Dean of Students

Responsibilities of the Position 

Reporting to the vice president of student affairs and a member of the division’s executive leadership team, the dean of students is responsible for creating a culture of learning and engagement for Norfolk State University (NSU) students that contributes to personal development, retention, graduation, and overall student success. The dean of students serves as the lead in crisis response, working closely with the chief of police and other staff across the university in responding to situations on and off campus. In addition, the dean supervises four staff, including a director of student conduct, a student conduct coordinator, an administrative assistant, and the coordinator of student advocacy and family relations. The dean also oversees Counseling Services, Wellness, and the Office of Accessibility Services and International Students (OASIS).

Additional responsibilities of the position:

• Serves as university appellate officer for student conduct.
• Provides direction and supervision of the staff within the Dean of Students Office.
• Develops key collaborative relationships with campus administrative areas, faculty, and campus and community leaders to enhance the planning and implementation of strategic initiatives, resolve issues, and respond to crises.
• Coordinates student affairs’ response to major crises and other unusual events impacting students within the university community.
• Provides direction and intervention for students in crisis and non-crisis, including intervening with counseling and health staff, providing victim advocacy, and working with staff and students affected by these events.
• Serves on the threat assessment team.
• Provides leadership and guidance in analyzing, reviewing, creating, and interpreting student policies and procedures.
• Serves as a resource to university faculty and staff in dealing with students’ disruptive behavior within and outside the classroom.
• In collaboration with academic affairs, develops strategies for promoting student engagement and learning.
• Fosters an inclusive university community and promotes equity for all students.
• Supports the goals of the university’s mission, vision, and core values.
• Represents the university internally and externally in student affairs, including university committees, regional or national councils, and community organizations.

Qualifications and Characteristics of the Successful Candidate

A master’s degree in higher education or student development and at least seven years of related experience in student affairs, with five years at the director level or above (an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered) are required. The successful candidate will possess a high degree of personal motivation coupled with self-management, detail orientation, and strong organizational skills that reflect the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail. Demonstrated knowledge of student success strategies and interventions, strong written and spoken communication skills, and experience in crisis management and student conduct are necessary. The dean must be motivated to be a change agent, with success in effecting large-scale change in previous organizations. Further, the successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal, public speaking, and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with faculty, staff, students, and administration. Outstanding supervisory skills and the ability to work independently and delegate responsibility, maintain a professional demeanor, uphold confidentiality, problem-solve, and manage conflict are required of the next dean.

Preferred qualifications include a doctorate in higher education, student affairs, or related field and previous experience at the assistant/associate dean level.

In addition to the qualifications stated above, key stakeholders identified the following capabilities and attributes of a successful candidate:

• Serves as a true partner to the vice president of student affairs, sharing information, problem-solving, and helping to shape the vision for the division and its path forward.
• Possesses a profound interest in student success and retention with a broad knowledge of student affairs and best practices.
• Has experience at, or an understanding of, a Historically Black College and University.
• Holds a record of demonstrated success working through crises, developing appropriate response plans, and partnering with campus stakeholders to help impacted students, their friends and families, and the campus community heal.
• Possesses solid critical thinking capabilities and demonstrated experience incorporating mission, goals, and initiatives into sound strategic plans.
• Is an excellent communicator and supervisor with a proven ability to deal with conflict, effectively work with staff members at various levels of development and knowledge, and administers with authenticity, passion, and empathy.
• Is proficient at formulating policies and protocols to guide and support the office’s work.
• Commits to using best practices, technology, and innovation to continually provide students with innovative programs and services.
• Possesses a firm understanding of restorative justice and the role these practices can play in student conduct.
• Has documented experience in data-driven assessment and outcomes measurements, with demonstrated knowledge of student learning outcomes in student affairs programs.
• Possesses an understanding of and deep commitment to social justice and demonstrates cultural competence with a strong belief in the value of diversity in enriching the learning experience and the quality of life on campus.
• Is highly energetic and possesses a strong sense of self and the ability to appropriately infuse humor and enthusiasm into the workplace and campus community.
• Demonstrates commitment to trust, honesty, and transparency in all endeavors.
• Is a strong community builder and collaborator, capable of building bridges to departments, faculty, staff, students, and the broader community.
• Exhibits a solid understanding of the division’s needs and goals with the facility to strategically advocate for the division across campus.
• Is a compassionate, ethical leader with excellent communication skills to articulate vision, direction, and purpose and earn the respect and confidence of the faculty, staff, students, parents, and alums.

Opportunities and Challenges of the Role

In transitioning to Norfolk State University, the dean of students will encounter the following opportunities, priorities, and challenges, as shared by key campus stakeholders:

• The previous dean has been an active member of the NSU community for decades and is beloved by many. The new dean must understand this history while making a solid name for themselves and their work.
• NSU students want to engage with the dean in meaningful ways.
• The vice president needs a strong leader to work with him to move the division forward with an emphasis on collaboration, student success and retention efforts, and operational excellence.
• The new dean will work with the chief of police to create a university crisis response plan that is holistic in its approach as well as accentuates empathy and respect.
• The new dean will work to instill a culture of assessment and data-driven decision-making within the office and the division.
• The new dean will need to work with student conduct to devise a new approach to include accountability focusing on student success.
• It will be essential for the new dean to work with the entire division to increase student satisfaction and enhance the overall student experience at NSU.

Measures of Success

The items listed below will define the new dean of student’s success throughout the first two years of employment:

• The new dean has taken the time to learn the NSU culture and is viewed as an active, supportive leader within the campus community.
• The dean has formed strong relationships with students built on mutual trust and respect.
• The dean is a highly valued leader within the division of student affairs and has worked with the vice president to advance the division’s strategic plan.
• The campus environment has become more vibrant, promoting greater student engagement with programs and services.
• The new dean has modernized the work of student conduct through updated policies and a more restorative approach.
• There is a heightened emphasis on student success, ensuring students have the necessary resources to achieve personal and academic fulfillment.
• The new dean actively engages with the diverse student body and is seen as a visible and collaborative presence within the campus faculty and staff community.
• The new dean has worked to formalize a crisis response plan for the institution.
• The office staff feel supported and valued. They are considered a strong, high functioning, and well-regarded team that works with a shared purpose, readily collaborating with stakeholders and demonstrating commitment to student success.
• Strong relationships and partnerships have been formed with key campus stakeholders.
• Faculty view the dean as a resource, a valued colleague, and a trusted partner.

Important Statistics

The Student Body

• Fall 2023 enrollment – 5,400
• 33.6% male
• 66.4% female

Application and Nomination

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To apply for this position please click on the Apply button, complete the brief application process, and upload your resume and position-specific cover letter. Nominations for this position and questions about the status of the search may be emailed to Heather J. Larabee at hjl@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.

Visit the Norfolk State University website at www.nsu.edu

It is the policy of Norfolk State University to provide equal employment and educational opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, gender, disability, political affiliation or sexual orientation. The University is cognizant of all statues and regulations mandating requirements of equal opportunity and affirmative action and the University, its employees and agents adhere to practices and procedures to insure equal opportunity for all.

 

Related Links

University at a Glance

City of Norfolk, Virginia