Description
Midwestern State University (MSU Texas) invites nominations and expressions of interest for the Dean of the Prothro-Yeager College of Humanities and Social Sciences position. The starting date is negotiable, but no later than August 1, 2026.
Established in 1922, Midwestern State University is a public university in Wichita Falls, Texas, located halfway between Oklahoma City and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The university has an average enrollment of 5,800 students, with approximately 20% enrolled in graduate programs. Rooted in a values-based culture, Midwestern State University aims to empower students and our community through a commitment to academic excellence, personal growth, and a culture of lifelong learning, inquiry, and innovation. The university is firmly committed to serving first-generation students and those receiving financial assistance.
The Prothro-Yeager College of Humanities and Social Sciences comprises six academic departments of English, Humanities and Philosophy; History; Psychology; Political Science; Sociology; and World Languages and Cultures. Each department offers majors, minors, and core curriculum courses. The College supports approximately 370 majors and has high service to students campus-wide through core courses. The College also serves the Wichita Falls community by offering dual-credit courses to high school students.
Application review begins March 2, 2026; the position will remain open until an offer is made and accepted. Qualified candidates should email a substantive letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least four professional references to PYCHSS Dean Search Committee at provostoffice@msutexas.edu.
Requirements
The Dean’s duties will include working with the chairs and faculty of the Prothro-Yeager college departments to support the department, college, and university’s enrollment and retention goals. The Dean will also engage with Academic Affairs to accomplish the campus goals to educate, support, and serve as described in the 2025-2030 strategic plan. First, the Dean will collaborate across the university to support institutional efforts to educate and engage students by utilizing high-quality programs and practices that begin with recruitment and follow through to career placement. Second, the Dean will support scholarly and creative works, professional development of faculty and staff, and leadership training in the College. Finally, the Dean will help MSU serve the community as a partner and pillar through work in the North Texas area, with local organizations and businesses, through external collaborations, and with alumni.
Required qualifications:
- Earned doctorate in one of the College disciplines;
- Established record of effective teaching and current scholarly activity that warrants appointment as a tenured associate or full Professor in the College;
- Academic, administrative, and fiscal management experience;
- Experience in successful enrollment and retention initiatives;
- Knowledge of current trends and issues in higher education and the humanities;
- Strong leadership, student advocacy, and communication skills.
