Graduate assistant Jobs in Grand Rapids, MI

Dean of Graduate Programs, Continuing Education, and Dual Enrollment

Position Summary

The Dean of Graduate Programs, Continuing Education, and Dual Enrollment provides

strategic, academic, and operational leadership for Aquinas College's post-baccalaureate

programs, adult and professional education initiatives, and high-school dual enrollment

partnerships. The Dean advances the College's mission and values by ensuring high-quality

academic offerings, fostering innovation, expanding access, and promoting strong collaboration

among faculty, staff, and community partners. This position reports to the Provost.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning
• Develop and implement a comprehensive vision for graduate education, continuing

studies, and dual enrollment consistent with Aquinas College's mission and strategic

plan.
• Conduct market analysis to identify new program opportunities and ensure existing

offerings remain competitive, mission-aligned, and financially sustainable.
• Lead long-term planning for program growth, enrollment targets, and resource allocation.

Academic Oversight
• Ensure academic excellence across all programs, including curriculum development,

assessment, and accreditation compliance.
• Collaborate with department chairs and program directors to maintain rigorous academic

standards and support effective teaching and learning practices.
• Guide the development of new certificates, graduate programs, micro-credentials, and

professional development courses.

Enrollment Management & Student Success
• Partner with Admissions, Marketing, and Student Success teams to develop recruitment,

retention, and outreach strategies.
• Oversee advising structures, student services, and academic support mechanisms that

promote strong student outcomes.
• Monitor enrollment trends and use data to guide program improvements.

Dual Enrollment Administration
• Serve as the primary academic leader for high-school dual enrollment programs and

partnerships.
• Maintain compliance with state regulations, accreditation standards, and College policies

regarding dual enrollment.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with K-12 partners and community organizations.

Continuing & Professional Education
• Oversee adult learning initiatives, certificate programs, workforce partnerships, and

non-credit offerings.
• Engage industry partners to tailor programming that meets employer and community

needs.
• Promote flexible learning formats, including online, hybrid, and accelerated options.

Faculty & Staff Leadership
• Supervise program directors, coordinators, and support staff in assigned areas.
• Provide mentoring and professional development opportunities for faculty teaching in

graduate and continuing education programs.
• Support effective faculty recruitment, evaluation, and workload planning.

Budget & Operational Management
• Develop and manage budgets for graduate programs, continuing education, and dual

enrollment.
• Ensure efficient operations, fiscal responsibility, and appropriate use of resources.
• Oversee policy development for all areas under the Dean's purview.

External Relations & Advocacy
• Represent Aquinas College in community, professional, and statewide organizations

related to graduate education and dual enrollment.
• Strengthen partnerships with industry, school districts, and community organizations to

enhance program visibility and impact.

Qualifications

Required
• Earned doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent terminal degree).
• Significant experience in higher education administration, preferably in graduate

education, continuing education, or dual enrollment.
• Demonstrated leadership in academic program development, assessment, and

accreditation.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to advancing the mission and Catholic Dominican values of Aquinas

College.

Preferred
• Experience in enrollment management and data-driven decision-making.
• Knowledge of adult learning, online education, and workforce development trends.
• Experience working with K-12 partners and state policies governing dual enrollment.