Dean of the Faculty for Arts & Sciences

William & Mary

Dean of the Faculty for Arts & Sciences

William & Mary, a public liberal arts and sciences research university with nationally ranked undergraduate, graduate, professional programs, as well as select online programs, seeks an innovative new Dean of the Faculty for Arts & Sciences (“Dean”). This is an exciting time to join William & Mary. The university is well-positioned for the opportunities the future holds, while preserving its celebrated traditions and practices that stem from its impressive history. While William & Mary’s reputation is built on a deep foundation that parallels that of the nation, it is not immune to the same pressures facing many other institutions of higher education. The Dean, along with the president, provost and other senior colleagues, will play a critical role in navigating this transformation as a critical institutional leader.

The next Dean will be a creative and bold leader with an open-minded, collegial leadership style and the energy and integrity to inspire others and to envision the future of Arts & Sciences as central in the landscape of the university. Candidates should have a history of forward-thinking leadership in a complex organization, the ability to build and cultivate consensus, and accomplishment in creating and supporting a climate of inclusive excellence. In addition to an outstanding record of scholarly achievement and academic leadership, the successful candidate will bring to the role an enterprising spirit and the ability to lead change through effective communication, collaboration, and the strength of good ideas.

William & Mary, a public university in Williamsburg, Virginia, is the second oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. The university is proud of its role as the alma mater of generations of U.S. scholars, leaders, and public servants. Now, in its fourth century, it continues this tradition of excellence by combining the best features of an undergraduate college with the opportunities afforded by a modern research university. Its moderate size, dedicated faculty and staff, highly-motivated students, and distinctive history give William & Mary a unique character among public institutions, and create a learning environment that fosters close interaction among students and their faculty mentors.

There is much energy and enthusiasm on campus and among the leadership team at William & Mary. Katherine A. Rowe was sworn in as the 28th president in July 2018, becoming the first woman in the university’s history to hold that post, and Peggy Agouris began as provost in July 2019. Together, they are championing a culture of innovation: charting the future of knowledge for a 325-year-old institution that serves the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its acclaimed history, William & Mary is a leader in public higher education with a forward-looking undergraduate curriculum, flourishing graduate and professional programs, significant capital investment in both the sciences and the arts, and a $1 billion fundraising campaign nearing completion.

Reporting to the provost, the Dean will serve as an advocate for the Arts & Sciences within the university while cultivating cross-school partnerships. By providing visionary and creative leadership, enabling innovation in learning, nurturing path-breaking research and scholarship, and furthering the reputation and reach of William & Mary, the next Dean will lead by example in embracing whole institution thinking. 

TO APPLY

William & Mary has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this search. Confidential applications, inquiries and nominations, should be sent in confidence to:

Ponneh Varho, Katie Stellato, or Charlie Bentley

Isaacson, Miller, Washington D.C.

www.imsearch.com/7193

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university.  William & Mary is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.