Dean of the College of Education

Pittsburg State University seeks an innovative and visionary leader to be the next Dean of the College of Education. The dean leads the strategy, curriculum design, and team of experienced faculty that will shape the next generation of K-12 educators and administrators.

Pitt State: Making life better through education.

Position Profile

History and overview

Pittsburg State University was founded in 1903 as the Kansas State Manual Training Normal School, originally a branch of the State Normal School of Emporia (now Emporia State University). With one building and 54 students, this new school would prepare teachers in curriculum areas vital to success and prosperity in the hands-on industrial age. In 1913, we became a full-fledged four-year institution as the Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg, or Pittsburg State for short. Over the next four decades, our mission was broadened beyond teacher training. To reflect this, in 1959, our name was changed again to Kansas State College of Pittsburg. We became Pittsburg State University on April 21, 1977.

More than a century later, that teaching mission remains at the core of Pittsburg State University. By providing interactive, engaging courses throughout four distinct colleges, Pitt State transforms the lives of our students, our community, and the entire Southeast Kansas region. Located in the innovative, self-made city of Pittsburg, Kansas, our campus features the region’s premier facilities for hands-on technology and business education, athletics, and the arts. And we’re proud to be the only university in the nation with the Gorilla as our mascot.

A lot has changed since 1903. Location, name, logos, enrollment, etc. Change is inevitable. Change is valuable. But through it all, our belief in the power of education remains as strong and steadfast as the day we opened our doors to 54 people ready to change the world and themselves.

The main campus of Pittsburg State University is, in many ways, a community in and of itself. Along with our gorgeous historic academic buildings, our campus also boasts some of the nation’s premier facilities for athletics, recreation, fitness, and the arts.

Campus and community facts

Home to nearly 6,000 students, Pitt State provides all the benefits of a major college but with small class sizes and personalized experiences. The university offers more than 200 academic programs and emphases areas, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, certificates, EdS degrees, a doctoral degree in nursing, and a few high-demand two-year trade programs. Our students enjoy an average class size of just 18 students, benefit from world-class faculty, and are supported by more than 65,000 proud alumni.

Pitt State employs well over 1,000 part-time and full-time faculty and staff, students, graduate assistants, and researchers.

Designated as a micropolitan area, Pittsburg is the largest community in Southeast Kansas with more than 20,000 residents in the city and 40,000 in Crawford County. Pittsburg is located less than thirty miles from the Joplin, Missouri, metropolitan statistical area with a population of over 200,000. Kansas City is located 120 miles North; Tulsa, Oklahoma is 125 miles southwest; Wichita is 160 miles west; and Springfield, Missouri is 95 miles east.

Pittsburg State University offers a rich college experience with a broad selection of academic and social amenities.

A beautiful 223-acre campus is home to state-of-the-art buildings that bring the real world to students
Nearly 150 student organizations provide opportunities for engagement, community, and leadership
Student Success and Life - Six-year graduation rate (56%), Members of a student organization (17%)
Current Enrollment Data - Total enrollment (5,803 students), Undergraduate (4,561 students), Graduate (1,242 students), Pell Grant (28%), Underrepresented Students (20%), Student Athletes (448).
Class of 2029 - First time in college (998 students), Kansas residents (64%), Average ACT (21), Average high school GPA (3.5).

The mission of the College of Education

The mission of the College of Education is to champion transformative education, research, leadership, and service. The college serves over 1,100 majors in a variety of programs offered across Health, Human Performance and Recreation, Psychology and Counseling, and Teaching and Leadership. The college meets rigorous national standards for educator preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

Majors in the College of Education lead to bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and an education specialist degree. Undergraduate and graduate certificates are available in STEM, reading, autism spectrum disorders, building and district leadership, coaching, and more. Graduate students in the College of Education number 365 for fall 2025, with the majority of coursework delivered online.

The College of Education is a champion of the science of reading, and the university played a leading role in adoption of the Blueprint for Reading in Kansas. As Center of Excellence in Reading, the College of Education provides the structured literacy training, testing, and credentialing required for Kansas reading teachers.

In Teaching and Leadership, the college graduates K-6 educators, and supports the academic disciplines in the preparation of secondary educators.

The position

Pittsburg State University is seeking a future-oriented leader to be the next Dean of the College of Education. The dean serves as a visionary leader, strategic thinker, and advocate for academic excellence within the institution. The dean is responsible for fostering a collaborative environment that promotes the success of faculty, administrators, and students while ensuring the college's alignment with institutional goals and external regulatory standards.

The dean reports directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. The dean works closely with university leadership, faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders to drive the college's strategic initiatives and align with the broader goals of the institution. The dean is responsible for maintaining relationships and alignment with the Kansas State Department of Education and the Kansas Board of Regents.

