Dean of the Tift College of Education

Mercer University seeks an accomplished and visionary academic leader to serve as Tift Dean of the College of Education.

Mercer University is one of America’s oldest and most distinctive institutions of higher learning, offering rigorous programs that span the undergraduate liberal arts and sciences to doctoral-level degrees. Founded by early 19th-century Baptists, Mercer—while no longer formally denominationally affiliated—remains committed to an educational environment that embraces the historic Baptist principles of intellectual and religious freedom. With about 9,000 students enrolled in 12 Schools and Colleges, on major campuses in Macon and Atlanta, medical school campuses in Macon, Savannah, Columbus, Valdosta, and Carrollton, and at regional academic centers in Henry and Douglas counties, Mercer is ranked among the top tier and best values of national research universities by U.S. News & World Report.

For more than 100 years, Mercer University has prepared Georgia's teachers and educational leaders, and today the Tift College of Education carries that legacy forward with a firm commitment to excellence in every aspect of educator preparation. The College prepares educators and educational leaders through innovative, student-centered programs that emphasize academic excellence, hands-on learning, and community engagement. Guided by its mission to prepare educators who teach, learn, create, discover, empower, and serve, the College is committed to advancing educational equity while fostering transformative learning experiences for students and the communities they serve

Reporting to the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the Dean is responsible for the overall academic quality, strategic direction, financial health, and operational effectiveness of the College of Education. The next Dean will be a seasoned administrator with deep roots in teacher education and educational leadership programs and who brings both scholarly credibility and a demonstrated record of building innovative, equity-oriented, and transformative learning experiences. The next Dean will be a collaborative and transparent communicator who inspires faculty, staff, and students through a shared vision and inclusive leadership. This individual will also build strong partnerships with school systems and community organizations while successfully navigating the evolving landscape of educator preparation and workforce development in Georgia and beyond.

The next Dean will have a terminal degree from an accredited institution in a field relevant to the College's academic portfolio and the academic credentials sufficient for the appointment as a tenured full professor within the College. In addition, they will possess significant progressive leadership experience in higher education, with demonstrated responsibility for academic programs, innovation, personnel, and budget.

The search committee will begin accepting and reviewing applications immediately and through Fall 2026. Requested application materials include a letter of interest addressing the leadership agenda and a curriculum vitae/resumé.  Although applications will be accepted until a Dean is selected, for best consideration, all candidates should submit their materials as soon as possible. All materials will be received in confidence. DSG Storbeck has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Dr. Thomas Fitch, Managing Director, and Ms. Amanda Bennett, Managing Associate, who can be contacted at [email protected].

For a full position leadership profile, please click here: https://www.dsgco.com/search/23184-mercer-dean-education/.

To express interest in this role, please submit materials directly to the following: https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/23184. 

This is a full-time position that will be based on-site in either Atlanta or Macon, Georgia, with travel to all locations within the state. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and includes a generous benefits package.

EEO/Veteran/Disability