Dean, College of Liberal Arts

 

Auburn University invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean, College of Liberal Arts. The dean serves as the college’s chief academic and administrative officer and provides vision and leadership that enhances the college’s tradition of excellence in teaching, research, service, outreach, and diversity. The dean reports directly to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and will be located in Auburn, Alabama.

 

Auburn University is one of the nation’s premier public land-grant institutions, and in 2021  was ranked 40th among public universities by U.S. News and World Report. As an R1 university,  Auburn maintains significant levels of research activity and exemplary  standards for teaching excellence, offering bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist, and doctor’s degrees in agriculture and engineering, the professions, and the arts and sciences.  Its 2020-2021 enrollment of 30,737 students includes 24,505 undergraduates and 6,263 graduate and professional students. Organized into 12 academic colleges and schools, Auburn’s 1,426 faculty members offer more than 200 educational programs.

The university is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, positive work environment, student engagement, and beautiful campus. In addition, Auburn residents enjoy a thriving community, recognized as one of the “best small towns in America,” with a moderate climate and easy access to major cities or beach and recreational mountain facilities. Situated along the rapidly developing I-85 corridor between Atlanta, Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama, the combined Auburn-Opelika, Alabama-Columbus, Georgia statistical area has a population of more than 500,000, with excellent public-school systems, outstanding recreation areas, and an exceptional regional medical center.

The College of Liberal Arts consists of the Departments of Art & Art History; Aviation; Economics; English; History; Music; Philosophy; Political Science; Psychological Sciences; Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work; Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences; Theater and Dance; World Languages, Literatures and Cultures and the School of Communication and Journalism.. In addition to  a sizeable number of  minors (and several certificates) in programs such as Africana Studies, Asian Studies, Classics, Community Planning, Dance, and Interdisciplinary Studies,  the College is one of few in the country offering a major in Health Services Administration. As of spring 2021, the College supports more than 4,700 students including nearly 4,200 undergraduate, 520 graduate students, 387 full-time faculty members and 121 staff members and administrators.

The dean will lead the college’s strategic efforts in alignment with the university’s shared values, including scholarship, instruction, outreach, and diversity. This individual will represent all academic units within the college, including education and other programs inside and outside the university. In addition, the dean must support and advocate for all students, faculty, and staff while ensuring that all constituents enhance and improve their knowledge to serve the college and university better. For more information on the position, click here.

Candidates must possess an earned doctorate or commensurate credential and academic and professional accomplishments that are sufficient to merit appointment with tenure at the rank of professor. The successful candidate will possess a demonstrated capacity to lead an organization, build consensus among various stakeholders, foster increased research and scholarship, promote student advancement, enhance external corporate and alumni relations, assertively fundraise, and effectively represent the college to outside constituencies.  Demonstrated experience in administration, fiscal management, faculty/staff development, and fundraising is highly desired. Knowledge of state and national accreditation standards is required. Other qualifications include the ability to lead through collaboration and shared decision-making, innate effectiveness in sustaining, and a solid and collegial relationship with faculty, staff, students, administrators, and donors, and to collaborate with the college Advancement team to create meaningful impact through philanthropic investments.  A successful track record in budget development and strategic planning and balancing advocacy for the college with the university community's needs is essential to success in this position.  

The candidate selected for this position must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with education and experience.

While applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled, interested parties are encouraged to submit their Curriculum Vitae and letter of interest to the address below by November 15, 2021, to receive optimum consideration. Electronic submissions of all nominations and applications are encouraged.

Those  interested in this position should submit a curriculum vitae and a letter of application indicating experience as it relates to the position to:

Search Committee –Dean, College of Liberal Arts

Director, Breckenridge Partners

Email: mek@breckenridgepartners.com

Initial review of candidates will begin in November and  will continue until a qualified candidate is appointed.

Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability Employer and committed to building an inclusive and diverse  community