsible for faculty and staff recruitment, retention, and development. Student success is a top priority for the institution, and the Dean is charged with leading all student success efforts in the School. The Dean also supports and leads all School development efforts, including those related to private donations, corporate sponsorship, grants, and contracts.

The Dean plays a critically important role as a leader in Academic Affairs, serving on a variety of University academic leadership teams. The Dean is also responsible for leading efforts to hire diverse faculty and staff and for developing and articulating the School’s role in supporting the broader strategic direction of the University.

The Dean also provides leadership in the development of activities that further the mission of the School and the University. In addition, the Dean represents the institution in community and business organizations that contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of the region.

General Duties:

• Lead the School of Business to align its programs and curriculum fully with MBU’s Christian mission and core values.
• Clearly develop and define goals of the school and help create leadership opportunities for faculty.
• Coordinate both undergraduate and graduate activities with the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Accreditation and with the Associate Vice President for Graduate Affairs/Dean of Education respectively.
• Coordinate School of Business activities with various constituencies.
• Represent the School of Business at professional meetings.
• Develop long-range School of Business strategic planning.
• Administer School of Business policies and procedures as they relate to both undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Preside over periodic meetings of the School of Business.
• Assign student advisement responsibilities to faculty in the School of Business
• Assume a limited number of teaching assignments and advisees as the Dean of the School of Business.
• Supervise undergraduate programs, advanced degree programs, and professional certificates in the School of Business.
• Oversee and evaluate curriculum development and textbook selections for the School of Business.
• Oversee all assessment of student outcomes and program review within the School of Business.
• Approve all course offerings and course syllabi in the School of Business.
• Represent the School of Business at the Dean’s Council, Graduate Affairs Council, and other assigned administrative meetings.

In collaboration with MBU’s Career Services, University Development, and Alumni Affairs offices, lead the School of Business to develop positive relationships in the St. Louis business community that can lead to scholarships, internships, and permanent employment of MBU students and graduates.

Scholarship:

• Obtain resources for School of Business projects.
• Promote intellectual pursuits and professional activities.
• Remain current within the field of Business and Business Education.
• Encourage faculty research and participation in learned societies.

Faculty and Staff Development:

• Recruit and secure appropriately credentialed faculty for the School of Business.
• Administer staff and faculty assignments.
• Encourage faculty and staff development.
• Promote a professional and Christian climate.
• Evaluate faculty and staff performance and make recommendations to the Provost/Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.
• Review student evaluations of faculty course work.

Management:

• Prepare and submit an annual budget for the School of Business.
• Manage the resources of the School of Business (finances, facilities, instructional technology, and equipment).
• Ensure and maintain accurate School of Business records and reports.
• Manage faculty and staff performance in terms of instruction, participation, leadership, and research.
• Manage official correspondence related to the School of Business.

Minimum Qualifications

The Dean of Business must have served a minimum of five years as a faculty member in the discipline appropriate to his or her credentialing and professional experience.

The University also considers applicants who have the educational leadership skills and experience in the field to provide direction and guidance for the faculty in the School of Business. The Dean of Business must have a terminal degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.

• An earned doctorate and an academic record to support appointment at the rank of Associate/Full Professor in the School of Business;
• Demonstrated excellence in higher education leadership; at least five years of successful administrative experience such as serving as a dean, associate dean, department chair, or similar position highly preferred;
• A broad understanding of the disciplines within the School and their importance for higher education and in society;
• A demonstrated commitment to maintaining and developing strong undergraduate and graduate programs;
• Experience, knowledge, and commitment to evidence-based, collegial decision-making;
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and managerial skills; ability to work successfully and inclusively with diverse students, faculty, staff, and community members;
• Experience and vision for developing external funding and fostering community relationships highly preferred;
• Vibrant and growing Christian faith and active membership in a local church.

Campus and Community

This is the position for a dynamic academic leader who wants to serve with extraordinary people at an important moment in the institution’s history. We are building our future together at Missouri Baptist University. If you want to be part of this vision or want to nominate someone for the position, please contact us directly.

Additional information regarding MBU may be found at mobap.edu.

Search Team and Contact Information

Missouri Baptist University has partnered with Diversified Search to assist in this search process. Confidential nominations, recommendations, or expressions of interest in the position may be directed to the following address: MBUBusinessDean@divsearch.com

• Cover letter summarizing your qualifications
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Three to five professional references
• Statement of Faith

The statement of faith should clearly explain your view of scripture, salvation, and church affiliation. It should also explain how faith influences your personal and professional life, contributes to your interest in MBU, and prepares you to follow MBU’s vision, mission and core values.

Diversified Search team:

Gene E. Head, Jr.
Managing Director
404.942.6311
Gene.Head@divsearch.com

Abby Rudman
Senior Search Consultant
817.236.2207
Abby.Rudman@divsearch.com

Nancy Reese
Executive Assistant
305.679.6260
Nancy.Reese@divsearch.com

diversifiedsearch.com