Assistant Dean, Engineering Student Services

University of Texas at Austin

Cockrell School of Engineering

Assistant Dean, Engineering Student Services

As a top-10 engineering school with the No. 1 program in Texas, the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) has been a global leader in technology innovation and engineering education for over a century. With 11 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs, over 20 research centers and a faculty community that boasts one of the highest number of National Academy of Engineering members among U.S. universities, Texas Engineering has launched some of the nation’s most accomplished leaders and pioneered world-changing solutions in virtually every industry, from space exploration to energy to health care. Situated in the heart of Austin — named “America’s Coolest City” by Expedia and “The Best Place to Live in the U.S.” by U.S. News and World Report — the Cockrell School embodies the city’s innovative spirit. Major companies with Austin campuses, such as Dell, National Instruments, Apple, IBM, Samsung, Google and many others, continue to recruit Cockrell School students at a remarkable rate, launching thousands of successful careers and developing Texas Engineers into industry leaders.

At UT Austin, we say “What starts here changes the world.”  As a member of the university community, you will be part of an organization that is internationally recognized for our academic programs and research. Your work will have meaning and make a difference not only in the lives of our faculty, staff, and students, but also those who are impacted by our first class academic and research programs.

The ideal candidate for this role will bring a proven background working in a complex higher education institution with experience working effectively with a variety of stakeholders to support student success. This is the ideal opportunity for a skilled and successful leader to utilize his or her expertise and drive within at a top-tier university.

Purpose

As a member of the Cockrell School of Engineering’s leadership team, the Assistant Dean provides strategic direction and administrative oversight for programs, services, and initiatives that foster student engagement, build community, and support student success. This role oversees all areas of student affairs within the School, including academic advising and support services, career services, scholarships, student life, and academic support programs. A central focus of the position is on the recruitment, retention, and graduation of undergraduate engineering students. The Assistant Dean collaborates closely with stakeholders across the institution to cultivate a positive, comprehensive, and supportive campus environment that enhances the overall student experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and visionary leadership to advance the mission of the Engineering Student Services (ESS) unit within the Cockrell School of Engineering. Lead efforts to recruit, retain, and support the successful graduation of undergraduate engineering students. Oversee key student success and outreach programs, including the Engineering Student Success Center, Engineering Advising and Academic Support, Engineering Scholarship Office, Ramshorn Scholars Program, Student Life and the Engineering Career Assistance Center.
• Represent and advocate for the needs, interests, and concerns of undergraduate students within the Cockrell School of Engineering. Provide leadership and support for advising and programmatic initiatives that enhance the undergraduate experience. Develop and implement programs, services, and resources that address student needs, and oversee their management and ongoing assessment to ensure effectiveness and continuous improvement.
• Establish and communicate clear goals, objectives, outcomes, and benchmarks that support a student experience aligned with the mission of the Cockrell School of Engineering. Ensure effective budget management and the strategic allocation of resources to advance programmatic priorities.
• Provide leadership and oversight for the effective delivery of student support services, including—but not limited to—developmental academic advising, registration advising, new student orientation, academic support programs, internal transfer, academic standing (warning and dismissal), degree audits, and commencement. Assess and implement effective protocols, structures, and systems to ensure efficient management of these processes. Lead the coordination of crisis response efforts and case management to support student well-being and success.
• Represent the Cockrell School of Engineering on university committees, projects, initiatives, and activities. Foster partnerships and collaborative relationships with university and Cockrell School departments to strengthen student services and programs. Serve as a liaison between students and various university offices, departments, and other key stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for undergraduate student issues and act as a liaison with key campus offices including Admissions, Title IX, Student Conduct, International Student Support, and other colleges, schools, and units across the university.
• Lead the development and enhancement of electronic systems and processes that support student success. Oversee the continued implementation of EAB Navigate and design new initiatives that enable proactive outreach to students, promoting academic achievement, timely progress toward degree completion, and career readiness.
• Provide leadership and oversight for the planning and execution of both university-wide and Cockrell School-specific events. Represent the Cockrell School at key events such as Gone to Engineering, Honors Day, Order of the Engineer, Commencement, and other signature programs that celebrate student achievement and foster the student experience.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Required Materials

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer , complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.