Dean of the College of Education and Human Development

The University of Maine, the state’s flagship and land-grant university, invites applications and nominations for Dean of the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD). The next Dean will lead the College’s programmatic expansion and deepen its statewide impact while implementing a streamlined administrative structure approved by COEHD faculty in 2025. The Dean will join a close-knit community in a region of notable natural beauty and exceptional quality of life.

The University seeks a transformative leader committed to its “learner-centered R1” vision. Building on the University-wide Strategic Reenvisioning process, the Dean will develop and implement a holistic organizational strategy that brings together the College’s historic strengths in educator preparation and its emerging strengths in human development and allied health. Working collaboratively within COEHD, across the University, and with external partners, the Dean will help guide interdisciplinary academic programs, research, and outreach with the goal of improving the lives of individuals, families, schools, and communities across Maine and beyond.

Reporting to the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the Dean serves as the College’s chief executive officer, with responsibility for academic, fiscal, strategic planning, and personnel matters. The Dean guides and assists in securing state, federal, and private grants; participates actively in University fundraising initiatives; and serves as the College’s primary spokesperson to constituencies within and beyond the University of Maine. The salary range for this position is anticipated to be $215,000 to $225,000. The final compensation package will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and leadership accomplishments.

The dean will:

• Oversee the college’s administrative and physical portfolio, fostering excellence in teaching, research, and service
• Manage the college’s financial and human resources to optimize alignment with UMaine’s strategic initiatives and to strengthen the college's financial sustainability
• Foster a supportive culture for faculty, staff, and students
• Ensure sustainable, relevant, and impactful academic programs for undergraduate and graduate students
• Ensure sustainable, relevant, and impactful research programs that include undergraduate and graduate students
• Partner with other UMaine units to increase programmatic impact, particularly in state priority areas
• Represent the college within UMaine and beyond, leveraging fundraising and engagement opportunities to strengthen our value to and catalyze partnerships with our stakeholders.

About the University of Maine

Founded in 1865, the University of Maine is the state’s land, sea, and space grant institution. The University of Maine, which is part of the seven-member University of Maine System created in 1968, proudly holds the distinction of serving as the flagship institution within the system, responsible for providing high-quality undergraduate and graduate education, basic and applied research, and outreach services to extend the University of Maine’s expertise and resources statewide and beyond.

About the College

COEHD prepares professionals who advance learning, leadership, health, and quality of life across the lifespan. Its faculty conducts research that informs policy and practice for educators working from birth through adult learning, health professionals, child and family specialists, and educational leaders. College priorities include growing undergraduate and graduate programs in educator preparation, allied health, and human development; fostering a first-class undergraduate experience; strengthening research and graduate education; and reinforcing relationships with schools, healthcare systems, community organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Dean will also play a pivotal role in implementing the recommendations of a newly launched task force on allied health and clinical education programs.

COEHD offers four-year undergraduate programs in kinesiology and physical education, human development sciences, and elementary and secondary education. Its certificate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral programs account for roughly 25% of the University’s total graduate enrollment. These include northern New England’s only master’s program in athletic training located at an R1 university, an executive doctoral program in educational leadership, and a traditional PhD in education. COEHD operates programs that meet or exceed national quality benchmarks: its athletic training program is accredited by CAATE, and its educator preparation programs are accredited by CAEP. The College also collaborates closely with education programs at the University’s regional campus, the University of Maine at Machias, and with other universities in the UMaine system.

Other Information:

To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:

1. a letter of interest
2. a current curriculum vitae
3. contact information for five professional references (named referees will not be contacted without the candidate’s prior consent)

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on January 11, 2027.

Nominations and inquiries should be addressed to Mr. Chuck O’Boyle of C. V. O’Boyle, Jr., LLC at chuck@cvoboyle.com.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.