DEAN, COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES

University of Iowa

Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Iowa City, Iowa

The University of Iowa (UI) seeks a collaborative and bold leader as its next dean of the College of Arts & Sciences (CLAS). The largest college in the University by student enrollment, CLAS is the hub of liberal arts education at the University and across the state of Iowa. The next dean will have an unparalleled opportunity to lead a broad and complex organization, develop innovative strategies to leverage the disciplinary breadth of the College, and promote its integral role in the University’s mission. The on-going national discourse about public universities and the liberal arts demands academic leaders who are nimble and creative in a rapidly changing environment. CLAS seeks a dean who will be an unwavering advocate for the value of a liberal arts education, and will galvanize the faculty, staff, and students toward a unifying vision for its future. 

The University of Iowa (UI), located in beautiful and diverse Iowa City, is a major national research university with a solid liberal arts and sciences foundation. Respected for its excellence in education, passion for discovery, and tradition of public service, the university offers a close-knit intellectual community that draws students and scholars from around the world. CLAS enrolls more than 18,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is a large and complex academic enterprise, with 42 departments and 700 faculty that include scholars, artists, scientists, writers, and musicians. The dean will foster a shared vision for the college that supports the University’s commitment to research and teaching excellence, and prepares students to be knowledgeable and engaged citizens in a diverse and changing world.

UI seeks an accomplished scholar or artist with a track record of transformative leadership and with an understanding of and a passionate commitment to public higher education. The dean will be an architect of relationships, serving as an engaged and visible leader both on campus and beyond, with a transparent, approachable, and collaborative management style. A terminal degree and qualification for a tenured appointment at the rank of full professor in a CLAS or equivalent department and accomplishments that demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual distinction is required. The next dean will have a record of academic leadership and operational management, and a demonstrated commitment to racially, culturally, and economically diverse students and faculty. Experience with fundraising is desired, as well as the ability to stimulate an imaginative and innovative environment of teaching, learning, and discovery.

All applications, inquiries, nominations, and requests for a complete job description (listing all required and desired qualifications), should be directed to Pam Pezzoli, Managing Associate and Jeff Kessner, Senior Associate at Isaacson, Miller, www.imsearch.com/6537.

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preference, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.