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:
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.
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.
To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:
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.
The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.
The University of Maine System (UMS) is the state’s largest driver of educational attainment and economic development. In the past two decades, the System has awarded 106,362 degrees and spurred and strengthened thousands of small Maine businesses through world-class research and development.
Established in 1968, UMS unites the state’s distinctive public universities including the R1 University of Maine and its regional campus the University of Maine at Machias, the University of Maine at Augusta, the University of Maine at Farmington, the University of Maine at Fort Kent, the University of Maine at Presque Isle, the University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine School of Law, as well as the University of Maine Graduate and Professional Center.
The System serves more than 30,000 students annually and its tripartite education, research and service mission is made possible by the efforts of some 5,000 faculty and staff. Despite demographic declines in the state and region, over the last five years the System has increased the number of high school students annually earning free university credit by 32%, rapidly expanded high-quality online education, grown graduate enrollment by 22%, and launched innovative adult degree completion initiatives to advance economic mobility and meet state workforce needs. Maine’s public universities continue to be a national leader in advancing college affordability and access and reducing student debt. Listed in-state tuition and fees at UMaine are the lowest of any New England flagship and Pell-eligible Maine students can attend four of the System’s small universities without paying out-of-pocket for tuition and fees.
