Dean of the Schmid College of Science and Technology

Chapman University invites nominations, expressions of interest and applications for the position of the dean of the Schmid College of Science and Technology. 

Located in the city of Orange in sunny Southern California, Chapman University is a mid-sized private university offering a personalized education that prepares students to lead inquiring, ethical and productive lives as global citizens. Chapman has had its most successful year yet having been accepted into Phi Beta Kappa, boasting Chapman’s first Rhodes Scholar, and being re-classified as a “high research activity” institution (R2 Carnegie Classification) all in the last twelve months. 

In the last two decades, Chapman has achieved remarkable growth in both size and national prominence. In fact, U.S. News & World Report has officially moved Chapman into the National University category for the upcoming year. The campus is home to 8,542 students from 49 states, two U.S. territories and more than 82 different countries. Students enroll in eleven schools and colleges that offer rigorous undergraduate programs in the arts and sciences, innovative interdisciplinary programs and select pre-professional and graduate programs. 

Reporting directly to the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, the incoming dean of the Schmid College of Science and Technology will provide leadership to and serve as an advocate for the college’s academic programs and centers. The incoming dean will have a strong record of accomplishment and a vision for the future of science education and research. The dean must work effectively with undergraduate and graduate program areas, faculty, staff and other senior administrators to continually innovate the college as it continues on an upward trajectory in scientific discovery and education. The dean will serve as a highly valued and respected member of the provost’s senior staff and an active participant in campus-wide strategy discussions and interdisciplinary collaborations with other colleges and units. In support of Chapman’s aspirations to grow its national reputation and rankings, which include the development of a more robust research portfolio, the dean of the Schmid College of Science and Technology will work closely with the Office of Research and other deans to grow more undergraduate and graduate research opportunities, graduate programming, extramural contract and grant funding and cross-college research and teaching collaborations. With the expansion of the Rinker Health Science Campus and the launch of the new College of Engineering, it will be important for the dean to understand and leverage the strengths and dynamic cultures of Chapman’s multi-site footprint, and work together as close partners to ensure a cohesive and collaborative environment focused on high academic quality and student success. Finally, the next dean should have experience with or strong potential for fundraising and ability to generate new revenue for the college. 

Ideal candidates should possess a doctoral degree in a discipline represented by the college’s academic programs and be qualified to hold an appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure at Chapman University. For more information, please visit www.wittkieffer.com

Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by August 30, 2019. Candidates should provide, as three separate documents, a curriculum vitae, a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the Leadership Statement, and the names and contact information of five references. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. These materials should be sent electronically via e-mail to Chapman University’s consultants, Zachary A. Smith, Ph.D., Julia Venetos and Molly Gauss at ChapmanScienceDean@wittkieffer.com. Documents that must be mailed may be sent to Witt/Kieffer, 4 Park Plaza, Suite 730, Irvine, CA 92614. The consultants can be reached by telephone through the office of Francine Heymanson at 949-797-3503. 

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community. The University is dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment and employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. The University is committed to achieving a diverse faculty and staff and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply.