Dean of Arts and Sciences

The University of New Haven seeks an exceptional academic leader to serve as dean of its College of Arts and Sciences.  Ideal candidates will bring an outstanding record of accomplishments in academic administration, research, and teaching. Candidates will demonstrate an uncompromising commitment to student success, the highest ethical standards, and support for creating a vibrant, diverse and inclusive community of faculty, students and staff, among other constituents, in the college and university community.

Reporting to the Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences will be responsible for leading and managing nearly 100 full-time faculty from multiple programs in the arts (including art and design, music and theater); communication, film and media studies; humanities (including English, modern languages, history and philosophy); behavioral sciences (including political science, legal studies, psychology and sociology); and mathematics and natural sciences (including biology, environmental science and marine biology; mathematics and physics). Programs in economics and chemistry are also present, and interdisciplinary collaborations are valued. The College of Arts and Sciences has well-established masters programs in community and industrial/organization psychology, cellular and molecular biology, and environmental science, clinical mental health counseling, and in conjunction with the College of Engineering, chemistry, including a new biochemistry program. The dean also oversees important-co-curricular opportunities for students including the award-winning Model United Nations program, the campus newspaper, marching band, and radio station.

The next dean will be a creative and visionary leader and an active and engaged partner with the senior leadership team and fellow deans. As the university embarks on implementing its strategic plan, a track record of successful, outcomes-oriented strategy implementation is essential. Candidates should demonstrate:

  • a commitment to academic excellence and innovation;
  • a track record of success in building and recruiting for intellectually challenging academic programs in liberal arts, humanities, and sciences;
  • an understanding of the challenges and opportunities of liberal arts programs today;
  • a commitment to cultivating teaching excellence in faculty;
  • success in sponsoring and promoting high impact practices;
  • strong budgetary and management experience;
  • an ability to work collaboratively and collegially with diverse constituencies and across disciplinary boundaries;
  • a commitment to promote interdisciplinary academic programs and scholarship;
  • a commitment to campus and community engagement;
  • a record of securing and administering external funding;
  • experience working with advancement and alumni affairs offices;
  • excellent interpersonal and communication skills and integrity.

An earned terminal degree and credentials to merit tenure is required.

The University of New Haven is a private, top-tier, residential, comprehensive institution focused on engaged teaching and high-impact experiential education. The university's 270 full-time faculty offer 80 baccalaureate and master’s degree programs (and one PhD program) across five colleges - the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the Tagliatela College of Engineering, the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, and the School of Health Sciences.  Under the leadership of President Steven H. Kaplan, the University of New Haven now ranks among the top universities in the Northeast and boasts nationally ranked programs in a number of fields across business, criminal justice, engineering, forensic science, and the arts and sciences. Since Dr. Kaplan was inaugurated in 2004, enrollment has grown by 45 percent to approximately 6,900 undergraduate and graduate students, hailing from 43 states and some 45 countries. Full-time undergraduate enrollment has grown by 90 percent, and first-year applications have more than tripled. During this time, the university has completed more than $250 million in construction projects, will open a new science and innovation building this fall, and has launched more than 20 new academic programs. The university is currently engaged in a major capital campaign, the Charger Challenge, which intends to raise $120 million by the year 2020 — the university’s 100th anniversary — in order to shape its next 100 years. More information and the leadership profile can be found at www.newhaven.edu.

The University of New Haven is committed to diversity and inclusion in higher education. The university seeks candidates whose experiences have prepared them to contribute diversity and inclusion in our academic community.

Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2020. Candidates should provide, as three separate documents, a resume, a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the Leadership Profile, and a diversity statement (either separate or as part of the cover letter).

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Lucy A. Leske and Kim Brettschneider
NewHavenDeanAS@wittkieffer.com

The University of New Haven is committed to diversity and inclusion in higher education. The university seeks candidates whose experiences have prepared them to contribute diversity and inclusion in our academic community.