Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Northern Illinois University (NIU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. NIU seeks a visionary, dynamic leader, and skilled administrator to build upon the college’s strengths while embracing the university’s longstanding commitment to diversity and excellence.

NIU is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a Doctoral University/High Research Activity as well as an institution of community engagement. The Association for Public and Land-Grant Universities recently awarded NIU its “place” award for leadership in innovative practices contributing to economic prosperity in a given region. Chartered in 1895 with a mission to prepare college-educated teachers, NIU is now building on its research strengths and Chicagoland’s place as a world leader in innovation, while continuing to engage undergraduate students and graduate students in faculty-driven and student-initiated research, public service, and artistry. The University is located approximately 65 miles from downtown Chicago and is a short drive from the vibrant western suburbs and Rockford metropolitan area. The University’s proximity to Chicago and Rockford allows for strong collaborations with regional/national labs and local innovation spaces that foster research and entrepreneurship opportunities across disciplines. NIU’s research programs extend beyond the Illinois region with faculty conducting cutting-edge research and service programs with U.S. and international collaborators.

Northern Illinois University seeks an accomplished scholar and academic leader to serve as dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The dean reports to the provost and provides leadership and academic management for the college. The largest of NIU’s seven colleges, Liberal Arts and Sciences has 18 departments, seven centers that span the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, 435 faculty positions, and nearly 4300 majors. The college also provides core curriculum and general education courses for students enrolled in NIU’s other colleges. The dean is responsible for managing an annual budget of over $44 million, in addition to $16 million in sponsored projects.

The ideal candidate will be a creative, collaborative, and visionary leader who will work collegially with university leadership, the college faculty, and a shared governance structure to develop and achieve the strategic goals of the college and university. The candidate must have an earned doctorate with scholarly accomplishments commensurate with the rank of full professor, demonstrated achievements in academic administration and resource development and a strong commitment to diversity. Knowledge of enrollment management and planning in a state-funded environment would be advantageous.

Applications and nominations are now being accepted. For best consideration, please submit application materials prior to January 7, 2020. Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc. is assisting Northern Illinois University in this search. Initial screening of the applications and nominations will continue until an appointment is made. Individuals who wish to apply or nominate a candidate should submit a letter of nomination including contact information for the nominee. Application materials should include a letter of interest that clearly states the applicant’s qualifications for the position, a current curriculum vita, and the name, address, telephone number and email address of three professional references. Inquiries, nominations and application materials should be directed to:

Betty Turner Asher, Partner
Patricia J. Gibbs, Senior Executive Leadership Consultant
Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc.
42 Business Centre Drive, Suite 206
Miramar Beach, Florida 32550
Phone: 850-650-2277 / Fax: 850-650-2272
Email: bettyasher@greenwoodsearch.com
Email: patriciagibbs@greenwoodsearch.com

For more information about NIU, please visit http://www.niu.edu/

For more information about the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, please visit http://niu.edu/clas/

For a full position profile, please visit https://www.greenwoodsearch.com/northern-illinois-university

Northern Illinois University is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, status based on the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA), or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran. Further, the Constitution and Bylaws of Northern Illinois University provide for equal treatment regardless of political views or affiliation, and sexual orientation. Inquiries concerning application of Title IX, Section 504, and other statutes and regulations may be referred to the Affirmative Action and Diversity Resources Center, 1515 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, IL 60115, telephone 815-753-1118.