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The Position: The University of West Alabama (UWA) invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Counseling in the College of Education. The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership to a dynamic department that currently serves 455 students (Fall 2025) across three fully online graduate programs in counseling.
The University of West Alabama invites a strategic, outcomes-driven leader to serve as Chair of the Department of Counseling. This executive-level academic role provides the opportunity to shape a CACREP-accredited portfolio positioned for continued expansion, innovation, and national visibility. Reporting directly to the Dean of the College of Education, the Chair will lead departmental strategy, oversee accreditation and program quality, cultivate faculty excellence, and guide future growth while maintaining a selective teaching presence (2 courses per term) to ensure a close connection to the learning experience.
This is a high-impact leadership role for a forward-thinking professional who is prepared to elevate program visibility, strengthen partnerships, and drive mission-centered outcomes that support UWA’s commitment to transforming lives and communities. The successful candidate will be part of a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and measurable results in advancing academic excellence and professional preparation in counseling.
Responsibilities:
Academic Leadership
Teach two graduate-level counseling courses per term (online), maintaining excellence in instruction and student mentorship.
Support ongoing curriculum development and ensure alignment with CACREP standards and UWA’s mission.
Mentor faculty in best practices for online instruction, assessment, and student engagement.
Administrative Operations
Oversee daily departmental operations, including scheduling, advising, program assessment, and faculty workload planning.
Manage program-related correspondence and inquiries, providing timely guidance to students and faculty on curriculum, progression, and licensure requirements.
Collaborate with the Clinical/Field Experience Coordinator to support practicum and internship placements, compliance, and supervision needs.
Faculty Support
Lead onboarding, mentoring, and evaluation of new full-time and adjunct faculty.
Promote faculty development opportunities and foster a collaborative, supportive culture within the department.
Coordinate teaching assignments across the three online counseling programs.
Student Success & Advising
Respond to student inquiries and provide guidance on program requirements, licensure paperwork, and progression milestones.
Advocate for student success and professional growth, including engagement with field-based opportunities and professional organizations.
Accreditation & Program Quality
Lead and coordinate CACREP accreditation efforts, including preparation of self-studies, annual reports, and site visit documentation.
Ensure continuous compliance with CACREP standards in curriculum, faculty qualifications, supervision, and assessment.
Facilitate program review processes and implement continuous improvement initiatives based on accreditation and assessment data.
Collaborate with faculty, administrators, and stakeholders to maintain high-quality counseling programs that reflect best practices in the profession.
Qualifications:
Doctorate in Counseling or Counselor Education (preferably from a CACREP-accredited program).
Record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service appropriate for appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.
Demonstrated leadership experience in higher education, with evidence of administrative effectiveness, faculty support, and accreditation management.
Ability to work collaboratively with university leaders, community partners, and professional organizations.
About the College of Education: With nearly 200 years of experience educating teachers in the state, the Julia S. Tutwiler College of Education (COE) is dedicated to remaining at the forefront of innovative and effective teaching methodologies. Through its two departments, the Julia S. Tutwiler College of Education prepares future educators with the skills and knowledge to excel in diverse educational settings and develop as effective classroom leaders who can adapt to evolving student needs.
The College of Education’s primary objectives are to use evidence-based practices to train well-rounded, competent teachers for diverse school systems in Alabama, to promote inclusive instructional programming in elementary and secondary schools within the University service area, and to provide services to other colleges within the University. Additionally, the Department of Counseling is a cornerstone of UWA’s College of Education, preparing highly skilled, culturally responsive, and compassionate counseling professionals. With robust online graduate programs and a strong commitment to CACREP accreditation standards, the department fosters academic rigor, professional engagement, and collaborative partnerships with schools, agencies, and communities.
Standards for effective teacher training programs are maintained by cooperating with the Alabama State Department of Education, the Alabama Education Study Commission, the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Programs in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Collaborative Special Education, Physical Education, Secondary Education, School Counseling, Library Media, Instructional Leadership and Teacher Leader are CAEP-approved, and all counseling programs are accredited by CACREP.
The Department of Counseling The University of West Alabama’s Counseling Program is dedicated to creating a brighter future for individuals, families, and communities by preparing culturally competent, ethically grounded counselors. The program blends the art and science of counseling through practical tools and knowledge while fostering creativity, diversity, cultural awareness, and lifelong learning. With a strong emphasis on clinical skill development aligned with national, state, and local professional standards, the program promotes advocacy, innovation, collaboration, and client empowerment. All counseling programs are accredited by The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and delivered online.
Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers a curriculum grounded in counseling theory, technique, and culturally responsive practice to prepare graduates to support diverse client populations. Courses are led by licensed, experienced faculty committed to clinical excellence and student success.
Master’s of Education in School Counseling The School Counseling program equips educators to deliver comprehensive services in advocacy, assessment, crisis intervention, and counseling for diverse student populations. The curriculum emphasizes culturally responsive practice and evidence-based techniques.
Master’s of Science in Guidance and Counseling The Guidance and Counseling program mirrors the School Counseling curriculum, serving students without a teaching certificate who seek to support P–12 learners. Graduates are prepared to provide advocacy, assessment, crisis response, and comprehensive counseling services in educational environments.
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 marks 190 years of proud tradition and educational excellence with more than 39,000 graduates. Currently, UWA offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees within the walls of the College of Business, Julia Tutwiler College of Education, College of Liberal Arts, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Division of Engineering Technology, College of Nursing, School of Graduate Studies, and Online Programs. Click here for a video preview of the campus.
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 UWA has developed a five-year strategic plan (2020-2025) that supports its mission and values. View the full plan.
The key pillars of the plan are promoting high-quality, relevant academic programs and faculty that ensure student transitions to career or graduate school; growing enrollment; increasing retention and persistence to graduation; pursuing an institutional identity that exemplifies effective communication, inclusiveness, collaboration, and outreach; and increasing operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
The University’s strategic plan is steered by input from throughout its campus to serve not simply as a road map but as a compass, so that UWA may not only be guided in its efforts, but that UWA may continually be responsive to the needs of those it serves.
Points of Interest
A total of 22 new academic programs have been added over the past five 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
Governor’s Seal of Excellence in Work-Based Learning for its Integrated Marketing Communications Program
The Division of Economic & Workforce Development received the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Excellence and Innovation Award for Regional and Economic Development
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
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”)
Community The University Charter School (UCS) on the University of West Alabama (UWA) campus had a significant milestone when it opened in 2018. Its mission is to offer a strong educational experience, particularly for students in rural areas, providing them with opportunities for academic growth and success. By May 2023, the school had graduated its first senior class, marking a major achievement in its development. The vision of UCS to serve as a model for rural education underlines its commitment to providing quality schooling in areas that may otherwise lack access to resources.
Today, the School provides Pre-K through 12th grade education, continues to receive excellent marks in the state’s annual review, and has been ranked No. 1 in Alabama Charter Elementary Schools among the 2024 Best Elementary School rankings by U.S. News & World Report.
To Apply: Acceptance of inquiries, nominations, and applications will begin immediately and be processed as they come in. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
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.
Before hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation, including information obtained from social media and other internet sources.
The University of West Alabama does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, hearing status, personal appearance, color, sex, pregnancy, political affiliation, creed, ethnicity, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability (including perceived disability), age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any grievance process on campus, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other human rights agencies. AA/EOE. Minority applications encouraged.
