Dean - College of Business Administration

About Us

Savannah State University established in 1890, is the first public historically black college or university in the state of Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. The universitys students select majors from five colleges:

• Business Administration
• Education
• Engineering and Computing
• Media, Arts, and Communication
• Science and Humanities

The campus is by far the most picturesque in the state of Georgia. The moss-laden sweeping oak trees, expansive marsh and historic architecture create a resplendent yet tranquil atmosphere. Beneath the beauty and splendor is a vibrant residential campus bursting at the seams with the vim and vigor of quality collegiate life: relevant academic majors, engaging lectures, cutting-edge research, quality student-faculty engagement and a nurturing environment.

Job Summary

The Dean is the senior academic officer of COBA. The Dean is responsible for all functions and matters relating to the academic programs, faculty, staff, support services, and the budget of the College. The Dean provides strategic vision and operational leadership for all academic programs, ensures the continued growth and sustainability of the college, and encourages innovation in program and curriculum design. The Dean shall direct the work of the faculty and administrative staff in the college and is responsible for articulating the vision, mission, and goals of the college. The Dean shall ensure that processes and procedures are current.

In carrying out the responsibilities of this office, the Dean shall preside over all regular and special meetings of the College faculty; oversee the development and delivery of curricula, courses, and instructional methods; implement the Colleges processes and strategic priorities in alignment with university goals and Board of Regents policies; and collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to strengthen the Colleges reputation, effectiveness, and overall success. The incumbent may be required to perform job-related tasks not specifically delineated in this description.

NOTE: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not offer sponsorship for employment visas.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Institutional Effectiveness - 30%

• Provide visionary and innovative leadership to the college to advance academics and operations.
• Provide leadership and oversight that result in enhancing institutional effectiveness.
• Serve as the medium of communication for all official business of the College with University officers, students, and the community
• Serve as a liaison to the other administrative units of the College to promote College-wide endeavors.
• In consultation with the Associate Dean, Academic Program Coordinators, and faculty, coordinate the preparation of an annual report for the Provost documenting outcomes related to operational processes and strategic initiatives.
• Support the process of continuous improvement of all activities and programs to ensure successful maintenance of accredited programs.

Academic Affairs and Student Success - 30%

• Inspire faculty to excel in teaching, advising, mentoring and scholarship/creative activities.
• Collaborate with the Associate Dean, Academic Program Coordinators, and faculty to review curricula, learning outcomes, and ongoing assessment results for continuous improvement of instructional offerings and outcomes.
• Coordinate the curricula, courses, and methods of instruction and work cooperatively with the faculty to establish and implement processes that ensure effective instruction.
• Present to the Curriculum and New Programs Committee actions of the faculty that require consultation or approval.
• Empower and provide support to faculty so they may perform consistently with the university mission.
• Administer and coordinate the program of academic advisement and semester schedule of course offerings.

Talent Management & Administrative Operations - 20%

• Recommend the appointment, salary, promotion, tenure, and dismissal of faculty members.
• Recommend the appointment, salary, promotion, and dismissal of staff in the deans office; supervise and evaluate staff.
• Exercise supervision over the work and conduct of faculty, staff, and the students of the College.
• In consultation with the provost, develop an annual budget for the College.

External Relations, Advancement & Resource Development - 20%

• Lead an aggressive, relationship driven fundraising strategy by cultivating corporate donors, securing philanthropic investments, and generating external revenue that strengthens academic programs, student success initiatives, and COBAs long term financial sustainability.
• Actively engage regional and state business leaders to build strategic partnerships, co-develop workforce aligned programs, expand internship pipelines, and ensure COBA serves as a premier talent engine for the regions economic and industry needs.
• Coordinate and manage the activities of the College advisory council, committees, and boards, and provide regular reports to the Provost and Vice President for University Advancement regarding all funds raised.

Required Qualifications

• Doctorate in a related field from an accredited college or university
• Minimum of seven (7) years of college teaching experience sufficient to be appointed to a senior faculty rank.
• Academic administration experience of at least five (5) years.
• Proven strengths in strategic planning, leadership, budgeting, and management.
• Organizational skills to promote collaboration and teamwork within the college and throughout the campus.
• Evidence of effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated capacity to build and maintain academic programming, develop quality curricula, and effective judicial processes.
• The position requires the ability to maintain the highest levels of integrity at all times.

Preferred Qualifications

• College teaching experience sufficient to be appointed to a senior faculty rank, and academic administration experience of at least seven (7) years.

Proposed Salary

Compensation for this position is comprised of a faculty base salary and an annual administrative stipend for duties performed in the role of Dean. The combined annual compensation (inclusive of both components) is expected to range from $160,000.00 to $170,000.00, depending on qualifications, experience, and academic rank.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of best practices in the classroom and leadership.
• Knowledge of and experience with computer applications to enhance teaching and learning.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in decision making and problem solving.
• Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and function in a project-lead capacity as needed.
• Ability to contribute to a positive work environment in the department and University.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle highly sensitive and personal information with sound judgement, tact, and discretion.

Apply Before Date

Review of applications will begin upon receipt. For best consideration, apply by October 5, 2026.

Contact Information

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu. For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email support@usg.edu.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Institutional Values

At Savannah State University, five core values shape everything we do:

• Belonging - Building a community where all voices are valued and respected.
• Collaboration - Working together across disciplines and communities for shared success.
• Discovery - Pursuing knowledge, research, and exploration that expand horizons.
• Excellence - Committing to superior achievement in every endeavor.
• Resilience - Rising stronger through challenges with determination and adaptability.

These principles guide our culture, inspire our teams and define the kind of workplace we strive to build; one where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Savannah State University, as determined by Savannah State University, its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individuals age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individuals protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individuals protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

All employment processes and decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and tenure, shall be free of ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements. The basis and determining factor for all such decisions should be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role, and is believed to have the ability to successfully perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position for which the individual is being considered. At the core of any such decision is ensuring the institutions ability to achieve its mission and strategic priorities in support of student success.

For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Savannah State University, Office of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu.

Other Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work is typically performed in an office setting while sitting at a desk or table with intermittent standing, bending, or stooping.
• The work may require lifting light objects up to 15 pounds.
• The work requires periods of overnight travel.
• This position has direct supervision over 2-3 personnel.

Special Applicant Instructions

• Applicants must include a list containing the name, e-mail address and telephone number for three (3) professional references (e.g. supervisor, mentor, colleague).
• Applicants must upload transcript(s) with the application. Unofficial are acceptable. Official transcript(s) required upon hire.
• Applicants must upload a leadership statement detailing their leadership philosophy, commitment to student and employee success, and experience advancing institutional goals.