Jacksonville State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Business and Industry beginning on January 13, 2026 or shortly thereafter.

About Jacksonville State University

Founded in 1883, Jacksonville State University, also known as Jax State, is a learning-centered comprehensive public university in Jacksonville, Alabama. Nestled in the Appalachian foothills of northeast Alabama, midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State is home to more than 10,000 students from more than 60 countries. As a learning-centered university, it strives to challenge students academically in a responsive environment and supports them in achieving their educational, career and personal goals. As an institution of higher learning, it seeks to produce broadly educated graduates prepared for global engagement while promoting scholarly research and service activities that align with its academic and professional strengths.

Jax State is recognized as a top-tier regional university, climbing steadily in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings over the past four years. Also known as “the friendliest campus in the South,” Jax State offers a diverse and comprehensive range of academic programs designed to prepare students for successful careers and lifelong learning. The University provides 46 undergraduate degree programs, 12 undergraduate microcredentials and certificates, 64 master's programs, three doctoral programs, seven Educational Specialist (EdS) programs and 15 graduate certificate programs and microcredentials. Many of these programs are available entirely online, offering flexibility to accommodate students' schedules and learning preferences.

The University maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, ensuring personalized instruction and mentorship in a supportive learning environment. With one of the highest percentages of accredited programs among universities nationwide, Jax State is committed to academic excellence and student success.

For more information, visit www.jsu.edu.

About the College of Business and Industry

The mission of the College of Business and Industry is to provide learners with a career-focused education emphasizing responsible judgment, innovative thinking, entrepreneurial skills and service to their communities. The College aims to serve the Southeast by being an integral, cooperative partner of the business community by assessing needs and providing the human and intellectual resources for the future.

Chosen by Princeton Review as one of “The Best Business Schools”, the College is comprised of these professional oriented academic areas – Department of Applied Engineering, Departments of Business (Gregory D. Brown Department of Finance, Economics and Accounting and the Lyons and Company, Inc. Department of Management and Marketing) and Department of Communication. All are accredited by prestigious international accrediting agencies like ATMAE, AACSB, and ACEJMC, respectively by department.

The College enrolled 1,737 students (1,554 undergraduate and 183 graduate) in Fall 2025. These students were supported by 56 faculty members, 43 of whom are full time and 13 part time.

Core values include teaching, intellectual contributions, external interaction and continuous improvement. In support of these values the College focuses on six goals: improving student experience and engagement; career development; faculty engagement; community outreach; alumni involvement and support; and growth and funding.

About the Dean’s Position

The Dean of the College of Business and Industry (CBI) is the chief administrator of the College and reports directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Dean  provides vision, academic leadership, direction and expert administration, and fosters excellence in teaching, scholarly activity and community engagement and service. The Dean positively represents the College and University to all constituents and is active in advancement activities.

Essential Responsibilities 

Overall Leadership

• • Provide strategic leadership in establishing and achieving the CBI’s vision, mission, goals and expected academic program outcomes
  • Responsible for administrative functions including but not limited to staffing, budgets and facility management
  • Ability to inspire confidence and motivate others for engagement and innovation
  • Serve as an advocate for faculty, staff and students
  • Direct problem solving involving students, faculty, staff and others
  • Is visible on campus and in the community
  • Represent the CBI and University positively in interactions to build and sustain effective relationships with a broad range of constituents

Faculty and Staff Oversight

• • Provide oversight for the recruitment, hiring, orientation, motivation and retention of faculty and staff to effectively manage the human capital within the College
  • Ability to inspire faculty and staff to work together to build and sustain outstanding academic programs with the capacity for growth
  • Facilitate the achievements of faculty expectations related to teaching, scholarly activity, community engagement and service and professional practice
  • Facilitate the accomplishments of staff related to student success and professional expectations
  • Oversee an effective evaluation system for faculty and staff

Fiscal and Fundraising Responsibilities

• • Ensure effective management of financial resources (state funding, foundation accounts, etc.) including strategic budget planning which aligns financial needs with the mission and vision of the CBI and University
  • Direct College advancement and fundraising in collaboration with University Development
  • Interact with alumni and community partners to raise funds for the College and University to enhance the reputation of the CBI

Regulation and Accreditation Compliance

• • Ensure compliance with regulatory and accrediting bodies for academic programs (currently SACSCOC for the University and AACSB, ATMAE and ACEJMC in the College)
  • Develop and maintain a systematic evaluation plan for the CBI’s academic programs to ensure congruence with national standards, professional guidelines or expected competencies and to evaluate program outcomes

General Responsibilities

• • Participate in all official JSU functions as determined by the president or provost
  • Oversee delivery of classes in a manner to achieve cost-effectiveness and meet student and program needs
  • Oversee College, Department and program procedures related to tracking, mandatory record keeping, regulatory compliance and outcome management
  • Provide oversight and support for national and statewide student recruitment and retention activities
  • Attend and participate in professional conferences and meetings on and off campus
  • Remain current on University, College and Department policies and procedures and state and federal regulations affecting higher education
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications 

Education and Experience

• • A terminal degree in a discipline within the College or closely related field
  • Three to five years of experience as an academic administrator (e.g., dean, associate dean, department head or director)
  • Accomplishments and credentials sufficient to meet the requirements of the rank of Professor at JSU in teaching, service and scholarly publications which includes a minimum of five years of experience in higher education

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• • Knowledge of University and CBI missions, goals and expectations as well as University and College policies, procedures, rules, etc.
• Understanding of University and College accreditation requirements
• Familiarity with expectations for teaching, scholarly activity, community engagement and service and collegiality
• Organized and attentive to detail
• Effective oral and written communication skills to advocate for the CBI and University
• Strong active listening, analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to work cooperatively with faculty, staff, colleagues at all levels, students and external constituents
• Ability to use diplomacy and discretion when providing information to others
• Experience with or potential to fund raise with alumni and external partners

Preferred Qualification 

• Experience administering AACSB, ATMAE or ACEJMC accredited academic program

To view this position, visit https://www.highereducationleadershipsearch.com/current-searches/

To apply for this position, visit https://www.highereducationleadershipsearch.com/candidate-portal-form.

To nominate someone for this position, e-mail: nominations@highereducationleadershipsearch.com

Geralyn McClure Franklin, Ph.D. will be assisting Jacksonville State University with this search. If you have questions or would like to have a confidential conversation about the position, call 936-371-0549 (cell) or e-mail geralynf@highereducationleadershipsearch.com.

Jacksonville State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and specifically invites applications from women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities. 

Candidates for this position will be considered through February 13, 2026.