The Dean of Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the University's lifelong learning, workforce development, continuing education, professional development, and related non-credit or alternative credential programs. This position advances UWA's mission by developing responsive educational opportunities that support workforce needs, community engagement, professional growth, and regional impact. Working collaboratively with academic leaders, faculty, staff, employers, and community partners, the Dean leads the development and delivery of programs, training opportunities, certifications, workshops, and partnerships that expand access to learning and strengthen the University's role as a regional workforce and community partner. The Dean supports the Provost and broader university priorities by identifying workforce and community needs, developing sustainable programs and partnerships, managing assigned resources, and ensuring that lifelong learning and workforce development initiatives are aligned with the University's mission, strategic plan, academic programs, and regional service role.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic, administrative, and operational leadership for Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development in support of the University's mission and priorities.
• Lead the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of lifelong learning, workforce development, continuing education, professional development, and related programs and services.
• Identify regional workforce needs, employer demands, community interests, and educational gaps to inform program development and decision-making.
• Develop and strengthen partnerships with employers, organizations, workforce agencies, school systems, community colleges, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other partners.
• Collaborate closely with Academic Affairs, academic colleges, departments, faculty, and administrative units to develop workforce and lifelong learning programs that may connect to academic certificates, credentials, pathways, or degree programs when appropriate.
• Support alignment between workforce development, continuing education, non-credit programming, alternative credentials, and academic programs to strengthen educational pathways and career advancement opportunities.
• Provide leadership for the development and delivery of industry-recognized credentials, certifications, customized training, workshops, professional learning opportunities, and other educational offerings.
• Lead and manage assigned programs, staff, instructors, trainers, budgets, grants, contracts, and operational processes.
• Recruit, support, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff, instructors, trainers, and related personnel in accordance with university policies and expectations.
• Develop and manage assigned budgets, including operating budgets, revenue-generating accounts, grant funds, contracts, and externally supported programs.
• Seek and support grants, contracts, sponsorships, partnerships, and other resources that advance workforce development and lifelong learning priorities.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications, Enrollment Management, academic units, and other university offices to promote programs, partnerships, events, and services.
• Use data, assessment findings, employer feedback, participant outcomes, workforce indicators, and institutional priorities to evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Ensure that assigned programs and services are delivered with quality, consistency, accountability, and responsiveness to participants, employers, partners, and the University community.
• Represent the University in meetings, committees, events, community conversations, and regional workforce initiatives as assigned.
• Prepare reports, proposals, recommendations, presentations, and other materials related to workforce development, lifelong learning, program outcomes, budgets, grants, and strategic priorities.
• Complete other duties as assigned in support of the Office of the President, Provost, and broader university priorities.

Qualifications:

Minimum

• Master's degree from an accredited institution.
• Progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education, workforce development, continuing education, community engagement, professional training, or a closely related area.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and evaluate programs, partnerships, or initiatives that respond to workforce, employer, community, or regional needs.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships with internal and external partners.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, and accountability. Preferred
• Earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution.
• Leadership experience in lifelong learning, workforce development, continuing education, adult learning, professional education, or non-credit programming.
• Experience developing or overseeing industry-recognized credentials, certifications, customized training, micro-credentials, continuing education units, or alternative learning pathways.
• Experience with grants, externally funded programs, revenue-generating programs, budgets, contracts, or partnership-based initiatives.
• Experience working with employers, workforce agencies, school systems, community colleges, state agencies, or other regional partners.

About the

Division:

The Division of Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development's mission is to promote the economic prosperity of the Black Belt region of Alabama through well-managed, coordinated, integrated and professional support services for employers and citizens at all levels. The purpose of the UWA workforce development system is to facilitate the establishment and implementation of a comprehensive, coordinated, and seamless workforce development process for the region that supports and enhances workforce development and training through effective collaboration with employers and communities within West Alabama. The Division serves as an engaged and creative catalyst for new investment and an essential resource and support system for existing businesses and industries that want to grow in an environment that values its rich heritage, authentic character and unique quality of life.

Among the services offered are:

Professional support in all areas of business site selection for new or expanding manufacturing operations as well as commercial enterprise. Access to a variety of workforce training programs at the local and state levels, including the UWA Center for Workforce Development. Tailor-made training and recruitment programs. Contacts and introductions with local, state and federal authorities and decision-makers who can provide professional support and guidance. Research and grant support.

About The University of West Alabama:

The University of West Alabama (UWA) was chartered in 1835 as a church-related female academy and remained primarily a school for girls until the twentieth century. 2025 marked 190 years of proud tradition and educational excellence with more than 41,000 graduates. The University of West Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor, master, education specialist, and doctoral degrees through the College of Business, Julia Tutwiler College of Education, College of Liberal Arts, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Division of Engineering Technology, Ira D. Pruitt College of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Graduate Studies, and Online Programs. Click here to view an interactive campus map. Mission Enriching lives through education, service, and outreach. Vision To offer quality education and effective services while establishing a model for leadership in the region and beyond. Strategic Plan The University of West Alabama's Strategic Plan 2026-2035, Your Bridge to What's Possible , outlines a bold vision for advancing student success, access, and institutional growth in rural and regional higher education. The plan prioritizes enrollment expansion, retention, and a personalized student experience supported by flexible learning models, strong partnerships, and data-informed decision-making. Grounded in values of integrity, excellence, collaboration, and regional responsibility, UWA is committed to serving as a catalyst for opportunity and prosperity in the communities it serves. You can read more about the plan here. Points of Interest

• A total of 30 new academic programs have been added over the past 6 years, including 2 doctoral programs (Ed.

D. & D.B.A.

)

• Over 100 international students on campus from 41 different countries
• UWA has been consistently recognized as one of the safest, most diverse, and best value of any public university in the state
• UWA was awarded the Governor's Seal of Excellence in Work-Based Learning for its Integrated Marketing Communications Program
• The Division received the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Excellence and Innovation Award for Regional and Economic Development
• In 2025, UWA was designated as an Opportunity College and University (OCU), reflecting its long-standing commitment to both access and economic outcomes for graduates
• In 2023, the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area was designated; UWA's Center for the Study of the Black Belt serves as the management entity for this area
• The institution has received multiple national rankings for best online college, especially at the master's level in education (e.

g., 3rd in the nation for "Best Online Master's Degrees in Secondary Education")

To Apply:

Acceptance of inquiries, nominations, and applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search. To apply, please submit a CV and a cover letter that addresses your reasons for interest and related qualifications/experience. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. Interested parties are encouraged to apply no later than October 30, 2026 . To apply online, go to https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=su526 All applications and nominations will be held in confidence. For more information or to make a recommendation or nomination: Angelyn P. Gay 541-880-4914 apgay@summitsearchsolutions.com Before hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation, including information obtained from social media and other internet sources.