Dean, School of Divinity

Gardner-Webb University seeks a dynamic and dedicated Dean for the M. Christopher White School of Divinity, who reports to the Provost and serves as a key member of the Provost’s leadership team. The Dean provides leadership in advancing academic quality, student success, faculty development, and operational excellence within the school.

The Dean must understand and demonstrate a commitment to the University's mission and vision and be prepared to work effectively with the faculty of a teaching-focused, private Christian university. The Dean reports to the Provost and plays a significant role in determining and implementing the University's strategic priorities, providing leadership to academic programs, fostering faculty and staff development, and supporting engaged student learning.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• If applicable, supervision of department chairs and directors of academic support programs.
• Supervise faculty, curricular, and school matters.
• Serve as liaison between the school and the Provost.
• Serve as the school's chief representative.
• Preside over school faculty meetings and ensure shared governance. 
• Ensure school records, particularly meeting minutes, proposals, and actions, are maintained. 
• Encourage academic and teaching excellence.
• Collaborate with the Office of Enrollment Management on strategies to grow enrollment in majors and programs.
• Provide leadership in new program development and program review.
• Oversight of teaching schedules, faculty loads, release time, and other related academic matters.
• Interviewing and hiring prospective faculty members based on recommendations from search committees and approval by the President and the Provost.
• Annual evaluation of faculty and staff performance.
• Evaluation of faculty as part of promotion and tenure reviews.
• Review and responsibility for budgets of academic departments and support programs.
• Review of requests for professional development funding. 
• Coordinate accreditation, University, school, and program assessment activities, including Assessment Days and Five-Year Reviews (if applicable).
• Performance of other duties as assigned by the President or the Provost. 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Earned a doctorate or terminal degree appropriate to the discipline from an accredited university.
• Successful, full-time, previous higher education teaching experience and demonstrated commitment to excellence in pedagogy.
• Successful higher education administrative experience in a role such as Chairperson, Director, Associate Dean, or Dean.  
• A professing Christian committed to advancing the mission of Christian higher education. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with senior administrators, colleagues, students, and community partners.
• Highly developed emotional intelligence and polished executive presence.
• Strong analytical and quantitative abilities and attention to detail.
• Credentials and professional activity that qualify the candidate for the rank of Professor.
• A significant record of successful leadership experience as a senior university administrator; experience with academic budgets and management of personnel is desirable, as is experience with federal, state, or private grants.
• Ability to work in a transparent and cooperative manner in support of the mission of Gardner-Webb University.

Application Materials: Preferred start date is January 2027. Interested candidates must submit the following application materials:

• A cover letter detailing qualifications and alignment with our mission and core values.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Gardner-Webb University is a Christian university committed to helping individuals become more in faith, learning, and service. Located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, GWU offers the benefits of a close-knit community with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and the greater Greenville-Spartanburg region.

Founded in 1905 and rooted in the Baptist tradition, the University now serves approximately 3,000 students across more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs. As a Carnegie Doctoral/Professional institution, Gardner-Webb is dedicated to academic excellence, leadership development, and meaningful service to others.

Our community reflects a shared commitment to One Webb, creating an environment where people support one another, pursue their purpose, and work together to make a lasting impact. GWU attracts students from across the nation and around the world and competes in NCAA Division I athletics with 22 teams and more than 500 student-athletes.