Description
Dean of Students
Job Description: The Dean of Students provides visionary leadership and administrative oversight for all aspects of student life, ensuring a "transformative student development" experience grounded in the tenets of a liberal arts education. The position is responsible for the strategic integration of curricular and co-curricular programs to foster a "culture of honor" and prepare students for lives of service. This role oversees a wide array of departments, including Residence Life, the Health and Wellness Department, Student Involvement (incorporating Greek Life and the Student Activities Council), Student Accountability and Well-being, the Chaplain’s Office, and the Lyon Education and Adventure Program (LEAP).
Appointment: Full-time; annual/12-months; staff/exempt.
Recommended Start Date: August 1, 2026
Required: (1) A Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Personnel Services, Counseling, or a related field (Doctorate preferred); (2) At least seven years of increasing professional responsibility in higher education student life; (3) Demonstrated experience in managing complex student conduct systems and conflict resolution; (4) In-depth knowledge of Title IX regulations and federal compliance mandates such as the Clery Act.
Preferred: A strong record of administrative leadership at a residential liberal arts institution; experience in institutional assessment and evidence-based decision-making; a proven ability to lead campus-wide initiatives related to student success and retention. Experience with Residential/Living Learning Communities would be helpful.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrated strategic leadership in applying evidence-based student development theory and research-informed practices to create a safe, inclusive campus environment that proactively supports holistic student wellbeing and success.
Comprehensive writing and verbal communication skills for reporting to the Board of Trustees and interacting with the student body.
Ability to balance student advocacy with the fair enforcement of the Standards of Student Behavior and institutional policy.
High level of discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive student disciplinary, medical, and Title IX records.
Ability to work collaboratively across campus components, specifically with the academic affairs and athletics, to ensure a unified student experience.
Skill in using data-management platforms (such as J1 Web) and grievance management software to track student engagement and incident reporting.
Ability to lead crisis management efforts and coordinate emergency response with local law enforcement.
Responsibilities:
Governance and Student Advocacy
Provide leadership in overall student support and cultivate student advocacy within the Student Life area and beyond.
In collaboration with the Director of College Communications, develop and implement a strategy for effective communication with faculty, students’ families, and staff outside the Student Life area.
Create a vibrant co-curricular environment by providing supervisory oversight and leadership training for the Student Involvement Board (SIB) and more than 30 recognized campus organizations and the Greek system (Alpha Xi Delta, Chi Omicron, Kappa Sigma, Phi Mu, and Tau Kappa Epsilon), ensuring compliance with College policy, risk management protocols, and annual sanctioning requirements.
Serve as the primary administrative advisor to the Student Government Association (SGA) and its standing committees.
Provide administrative oversight for the student-led Honor Council and Social Council, ensuring the integrity of the student judicial process.
Act as the chief liaison between the student body and the administration, meeting regularly with student leaders to address concerns and suggestions.
Chair the Risk Management and Safety Committee.
Compliance and Wellbeing
Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the College’s residential infrastructure and the distinctive House System (Spragins House and Young House), supervising the Director of Campus Living to foster a positive, engaging living-learning environment that integrates academic growth with social and personal development.
Serve as the primary Title IX Coordinator or designate and supervise Deputy Coordinators for student-related sexual misconduct reports and training.
Oversee the publication and annual revision of the Student Handbook.
Direct the operations of the Health and Wellness Department, promoting holistic student health and suicide prevention initiatives like the "Safe Scots" project.
Coordinate non-academic student disability accommodations in partnership with the Morrow Academic Center (MAC).
Assessment and Strategic Planning
Ensure that five-year program assessment portfolios and annual progress reports are completed by all Student Life departments as required by the Institutional Assessment Committee (IAC), and use the results to create a culture of data-based decision-making and continuous improvement throughout the area.
Analyze and communicate retention data to the President’s Cabinet to drive evidence-based improvements in student persistence.
Foster a campus culture that values positive student experiences through structured programming and staff training.
Benefits:
Lyon College currently offers the following benefits for full-time positions, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical benefit, dental benefit, vision benefit, voluntary benefits, 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution and match, employer paid life insurance, employer paid long-term disability coverage, paid time off (includes vacation and sick time), 17 paid holidays annually, and a tuition grant for faculty, staff, and their dependents. More information on these benefits and eligibility can be found by contacting Human Resources at hr@lyon.edu.
About Lyon College
Lyon College is a selective private liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in the historic town of Batesville, Arkansas. Home to more than 660 students from 30 states and 18 countries, the College is renowned for its inclusive and nurturing academic community. Batesville, with a population of 11,000, was named the Best City to Live in Arkansas by USA Today. It offers a safe, vibrant environment and is a regional hub for commercial, medical, and social activities.
Why Lyon?
At Lyon, we prioritize excellent teaching, inclusive environments, and the persistence and success of our students and faculty. We support innovative teaching, meaningful research, and professional development in a close-knit academic community. Our liberal arts foundation encourages students to think critically about their place in the world and explore diverse perspectives.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references to Human Resources, P.O. Box 2317, Batesville, AR 72503-2317, or electronically at https://www.lyon.edu/employment. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Lyon College does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin. We comply with all federal and state laws regarding equal employment opportunities. Learn more about Lyon College at www.lyon.edu. Join us at Lyon College and be the difference in shaping the future of curious and dedicated students!
Requirements
A Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Personnel Services, Counseling, or a related field (Doctorate preferred); (2) At least seven years of increasing professional responsibility in higher education student life; (3) Demonstrated experience in managing complex student conduct systems and conflict resolution; (4) In-depth knowledge of Title IX regulations and federal compliance mandates such as the Clery Act.
Preferred: A strong record of administrative leadership at a residential liberal arts institution; experience in institutional assessment and evidence-based decision-making; a proven ability to lead campus-wide initiatives related to student success and retention. Experience with Residential/Living Learning Communities would be helpful.
