Position Overview:
Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) is seeking a visionary leader to serve as the Dean of the College of Business, Communication, and Technology beginning January 2, 2026. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced academic administrator with a passion for innovation, student success, and community engagement. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience, a collaborative spirit, and the drive to elevate the college’s regional and national profile.
We especially welcome applications from rising leaders—such as seasoned department chairs or associate deans—who are ready to take the next step in their careers.
The College of Business, Communication, and Technology brings together the Plaster School of Business and the Departments of Communication, Mathematics, and Technology.
For more information, please visit our website: https://www.mssu.edu/academics/academic-affairs/dean-search.php.
Job Description:
General Statement of Job
The College of Business, Communication, and Technology Dean administers the affairs of the College by performing the following duties personally or through subordinate supervisors.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Duties:
External (30%-40%)
Lead and participate in external fundraising activities to secure financial support for programs and initiatives for all departments within the College of Business, Communication, and Technology including, but not limited to, working with campus, community, business leaders, and advisory boards.
Participate in local, statewide, national, and international organizations relevant to the College’s goals and objectives.
Internal (60%-70%)
Provide leadership and vision for the College, and work collaboratively with faculty and administration to develop plans that support College goals and initiatives, including supporting the supervision, evaluation, mentoring, and motivation of College faculty and staff.
Serve as an active part of the campus communications network, ensuring College faculty and staff are kept informed of and contribute to University life.
Manage and administer all College of Business, Communication and Technology operations, budget, and personnel.
Serve as a member of campus and community committees as needed or required.
Support faculty in the creation and dissemination of data and other information for institutional purposes, accrediting bodies, and other reporting agencies.
Establish and maintain strong interdisciplinary partnerships that advance student learning and promote overall College growth and development.
Complete additional tasks or special projects as assigned by the Provost.
Education, Experience, and Licenses
Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) or equivalent in one of the disciplines within the College; and at least 5 years related experience and/or training; including a record of academic scholarship as evidenced by in-discipline, peer-reviewed journal publications.. AACSB or ABET accreditation experience is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
- Respond to common inquiries or complaints from students, regulatory agencies, administrators, members of the Board of Governors or members of the general public.
- Write speeches and articles for publication that conform to a prescribed style and format.
- Effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or Boards of Directors.
- Demonstrates professional and technical proficiency in performing primary responsibilities; delegates assignments to appropriate parties; carries out the planning and budgeting collaboratively with other relevant areas of campus; fosters an environment of professionalism and team building; and consistently stays up on current and future trends in areas of expertise.
- Builds a culture of trust by demonstrating integrity, showing respect for and genuine interest in individuals, listening carefully to others in appropriate decision-making moments, establishing and adhering to transparency of processes, being accountable, and interacting with others in ways that promote unity and confidence in self and the organization.
- Effectively understands and navigates the Missouri Southern State University environment; understand how the University operates and the reasoning behind key practices and processes; and negotiates diplomatically and effectively.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
This position performs work in a combination of external environments, a standard office setting, and requires travel to community activities, professional conferences, and other events in-state and out-of-state as needed. NOTICE: The above job profile does not include all essential and nonessential duties of this job. All employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact Human Resources to review and discuss the essential and nonessential functions of the job. An employee with a disability can evaluate the job in greater detail to determine if they can safely perform the essential function of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Why MSSU:
MSSU's vibrant campus creates an engaging learning environment for approximately 4,100 students. MSSU provides its faculty and staff rewarding career and benefit opportunities that include a generous leave policy, paid holidays, affordable medical and dental insurance options, life and AD&D insurance, tuition waiver for employee and dependents, and employer contribution to a retirement plan. We offer a collaborative workplace with an emphasis on fostering a global perspective with opportunities for advancement. Joining the MSSU Pride provides a variety of opportunities for you to attain your career goals, a place where your contributions are valued, and - perhaps most importantly - the ability to make a difference in the lives of our students.
MSSU is a community-driven four-year institution. Expanding graduate and undergraduate programs provide faculty with rich opportunities for service and scholarship. International-focused semesters and enriching cultural events in theater, art, music, and film create an engaging learning environment for students and citizens of the region. MSSU is located in Joplin, MO, which is considered to be the Crossroads of America, and serves as the commercial hub for the four states area. Joplin is a resilient, vibrant, and growing city with a population of over 50,000 serving a combined metro area of 200,000 and a market area of over 350,000 people in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Parks, sports, lakes, hunting, fishing, biking, and entertainment characterize the Joplin region’s quality of life. With a temperate, four-season climate, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors from community parks, to walking and biking trails to floating down one of the many area Ozark streams. Art galleries, museums, concerts, and the variety of shopping and eateries offered throughout the region add to the year-round quality of living in the area. The Joplin area also offers one of the lowest housing costs in the United States, and strong medical care with two major regional medical centers based in Joplin. Joplin schools and those in the nearby communities are some of the most recognized and respected schools in the state. There is quick and easy access to Northwest Arkansas, Kansas City, and Tulsa, as well as numerous outdoor activities and attractions throughout the Ozarks.
MSSU is an EOE employer with a strong institutional commitment to achievement of excellence among faculty and staff. MSSU is an E-verify participating employer. Visit our website to learn more about the advantages of employment at MSSU.
Application Instructions:
Please submit the following materials electronically:
- A cover letter addressing leadership experience, the responsibilities and qualifications of the position, and a vision for the College
- Curriculum vitae
- Statement of leadership philosophy
- Contact information for three professional references
To apply, please visit MSSU’s Open Positions page, select the Dean of the College of Business, Communication, and Technology listing, and click 'Start Your Application' to begin the submission process.
Review of applications will begin August 1st and continue until the position is filled.
Official transcripts are required within 45 days after contract is issued. Employment is contingent upon a background check.
Jobs at Missouri Southern State University.
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