Middle Georgia State University, a multi-campus state institution, seeks an experienced and visionary academic leader to serve as Dean of the School of Business. The review of applications begins immediately. Complete information is available in the Search Profile at http://www.myersmcrae.com/skins/userfiles/file/MGA-Business17.pdf

The Opportunity - Middle Georgia State University (MGA) has five campuses across central Georgia. Each campus has premier educational facilities.

In January 2014, Dr. Christopher Blake became President of MGA. Under President Blake’s leadership, the institution transitioned to a university on July 1, 2015, and is expanding its academic programs and educational opportunities. 

Through the institution’s College of Arts and Sciences, School of Aviation, School of Business, School of Education, School of Information Technology, and School of Health Sciences, students can select from traditional liberal arts courses to professional programs to flight and aviation studies. A key area of planned growth is in graduate programs.

The School of Business is committed to providing high-quality undergraduate business programs targeted primarily to meet Central Georgia workforce needs. The School focuses on effective teaching and student learning for a diverse student population. Faculty engagement in scholarly activities, especially applied and pedagogical research, enhances classroom instruction. Faculty members provide professional services to the community and their disciplines.

The faculty are committed to continuous improvement and offering a dynamic curriculum that blends theory with practice. They value the diversity of the MGA community and share a strong commitment to honesty, fairness, and high ethical standards. They value partnerships and are committed to building mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholders. They provide students access to opportunities.

The School offers undergraduate and graduate programs. The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) program has concentrations in accounting, general business, marketing, management, and production/operations management.

A Master of Science of Management (MSM) is proposed for the University’s Warner Robins Campus, pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The program is designed for students with business or engineering backgrounds who have moved or plan to move into a middle- to upper-level management position. 

The School also is home to the Center for Economic Analysis, which provides applied research assistance to local business, governmental agencies, and other public and private groups.

The Position - The Dean of the School of Business serves as a member of Provost Council and is responsible for leadership, management, and administration of the academic departments within the School and the office of the Dean.  The Dean facilitates a vision and strategic direction while leading the School in a unified plan of action.

As the leader of the faculty, the Dean supports, encourages, and promotes excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. The Dean is responsible for program development, delivery, and assessment at the graduate and undergraduate levels; faculty recruitment, development, and retention; facilitation of student success; and management of the fiscal affairs of the School.

The Dean directly supervises an Associate Dean, two Academic Advisors, an Administrative Secretary and an Administrative Assistant as well as the faculty of the school.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership for all educational activities of the School of Business and ensuring academic integrity, high-quality instruction, and excellence in faculty scholarship and service
• Building effective working relationships with the SACSCOC and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) accrediting agencies to support current institutional accreditation and attain initial AACSB International accreditation
• Serving as the liaison between the Office of Academic Affairs and the faculty and staff
• Directing the recruitment and development of a diverse and talented faculty and staff and recommending to the Provost appointments, reappointments, and separations
• Recommending measures of implementing, updating, and improving the school’s curriculum
• Ensuring that all graduating students have satisfied state and program requirements for graduation
• Maintaining an awareness of needed knowledge, skills, and abilities in the business community and identifying new career opportunities that would guide program and degree development
• Directing the development of the academic schedule
• Preparing the School’s annual budget and managing budget expenditures
• Administering all University policies and procedures
• Evaluating the performance of faculty, coordinating professional development of the faculty, and recommending faculty for tenure and promotion
• Resolving student issues with curriculum or degree completion and mediating disputes between students and faculty
• Planning and directing activities in support of student success
• Researching grant opportunities, making application for grants, and managing grant funds in accordance with grant requirements
• Developing and fostering community partnerships

Qualifications - Candidates must have an earned terminal degree relevant to a program within the School. Experience as a university faculty member with credentials commensurate with senior faculty status (associate professor or above) and progressive experience in academic administration (department chair or higher level within a university) are required.

