Welcome to the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development, where faculty and staff are dedicated to the development of professionals across many fields of education, educational leadership, and applied physiology. The interdisciplinary work we do at Simmons focuses on creating and disseminating evidence-based knowledge across these fields to address the challenges of an increasingly changing, diverse world. Our high-quality teaching and rigorous scholarship are grounded in a collaborative spirit and in an orientation to the communities we serve.

For more information about our programs please visit our websites:

For more information about our opportunities please see below:

Education Policy and Leadership - Open Rank Professor in Higher Education 53750

The Simmons School of Education & Human Development at Southern Methodist University invites applications for an Assistant, Associate, or Full professor of Higher Education in the Department of Education Policy and Leadership (EPL; http://smu.edu/epl). This is a tenure-track position slated to begin in August of 2024.

SMU’s Department of Education Policy & Leadership is a dynamic and collegial environment where research, policy, and practice are valued in the preparation of future leaders. Our faculty have extensive expertise in both research and practice drawing on a variety of experiences. The Higher Education Program engages in continuous assessment and improvement in our courses and organizational structures with an emphasis on incorporating diversity and equity and is committed to providing mentoring support to new members of the department commensurate with their rank.

We seek applicants who have an earned doctorate in higher education or a related field. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, maintaining an active research agenda, seeking external funding, teaching courses in the doctorate of education (Ed.D.) and master’s of education programs, advising Ed.D. dissertations, and providing service to the program, department, college, university, and community. There is the opportunity to teach and advise PhD students as well. We seek a collaborative colleague to join our community.

As one of eight tenure-line positions associated with Southern Methodist University’s faculty cluster in urban research, this position offers opportunities for rich interdisciplinary connections among new and existing SMU faculty (www.smu.edu/Dedman/Research/Clusters). The cluster fosters research on cities and urbanization from local and global perspectives. SMU’s location in Dallas, the fourth largest metropolitan area in the country, is an ideal setting for studying the opportunities and inequities that individuals, groups, and communities confront as they navigate and shape urban life.

Minimum Qualifications for the Position

  • Earned doctorate in higher education or a related discipline, such as education policy, sociology, economics, political science, or public policy by August 1, 2024
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity and justice in research, teaching, and service that has prepared the candidate to contribute positively to the department’s commitment to diversity and equity
  • Expertise or research agenda with an emphasis on higher education in urban/metropolitan environments. This can include, but is not limited to, expertise/research on community or place-based engagement, anchor institutions, higher education economic development, urban education ecosystems, historical factors shaping urban higher education, technology transfer, and place and space of higher education

Preferred Qualifications

Expectations for each point are commensurate with candidate's rank.
  • Expertise or experience teaching courses in ideally two or more of the following areas: public policy, research methods and evaluation, or organizational theory and governance
  • Experience and commitment to teaching, advising, and/or mentoring graduate students
  • Demonstrated record of seeking and/or securing research funding

About the Simmons School, SMU & Dallas

The Simmons School was founded in 2005 and is ranked among the top 15 private graduate education schools in the United States. The school has undergraduate and graduate programs across five academic departments, including Applied Physiology and Wellness, Counseling and Dispute Resolution, Education Policy and Leadership, Graduate Liberal Studies, and Teaching and Learning. Comprised of two state-of-the-art academic buildings, the Simmons School has over 80,000 sq. feet of office and classroom spaces, applied physiology labs, and a 21st century teacher development studio to advance the development of pre-service and in-service teachers. The Simmons School promotes excellence by engaging in and disseminating research, securing significant external grants and contracts, preparing exemplary professionals, and collaborating with other schools on campus.

Located near the center of Dallas, SMU is a private university of 11,000 students offering strong undergraduate, graduate and professional programs through seven schools – Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Meadow School of the Arts, Lyle School of Engineering, Perkins School of Theology, Dedman School of Law, and Simmons School of Education and Human Development. To explore SMU, visit http://smu.edu.

Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the nation’s leading business centers, a major transportation hub and the home of rich cultural programs and diverse sports events. U.S. News ranked DFW #15 as one of the “100 Best Places to Live in the USA” in 2017. The DFW metroplex is the nation's 4th largest metropolitan area and 5th in the number of Fortune 500 companies. Dallas offers top-tier museums and performance facilities, a strong sports culture, including teams in all four major sports leagues, and ample hike and bike trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

Application Procedure

Applicants should submit their materials online at https://apply.interfolio.com/132455. The application materials should include:

  1. A cover letter highlighting the candidate’s qualifications with specific reference to research and teaching experience/approach as well as outlining their demonstrated commitment to equity and/or justice
  2. Curriculum vitae
  3. One writing sample in the form of a published article, submitted manuscript, or manuscript in preparation
  4. Name, title, and contact information (email address) for three references.

For questions or to discuss the position, contact search co-chairs, Dr. Willis Jones (wajones@smu.edu) and Dr. Sondra Barringer (sbarringer@smu.edu). The search committee will begin reviewing applications October 11, 2023 and the position will remain open until filled. The start date for the position is Fall 2024. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.