The Dean of Liberal Arts and Academic Foundations provides educational management and leadership to achieve a high standard of excellence and innovation in teaching and learning, student success, and faculty and staff professional growth in the academic areas of Academic Development, Anthropology, Communications Studies, Economics, English, Gender and Women’s Studies, Geography, History, Human Services, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Global/Cultural Studies, EAP, Spanish, ASL, Arabic, and Sociology departments, and other duties as assigned. In addition, this position works in collaboration with departments engaged in college outreach to develop, support and promote opportunities for experiential learning, including internships, externships and service learning. The Dean provides leadership, policy development and direction in the development of programs; articulation agreements with four-year colleges and universities; collaboration with secondary education, business and industry; maintains accreditation standards in the programs; provides a positive environment for teaching and learning; gives direction and leadership for conflict resolution and advocates for students, staff and the various disciplines in their department. The dean role encompasses an understanding of the mission of a community college.
The successful Dean will be defined by colleagues as a trusted advisor, whose empathy is demonstrated through inclusiveness and service to others. This person will be described as having integrity, humility, and an inviting demeanor that puts those around him/her at ease. Consistent with the college’s mission, this leader will demonstrate a strong commitment to the value of diversity among students and staff, as well as sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of NHCC students. The Dean works together with colleagues to create a strong sense of fiscal accountability across campus, and to create an atmosphere of trust and respect in which all can succeed.