Dean of School of Education
Fort Lewis College

Application Process 
A complete application packet includes: 

• Cover letter addressing interest and qualifications for the position
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Names and contact information for three current, professional references

Fort Lewis College is a public liberal arts undergraduate research institution shaped by the land, people, and culture of the Southwest. Nestled in Durango, Colorado—where the desert meets the Rocky Mountains—FLC offers students immersive, hands-on learning across 60 majors.

Academic excellence and regional perspective

Whether through business, arts, sciences, or emerging fields like nanotechnologies, graduates leave with a deep understanding of their field and a unique perspective shaped by the region’s diverse landscapes and communities. This prepares them to address global challenges with regional insight, the skills and knowledge to excel in today’s workforce, and adapt to the evolving demands of the future.

Commitment to diversity and inclusivity

Diversity and inclusion are core to the FLC experience. As a Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institution (NASNTI) and an emerging Hispanic-serving institution, the college is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. The college enrolls approximately 3,400 students, with about 150 in graduate programs. The student body represents 113 Native American Tribes and Alaskan villages, 49 states, and 12 countries, with almost half from Colorado. In addition, 36% are Pell Grant Eligible, 44% are first-generation students, 39% are Native American, and 15% are Hispanic/Latinx.

Equity and student support

FLC prioritizes equity and inclusion in academics and campus life through a community of care approach. This commitment extends to academic programs and student support services, ensuring everyone has the resources and opportunities needed for success.

Faculty excellence and research leadership

The college’s 240+ faculty members go beyond traditional teaching, providing a well-rounded education that extends into impactful programs for students and the broader community. Their dedication has garnered national recognition and opened significant grant opportunities. Last year alone, FLC secured over $38 million in grants and sponsored research, a jump from $33 million the previous year—a remarkable achievement for an institution of its size. This year, the School of Education secured nearly $7 million in federal grants from the Office of English Language Acquisition and a U.S. Department of Education grant naming the school as an Augustus F. Hawkins Center of Excellence. Other grants include the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Inclusive Excellence 3 (IE3) initiative, an NSF grant for the Partnership for Education and the Advancement of Quantum and Nanosciences, and a $1.2 million U.S. Department of Energy grant for advancing environmental sciences and environmental justice education that also provides paid internships and housing for students.

Holistic approach to student well-being

In addition, with the goal of supporting students in every aspect of their lives, FLC staff have successfully secured grants to support harm reduction initiatives and provide culturally responsive mental healthcare, emergency housing, food, and healthcare services.

Fort Lewis College fosters a vibrant, liberal arts environment where academic excellence, experiential learning, and community engagement empower students to thrive. With an average class size of 14:1 and dedicated faculty and staff, FLC offers programs that balance structure with freedom, enabling students to explore their passions while meeting rigorous standards.

The liberal arts effect

Known for its academic strengths in business, chemistry, engineering, education, environmental studies, and health, FLC provides a comprehensive education that prepares students for diverse careers. Undergraduate research is a cornerstone of the student experience, with opportunities ranging from environmental pollution to exercise sciences, public health work, and Indigenous language revitalization.

Experiential education

Education at Fort Lewis College extends beyond the classroom and into the region’s natural outdoor laboratories, field schools, internships, original research, and service opportunities, equipping students to face the challenges of tomorrow with practical skills and experience.

Accreditations

FLC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, reflecting the college’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of academic quality. The college is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC).

The Fort Lewis College Board of Trustees (BoT)

The BoT consists of nine voting and two non-voting members responsible for making policy for Fort Lewis College and overseeing its operation. The Colorado governor appoints voting members and requires Colorado State Senate confirmation. They serve four-year terms. The two non-voting members are elected by FLC faculty and students. The faculty representative serves a two-year term, and the student representative serves a one-year
term. Staff is also represented on the board with a non-voting member.

The FLC president is appointed by and reports to the Board and is responsible for the institution's and its employees' day-to-day management.

Learn more about the BOT

Shared governance

At FLC, shared governance is a key pillar in fostering collaboration and transparency across the institution. The FLC Board of Trustees is committed to ensuring faculty, staff, and students are actively involved in the decision-making processes shaping the college's future. Through structures like the Faculty Senate, Staff Council, Faculty and Staff of Color, LGBTQIA2S Staff and Faculty, and various committees, members of the FLC community contribute to policy development, curriculum design, and strategic planning.

The Board’s resolution on Culture and Shared Governance emphasizes maintaining a positive institutional culture rooted in trust, teamwork, and open communication. By giving voice to all stakeholders and promoting transparency, FLC ensures faculty, staff, and students are empowered to contribute meaningfully to the college’s goals.

The Board underscores the importance of integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into all institutional work, acknowledging FLC's complex history and the ongoing efforts toward racial reconciliation and inclusivity.

The world needs leaders; our planet needs leaders. Student's in our Adventure Education (AE) program develop skills in leadership, learn how to teach outdoor skills, and gain powerful personal insights in the process.

By the time they graduate, this program will give them a deep awareness of their strengths and areas of continued growth, the skills to be a great educator, and an understanding of the industry and the many opportunities that await them.

Learn more about Adventure Ed

SILDI stands as a transformative program, empowering Indigenous community members to become certified language instructors. SILDI is rooted in community-based learning, where language revitalization is intertwined with tradition, culture, and identity, reinforcing the college’s commitment to reconciliation, Indigenous education, and inclusive excellence.

Read about SILDI

Our education programs offer personalized support, strong school district partnerships, and deep connections across the region. Whether they stay in the Four Corners or return to teach in their hometowns, our graduates build meaningful careers that make a lasting difference.

Learn more about the Teacher Education Department

Teachers can elevate their skills to be the change in young people’s lives with one of our Teacher Education graduate studies programs. Our online and hybrid programs allow working professionals to return to school. 

Learn more about our graduate programs

Dr. Heather J. Shotton serves as the 11th President of Fort Lewis College, making history as the first Native American to lead the institution. She brings over two decades of experience in academic leadership, student success, and institutional transformation to her role.

Learn more about President Shotton

CBIZ Higher Education is partnering with Fort Lewis College on this important search. Please direct nominations and inquiries about this opportunity to:

Pelema Ellis, Ph.D., EVP & Head, Higher Education Practice
pelema.ellis@cbiz.com