Visionary and collaborative leadership

The next dean of the College of Education will serve as a visionary and collaborative leader, working closely with the Provost and fellow deans to advance institutional goals and align the college with Kansas Board of Regents initiatives. Rooted in a strong commitment to serving the Pittsburg, Kansas region while maintaining a global perspective, this leader will proactively shape and communicate a compelling vision for the college that anticipates future educational trends and strengthens the university’s mission. The dean will inspire faculty, staff, and students through strategic foresight and a dedication to academic excellence, elevating the college’s reputation and future-oriented contributions to the field of education. This role will champion growth across all programs, pursue new opportunities, and foster diverse representation and disciplines within the college, ensuring that Pittsburg State remains a destination for innovative, inclusive, and impactful educator preparation.

Champion of faculty and administrator success

The dean will be a champion of faculty and administrator success, fostering a supportive, collaborative culture that values growth, innovation, and shared governance. This leader will mentor and develop faculty and administrators, promote succession planning, and uphold academic freedom and the Kansas National Education Association contract. By leading efforts in faculty recruitment, retention, and evaluation, the dean will ensure the college attracts and sustains exceptional educators and scholars. Committed to excellence in teaching and research, the dean will inspire creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement across all programs.

Financial stewardship

The dean will provide strong financial stewardship, serving as the fiduciary leader of the College of Education and overseeing all aspects of budgeting and resource allocation. Balancing fiscal responsibility with academic priorities, this leader will ensure resources are used effectively to advance teaching, research, and student success. The dean will enhance research opportunities through strategic budgeting and grant oversight, while prioritizing investments in programs, technology, and infrastructure that promote long-term academic excellence. By engaging alumni, donors, professional organizations, and regional partners, the dean will strengthen the college’s financial health and sustain its mission-driven impact.

Curriculum architect

The dean will provide strategic academic leadership by guiding curriculum development and ensuring alignment with institutional goals and workforce needs. This leader will advocate for a rigorous curriculum grounded in best practices across the disciplines within the college, while collaborating with department chairs, directors, and faculty to design and evaluate programs that prepare students for future careers. The dean will ensure adherence to accreditation and regulatory standards, support innovative teaching and assessment practices, and champion continuous improvement. Through thoughtful planning and collaboration, the dean will strengthen the college’s academic foundation and position it for long-term relevance and success.

Champion of student success

The dean will be a champion of student success, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes academic achievement and personal growth. This leader will advocate for student access and success by sustaining career preparation relevant to today’s learners. The dean will oversee initiatives and policies that enhance learning, engagement, and well-being, while securing resources and services that strengthen the student experience. Committed to student-centered leadership, the dean will ensure Pittsburg State graduates are well prepared for meaningful careers and lifelong contribution.

Qualifications

Candidates must have the following educational and professional experiences:

Doctoral degree in content area within the College of Education or related field
Academic credentials suitable for a tenured appointment in one of the college's academic programs
5 years of teaching experience in higher education
3 years of experience leading a unit
3 years of experience supervising faculty
3 years of experience in curriculum development
2 years of budget experience

Preferred educational and professional experiences:

Evidence of research and scholarly productivity in journal articles, conference presentations, and other professional activities related to content areas in the College of Education
Research grant activities and experience
2 years of experience in assessment and accreditation
Experience in K-12 teaching or administration

President Dr. Thomas Newsom

Dr. Thomas Newsom is the 11th president of Pittsburg State University, having started his new position here this fall.

For the past six years, he has been the president of Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant.

Newsom is a native of Sherman, Texas, and earned a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of North Texas, a master's in higher education from A&M-Commerce, and a bachelor’s in business administration from Austin College.

Prior to his role at Southeastern Oklahoma State, he served as vice president of student success and dean of students at Texas A&M-Commerce. There, he oversaw the development of new student success initiatives and led the university’s student affairs.

In total, he has spent more than 20 years in higher education, leading several colleges and universities on the path to academic excellence and achievement.

He and his wife Vicky are the parents of three adult children: Katie, Will, and John.

Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Susan Bon

Susan came to Pittsburg State University in July 2024 to lead the institution's academic enterprise and research initiatives. In her role, she is responsible for the administration, strategic planning, development, and review processes for the university's academic programs and educational mission.

Susan is a professor, scholar, and national leader who has been focused on law and policy, disability law, civic engagement, workplace civility, and ethical leadership during her 25 years in academics.

As an academic leader, Bon has served in leadership roles across the University of South Carolina, including the President's Office, Provost's Office, Student Affairs, and most recently as an interim associate dean in the College of Education. Prior to her university faculty service, she worked at the Ohio Department of Education. She earned her law degree and a doctorate in education policy and leadership from The Ohio State University.

How to Apply

CBIZ is assisting Pittsburg State University on this search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed to:

Dr. Pelema Ellis, Executive Vice President | pelema.ellis@cbiz.com

Applications should include a 1) current CV and 2) a letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications described above.

Priority consideration will be given to materials received by the preferred submission date of January 12, 2026.

Search Committee

Chris Childers, chair
Dean, College of Arts & Sciences

Jean Dockers
Director of Teacher Education, College of Education

Kathleen Flannery
Vice President, Advancement

Tristan Ragland
Assistant Professor, Health, Human Performance, & Recreation

Laurent Pretot
Associate Professor, Psychology & Counseling

Brian Sims
Professor, Teaching & Learning