About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

The University of North Texas (UNT) is a Carnegie R1 research university and a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution with a population of over 45,000 students. The Denton, Texas community combines close proximity to one of the fastest-growing and most economically vibrant metropolitan areas in the country (Dallas-Fort Worth) with an intimate and culturally rich college town atmosphere. The College of Science (COS) was established in 2017 to promote the distinct needs of the natural science and mathematical disciplines and currently houses five departments: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Data Analytics & Statistics, Mathematics, and Physics. The college plays a leading role in STEM education and research at UNT and is home to more than 3000 undergraduate majors, 360 master’s students, 300 doctoral students, 100 tenured or tenure-track faculty, and 60 teaching-focused professional faculty. Effective teaching of foundational science and mathematics courses is a major component of COS’s instructional mission, as these courses are essential for the academic success of STEM and non-STEM majors across many disciplines at UNT.

The School of Mathematics & Science Foundations (SMSF) is a new academic unit within the College of Science that will serve as the home for introductory-level courses in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Planned for a Fall 2026 launch, SMSF will seek to develop an innovative new model for foundational STEM education aimed at promoting students’ readiness to thrive in the 21st century workforce. The mission of SMSF will be to advance excellence in foundational science and mathematics education through innovative curricular design, collaborative and evidence-based pedagogy, and a focus on student learning and academic success. Guided by a student-first approach, SMSF will strive to foster intellectual growth and personal achievement. SMSF will pursue a vision of empowering every learner to thrive through an integrated, evidence-driven, and interdisciplinary STEM foundation that inspires curiosity, supports diverse needs, and prepares students to lead and innovate in a complex world.

SMSF is supported by UNT’s Learning Ecosystem for Empowering Futures (LEEF), an initiative of the UNT President to foster student success through research, practice, and curricular connection. https://learningecosystem.unt.edu/index.html

UNT has a highly diverse campus with a wide range of languages spoken in addition to English. We welcome candidates who have experience with HSI/MSIs and/or who speak Spanish, Vietnamese, American Sign Language, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin and other variations), Arabic, Tagalog, Farsi, French, or/and Yoruba.

Position Overview

The Associate Dean of the School of Mathematics & Science Foundations (SMSF) will serve as the executive leader of the new school. Reporting directly to the College of Science Dean, the Associate Dean will play a crucial role in developing and guiding SMSF as it becomes a key component of UNT’s efforts to improve student academic success and career outcomes in STEM-related areas.

The Associate Dean will be responsible for leading SMSF toward success in its goals, which include:
• Ensuring horizonal and vertical alignment, consistent assessments, and coordinated curricula in foundational science and mathematics courses.
• Providing resources and structures to develop student self-efficacy.
• Promoting and developing innovative, evidence-based teaching practices that advance student success.
• Driving student engagement, timely degree completion, and career readiness.
• Supporting instructors with ongoing professional development while incentivizing and rewarding continuous improvement in instruction.

The Associate Dean of SMSF will be responsible for recruiting, evaluating, and supporting instructors (both full-time and part-time) who teach courses within the school. Faculty affiliated with SMSF will initially be selected from the ranks of existing instructors who teach foundational courses within COS departments.

Outstanding candidates for this position will bring experience in curricular reform or other high-impact academic initiatives, a deep understanding of barriers to student success in science and mathematics courses and ideas for how to address them, strong leadership and teamwork skills, and a readiness to innovate and seek bold solutions.

The launch of SMSF will entail close collaboration between the new Associate Dean and the Ad Hoc Committee on the Formation of SMSF, which is currently drafting frameworks for governance and operations, curriculum and academic structure, discipline-based education research (DBER) strategy, and student success efforts in the new school.

The position is expected to come with a faculty appointment in one of the COS departments.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Science or Mathematics Education Research, or a closely related field
• Experience teaching introductory and/or advanced science or mathematics courses as a university faculty member

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous academic leadership experience (e.g., as a Department Chair or Associate Dean)
• A documented record of successful academic initiatives that support student success

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

varies based on assignment

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. Applications should include:
• A cover letter outlining leadership experience, achievements in promoting student success and other academic initiatives, and vision for the School of Science & Mathematics Foundations
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of leadership philosophy (not to exceed two pages)
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Statement of research interests (Optional)
• Names and contact information for at least three professional references – UNT will notify you before contacting them

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.