Dean of the Simmons School of Education and Human Development

DEAN OF THE SIMMONS SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

DALLAS, TX

Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX) invites applications, expressions of interest, and nominations of candidates in its search for the next Leon Simmons Endowed Dean of the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development. This role offers an extraordinary opportunity to lead and shape the future of one of the nation’s top-ranked education schools with the resources of a dynamic, private research university, immersed within a community deeply committed to innovation. The University seeks a visionary leader who brings deep passion and expertise across education curricula and pedagogy, interdisciplinary research, and the translation of evidence-based practices into cutting-edge programs that advance learning, human development, and community impact.

The SMU Simmons School offers a rare and compelling leadership opportunity, distinguished by its interdisciplinary scope across education, physiology, sport science, and dispute resolution. As a school deeply embedded in the vibrant Dallas-Fort Worth region and backed by SMU’s institutional strength, Simmons is poised to accelerate its impact through innovative research, meaningful community partnerships, and a growing philanthropic base. Candidates will find a school building on strong trajectory, with energy and ambition to shape the future of its fields. The next Dean of Simmons will take the lead of a highly respected institution with palpable momentum, an engaged community, and significant resources.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, one of the country’s largest metropolitan areas and a blend of two formidable cities, provides a stellar setting for a leading research institution. The new Dean of Simmons will serve in a region noted for its optimistic and entrepreneurial approach, welcoming community, committed philanthropic culture, competitive cost of living with a high quality of life, and vast array of recreational opportunities. DFW lays claim to significant reputations in the fine and performing arts, a vibrant dining scene, and major league sports franchises. The region is home to more than 70 accredited colleges and universities, including five R1 Doctoral institutions, providing an intellectual engine for one of the nation’s most robust economies. Moreover, North Texas’s public school systems collectively educate more than 1.2 million students, and the Dallas Independent School District consists of 240 schools serving the needs of nearly 140,000 PK-12 students. Opportunities abound for cross-institutional engagement. Lastly and notably, over the last 10 years, DFW has become a highly attractive destination for corporate headquarters, with nearly 150 relocations to the region from across the U.S. and abroad. The Metroplex is a top location for Fortune 500 companies with 22 now calling DFW their home base.

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a premier private, comprehensive, research university, known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life. Established in 1911 and founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, SMU serves more than 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students and is home to the Cox School of Business, Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Dedman School of Law, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Perkins School of Theology, and the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. The University is in an era of remarkable upward trajectory, including Carnegie R1 designation for top-tier research activity, a successful first year in the ACC, and conclusion of a record-setting, multi-year capital campaign, and has, to date, garnered more than $1.64 billion in contributions from over 67,500 donors. The University is pioneering advancements in data science, fostering groundbreaking research, and building strong partnerships with industry and academia. SMU’s research initiatives include the state-of-the-art Pegasus Park, interdisciplinary research clusters, and more than 40 centers and institutes, positioning the campus at the forefront of research and innovation in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and beyond.

The Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development (Simmons) is a nationally recognized school combining teaching, research, and professional practice in the fields of education, applied physiology, sport management, and dispute resolution. Educating more than 1,200 undergraduate, graduate, and advanced studies students, Simmons offers 20 degree and certification programs across bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and specialized credentials. Many students pursue graduate and professional degrees across the five departments of Applied Physiology and Sports Management, Counseling, Education Policy and Leadership, Human-Centered Interdisciplinary Studies, and Teaching & Learning. Simmons was ranked by U.S. News & World Report 2024 in the top tier of graduate schools of education, rating it in the top 11 private schools in the nation and top three public and private schools in Texas.

Simmons maintains a robust, active faculty featuring nearly 60 tenure-track professors, clinical faculty, endowed chairs, and educators with national visibility. Simmons faculty are committed to pursuing evidence-based solutions that improve and impact lives, with more than 70 percent of tenured professors engaging in funded research, attracting more than $90 million in external funding. Simmons has distinguished itself through exceptional philanthropic momentum, translating donor generosity into transformative impact. Under the umbrella of SMU’s landmark SMU Ignited campaign, Simmons has secured over $42 million in donor gifts aimed at advancing its mission in education, human development, and community impact.

Reporting to the Provost, the Leon Simmons Endowed Dean of the Simmons School of Education and Human Development serves as the chief academic officer for the School. The Dean oversees academic programs, faculty appointments, and research initiatives; facilitates budgetary and institutional planning; engages with community partnerships and initiatives; and maintains the School’s academic standards. The Dean oversees a talented team of leaders including the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Dean for Research and Outreach, Assistant Dean for Technology and Innovation, and five Department Chairs. The Dean is responsible for an annual operating budget of $35 million.

The new Dean of Simmons will have the opportunity to lead a dynamic enterprise, leveraging its existing strengths and implementing a forward-thinking vision to magnify Simmons’ offerings in a rapidly changing educational and technological landscape. The ideal Dean will be an advocate and promoter of innovative pedagogies, interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary programs, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for dynamic career paths.

SMU and Simmons seek an accomplished strategic visionary leader who will inspire students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners. The candidate of choice will bring a highly relational approach, outstanding communication skills, self-confidence balanced with humility, integrity of the highest order, a strong work ethic, superb fiscal stewardship, an entrepreneurial and dynamic spirit, genuine passion for advancing education, and a clear understanding of the importance and value of education and human development in today’s higher education landscape and in the marketplace. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership capacity; model the University’s teaching, research, and service mission; and foster an open and collaborative environment for members of Simmons and the greater campus community.

A terminal doctoral degree in a relevant discipline across education or human development is required, along with a distinguished record of research, teaching, creative work, and academic leadership. Experience in an R1 environment is highly preferred.

The full Simmons Dean prospectus is available here : SMU Simmons Dean of Education and Human Development

This is a full-time position that will be performed on site in Texas. Salary will be commensurate with experience and accompanied by a generous benefits package.

Nominations and applications should be submitted electronically as soon as possible. The Simmons Dean Search Committee will begin to evaluate applications in October 2025. Although applications will be welcomed until the time a new Dean is selected, candidates should submit materials by Saturday, November 1st, 2025, to ensure full consideration. DSG Storbeck has been exclusively retained for this engagement, led by Julie Tea, Managing Director, and Kate Phillips, Senior Associate. To apply, please submit a letter of interest that outlines your vision for Simmons and your CV / resume through the firm’s Talent Profile at SMU Simmons Dean . For nominations and inquiries, please contact : SMUSimmonsDean@storbecksearch.com . A ll inquiries are strictly confidential.

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.