Additional qualifications include:

• Demonstrated knowledge of business disciplines represented within the School
• Experience in assessment of learning and program effectiveness for SACSCOC and AACSB accreditation
• Ability to create a vision for the School and a practical understanding of strategic planning strategies
• Experience with budget development and the principles of sound fiscal management
• Experience with classroom practices, teaching methodologies, scholarly activities, and the development of faculty and staff
• Ability to appropriately delegate responsibility and authority, make timely decisions, and solve problems
• Outstanding interpersonal relationship skills with the ability to motivate faculty and staff and develop a collaborative environment that engages the entire institution, students, and external partners and friends
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated

The Institution - Middle Georgia State is a focused institution with resources dedicated to the advancement of an 18-county region in the central area of Georgia. The institution, which was created in January 2013 through the consolidation of two existing colleges, Macon State and Middle Georgia, is strongly committed to quality education and student success through excellence and innovation in teaching.

A highly flexible and dynamic institution, Middle Georgia State actively recruits faculty, staff and administrators with the experience and talent to sustain a supportive and productive learning environment for a diverse student population. Scholarly pursuits are encouraged with emphasis on applied research related to regional issues, the institution’s core disciplines and institutional effectiveness.

While student housing is provided at three of the institution’s five campuses, the needs of a commuting population also are recognized in the design and delivery of counseling, testing, career planning and placement services.

With campuses in Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman and Warner Robins and a total enrollment of about 7,600 students, no other university has the reach that Middle Georgia State has across central Georgia. The average student age is 26. Minority students comprise more than one-third of the student body.

With day, evening and online classes, Middle Georgia State offers 13 associate’s and 19 bachelor’s degree programs. Minors are offered in 10 subjects.

In July 2016, MGA was approved as a Level III master’s degree granting university by SACSCOC. Master’s degrees in Information Technology and in Nursing are currently offered. A Master of Science in Management degree and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education with Initial Certification programs are pending approval by SACSCOC.

MGA plans to develop additional graduate-level offerings. The institution has a strong online presence.

Academic programs are market-driven and focus on the economic development needs of the community. They are designed to enhance the educational, economic and cultural lives of Central Georgians. The majority of students remain in the region after graduation, fueling the area’s economic growth.

Through its college and five schools, the institution prepares students to compete in a technologically advanced global economy while developing important life skills and receiving a firm foundation in the liberal arts.   

The University offers a wide array of student life and recreation and wellness programs. Services, facilities, and student organizations are designed to promote campus spirit and community connection.

More than 60 student organizations provide students opportunities to develop a sense of community and lasting relationships. Concerts, theatrical productions and lectures are held throughout the year.

The Middle Georgia State Knights intercollegiate athletic program has men’s and women’s basketball, soccer and tennis; men’s baseball; and women’s softball, cross country, and volleyball.

Macon, Georgia - Middle Georgia State’s largest campus and administrative hub is located in Macon, Georgia. Offering large-city amenities, Macon has a population of approximately 156,000, with the metropolitan area totaling almost 230,000.

Located 70 miles south of Atlanta, Macon is a popular tourist destination. Cultural arts are strongly supported by the community, with five performing arts theatres, including the historic Grand Opera House, home to the Macon Symphony Orchestra and the Macon Symphony Youth Orchestra.

The area’s health care services are among the best in the state, including three major hospitals and heart, cancer and transplant facilities.

Application and Nomination Process - Confidential inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited.

To Apply - Application packet must include: a) A letter of interest; b) Current curriculum vitae; c) At least five references with full contact information (References will not be contacted without consent from applicants.); d) Your answers to the required questions at www.myersmcrae.com/skins/userfiles/file/MMQuestions.pdf

Submit application packet to MGA-Bus@myersmcrae.com

Nominations should include contact information for the individual being nominated. Submit nominations to MGA-NominateBus@myersmcrae.com

For best consideration, submit applications by February 6, 2017.

Emily Parker Myers, CEO of Myers McRae Executive Search, is conducting this search.                                                                     

Middle Georgia State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Educational and Employment Opportunity institution. Factors of race, national origin, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, or disability are not considered in the admission or treatment of students or in employment. It is the intent of the institution to comply with all Federal and State laws and regulations related to nondiscrimination, including but not limited to: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent executive orders, as well as Title IX and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting

515 Mulberry Street, Suite 200, Macon, Georgia 31201

478-330-6222 | www.myersmcrae.com