Dean, School of Professional Studies

Providence College (PC) is a vibrant Catholic, Dominican institution of higher learning in which the community is committed to academic excellence and fostering a loving, diverse, and inclusive living and learning environment. The College stands at the threshold of its second century, poised to step boldly into the future, guided by an ambitious strategic plan, PC200. The plan illuminates a path that will distinguish Providence College as a nationally recognized, residential, primarily undergraduate-focused, premier Catholic college, with an expanded national recruiting presence and an ever-increasing academic reputation.

In the midst of this evolution, PC seeks a talented, visionary leader to serve as the College’s Dean of the School of Professional Studies (SPS). The SPS Dean is responsible for leading and overseeing SPS programs and initiatives, designed to meet the educational needs of students who seek to cultivate human flourishing and foster a more just society. The SPS offers four bachelor’s degree programs, nine masters' degrees, and one minor in a range of disciplines: Elementary/Special Education, Secondary Education, Social Work, and Health Policy and Management.

The new Dean will be responsible for building and strengthening SPS in alignment with PC200 by focusing on a number of key objectives in the short and long term:

▪     Express Providence College's Catholic and Dominican mission through leadership, vision, and education delivery

▪     Build on the commitment of SPS faculty to their disciplines to advance the School's mission

▪     Unify the SPS faculty under a single vision

▪     Work to implement the PC200 strategic plan

▪     Implement diversity initiatives to foster faculty development regarding inclusive and antiracist practices

▪     Embrace the donor and alumni potential at SPS and work with the PC advancement team to realize this potential

To meet these objectives, the new SPS Dean must be an action-oriented academic innovator with strong interpersonal skills, a collaborative working style, and the ability to develop productive relationships with campus and external constituents. The Dean also must be an ethical, honest, and trustworthy leader who is a positive role model and possesses a strong understanding of the learning and teaching process. In addition, the ideal candidate will have a career marked by progressively responsible positions, deep management experience, and the demonstrated ability to facilitate change in an organization.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile available at www.wittkieffer.com.

WittKieffer is assisting Providence College in this search, which will remain open until an appointment is made.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal. For fullest consideration, candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by no later than April 2.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Greg Duyck and Bree Liddell

PCSPSDean@wittkieffer.com

Providence College, a primarily undergraduate, liberal arts, Catholic institution of higher education conducted under the auspices of the Dominican Friars, seeks candidates who can affirm and contribute to its mission. The College is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment that supports all of its students, faculty, and staff. All members of the community share a responsibility for creating, maintaining, and developing a learning experience valuing differences and practicing inclusion. We invite applications from qualified individuals who possess the experience, knowledge, and commitment to work within a diverse learning environment. Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Providence College is an equal opportunity employer.