Assistant Dean for Student Success and Retention

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Department Summary

The Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College attracts a diverse body of high-performing students to the University of Mississippi and prepares citizen scholars who are fired by the life of the mind, committed to the public good and driven to find solutions. Established in 1997 through a gift from the Jim Barksdale family, the Honors College merges intellectual rigor with community action. It offers an education similar to that at prestigious private liberal arts schools and universities, but at a far lower cost. Small, discussion-based classes, dedicated faculty and a nurturing staff enable honors students to experience intellectual as well as personal growth.

This role will oversee and manage all areas of the Honors Scholars Program (HSP), which invites students who did not enter the Honors College as freshmen to join through the Honors Scholars Program (formerly called Junior-Entry). This program welcomes both transfer and current UM students. Through the Honors Scholars Program, students will complete an Honors Capstone, take Honors courses, and contribute to the larger society through community action.

This role will recruit HSP students from two-year institutions and current UM students; will manage the application process and oversee the HSP admissions committee; will track the retention and post-graduate endeavors of the HSP students; and will oversee programming, orientation, special events, etc. related to all HSP facets.

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information.  For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family -Student & Academic Services

Sub-Family -Student Programs

Career Track / Level - P3

Grade -8

Role Summary

The Assistant Dean for Student Success and Retention will support the mission of the SMBHC. This position develops and leads retention initiatives and plans, develops, and executes strategies for Honors Scholars Program (HSP) students. This position serves as a liaison between students, parents, faculty, and staff. This position provides support to current and prospective HSP students through academic advising, administrative oversight for applicable policies, student records, quantitative data analytics, and event planning. The incumbent makes decisions exercising discretion and independent judgment.

Examples of Work Performed

• Plans, develops, and executes goals and objectives to retain current HSP students.
• Implements and oversees strategic practices to recruit, admit, and retain HSP students.
• Directs strategic approaches to improve retention efforts.
• Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with campus departments, academic units, faculty, staff, and students to support retention activities.
• Serves as a point of contact and liaison between current HSP students, faculty, staff, and departments across campus and applicable two-year institutions.
• Participates in committees to support and enhance retention efforts.
• Develops and manages assigned budget for retention strategies and activities.
• Communicates with internal and external partners to promote the Honors Scholars Program.
• Collects and tracks data to define and characterize demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic groups and assists in the development of strategic retention plans for the Honors College.
• Coordinates welcome activities and honors orientation advising for HSP students.
• Answer questions and concerns of new HSP students and schedules individual meetings as needed.
• Assist in the Honors College commissioning ceremony planning and coordination.
• Utilize and communicate through social media accounts and the SMBHC website to share promotional materials for recruitment, special events, and important academic information.
• Attends recruitment events, conducts various campus recruitment events, hosts campus visits, and responds to prospective student inquiries.
• Serves as the Honors LLC liaison and as the first contact for any housing questions related to honors students.
• May teach honors course(s) of special interest to HSP students.
• As co-administrator of social media accounts, may design graphics and write captions and stories for public consumption.
• May provide guidance to affinity groups within the Honors College to maximize HSP student involvement.
• May advise HSP students regarding career/co-op matters, interview preparation, résumé review, etc.
• May provide letters of recommendation for HSP students.
• May serve on HSP students' honors capstone committees.
• Performs similar or related duties as assigned or required.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following.  Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Plans and executes one or multiple student programs, activities and/or services.
2. Evaluates and promotes existing strategies and makes recommendations to unit leadership for program enhancement.
3. Contributes to the design of a suite of student-focused programming and associated resources and materials to promote new and ongoing programs and initiatives.
4. Resolves questions and issues escalated by individual students and groups using discretion beyond established guidelines.
5. Monitors the program budget and approves expenditures.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience: (6) Six Years Experience 

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in a related field from an accredited four-year college or university AND Five (5) years of experience related to the above described duties. 

For full consideration, please include a Cover Letter and CV/résumé.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:  These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. 

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion:  The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision:  Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.