Executive Associate Dean of Academic Affairs

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (“UNLV”) invites nominations, expressions of interest, and applications for the position of Executive Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (“EADAA”), Harrah College of Hospitality. The EADAA is a newly created position that will provide academic oversight to the College and allow the Dean to focus more attention on fundraising, industry partnerships, and community outreach efforts. The EADAA will serve as a pivotal leader in developing the College's strategic vision, advancing academic excellence, supporting international students programs, and promoting team building.

About the College

Situated just blocks away from the world's greatest hospitality laboratory—the Las Vegas Strip—the Harrah College of Hospitality enjoys unparalleled access to the hotels and resorts that are shaping the industry. Consistently ranked among the top five hospitality programs in the world, the College provides students with the theoretical and practical foundation needed to succeed in the competitive hospitality field. Faculty members are internationally-renowned, and alumni consist of some of the most influential leaders in the industry, with graduates overseeing major hotel brands, popular restaurants, event firms, and Fortune 500 companies.

The College offers a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management with concentrations in Gaming Management, Meetings and Events, PGA Golf Management, and Restaurant Management; an Executive Master of Hospitality Administration; a Master of Science in Hotel Administration; and a Doctor of Philosophy in Hospitality Administration. In addition, the College offers two dual degrees: a Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Hotel Administration; and a Master of Science in Hotel Administration and Master of Science in Information Management Systems.

In the Fall of 2017, the College enrolled 2,252 undergraduate students, 96 graduate students, and 21 doctoral students. The College has approximately 45 faculty and 33 staff members that consist of classified and professional staff. Students learn, collaborate, and are inspired in the College's new academic building, Hospitality Hall. The building was paid for by a split of donations and state funds. Instead of one name on the building, each of the major donors, which accounted for more than $24 million of the funding, adorn different areas of the building.

Hospitality Hall opened in early 2018 and showcases a number of unique amenities, including an executive kitchen, interactive classrooms, a student-run café, a Center for Professional Golf Management, and special event spaces with sweeping views of the famous Las Vegas Strip.

For more information about the College, please visit https://www.unlv.edu/hospitality


The Position

Reporting to the Dean, the Executive Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (“EADAA”) serves as the Chief Academic Officer for the Harrah College of Hospitality. The EADAA is responsible for new program development and promoting excellence in teaching and learning.This role lends thoughtfulleadership and strategic guidance to department chairs, directors, and faculty members in the creation, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum ranging from baccalaureate to doctoral degree programs.

The Executive Associate Dean, in collaboration with department chairs and the Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Programs, is responsible for the overall administration of undergraduate and graduate programs. The EADAA works in partnership with faculty to create a culture that embraces academic excellence and enhances the quality and distinction of program offerings and the attainment of student success outcomes. The EADAA is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Northwest Accreditation Commission standards and with all program specific professional accreditation requirements.

The Executive Associate Dean will join the Harrah College of Hospitality at a moment of great upward momentum. The College recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and moved into a new state of the art building. The College has renewed its commitment to the hospitality industry and to continue being a leader in the field. Due to the recent retirement of two esteemed members of the leadership team, the Dean has embraced this opportunity to change the leadership structure of the College, making it more entrepreneurial and responsive to the needs of students, faculty, and industry partners.

Required Qualifications and Desired Attributes

The successful candidate will have a minimum of three years of administrative experience as associate dean or chair of a complex department. The EADAA will provide strategic direction in realizing the College's vision, identify areas for future growth, further enhance its academic and research portfolio, support its focus on continued excellence, and enhance the quality of the student experience.

The most qualified candidate will have:

  • A terminal degree from a regionally accredited institution and academic record appropriate for appointment to the College as a full professor with tenure.
  • Demonstrated leadership in developing new programs while promoting a cohesive vision for the College.
  • Demonstrated ability to work successfully with the University's administration and industry leaders to promote and maintain excellence in academic programs.
  • Experience in the creation and implementation of policies and procedures related to faculty hires, promotion, and tenure.
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate academic programs with high-impact practices and experiential learning opportunities in support of student success.
  • Strong financial acumen.

Desired attributes include:

  • The ability to inspire trust, build morale, and instill confidence in the College.
  • A record of serving as a highly motivated, approachable leader and team player who possesses a tremendous level of energy, is decisive, and willing to take calculated risks.
  • Experience in the hospitality industry.
  • A solid understanding of the role of online and distance education, information technology support, and emerging technologies in support of academic program offerings.
  • A demonstrated understanding of issues related to student success, enrollment management, and academic advising.
  • A track record of building the global profile of a college or program through the implementation of international and study abroad programs.

For a complete list of qualifications and attributes, please review the position profile at: https://www.storbeckpimentel.com/pd/UNLV-HospitalityEADAA.pdf.

The University

Founded in 1957, UNLV is a doctoral-degree-granting urban research university with a vibrant and culturally-diverse campus community. The university is ranked in the category of “higher research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation. UNLV serves approximately 29,000 students, including 4,500 graduate and professional students, supported by about 1,100 faculty and scholars. UNLV offers a broad range of respected academic programs and is on a path to join the ranks of top tier national public research universities. UNLV is Southern Nevada's premier metropolitan research university and was recently designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). UNLV is also a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). The University is located on a 332-acre main campus, with two satellite campuses in Southern Nevada. For more information, visit us on line at: http://www.unlv.edu.

Application / Nomination Process

The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to accept applications and nominations until the position is filled. Applicants must submit a letter of interest and a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience. Submission of materials via e-mail is strongly encouraged. Nomination letters should include the name, position, address, and telephone number of the nominee. All nominations and applications will be handled in confidence. Applications and letters of nomination should be submitted to:

Alberto Pimentel, Managing Partner or

Emy Peña, Partner

Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates

6512 Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 90601

Email: apsearch@storbeckpimentel.com

Refer to “UNLV- Hospitality EADAA” in subject line

UNLV is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action educator and employer committed to achieving excellence through diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas employs only United States citizens and non-citizens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Women, under-represented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.