Dean of the Lewis Honors College

The University of Kentucky (UK) seeks nominations for and expressions of interest in the position of inaugural dean of the Lewis Honors College.

In October 2015, the University of Kentucky received the largest single gift in its history--$23 million--from alumnus, long-time donor, and successful entrepreneur Thomas W. Lewis and his wife Jan to create the Lewis Honors College from the previously existing Honors Program.

This is an exciting time to join the University of Kentucky as it continues its aggressive efforts to position itself among the top public research universities in the country. Founded in 1865 as a land-grant institution adjacent to downtown Lexington, UK is nestled in the scenic heart of the beautiful Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. From its early beginnings, with only 190 students and 10 professors, UK’s campus now covers more than 918 acres and is home to 30,000 students and approximately 14,500 employees, including more than 2,300 full-time faculty, and operates an annual budget of nearly $3.5 billion.

The state’s flagship university consists of 17 academic and professional colleges where students can choose from more than 200 majors and degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The student body is diverse, representing more than 100 countries, every state in the nation, and all 120 Kentucky counties. UK students compete successfully for prestigious scholarships and awards, such as the Fulbright, Astronaut, Truman, Goldwater, Marshall, Udall and Gates.

Reporting to the Provost and serving as a member of the Deans Council, the dean will administer all aspects of the College’s mission as it pursues its goal to provide a world-class honors experience that is known for the success of its students, the quality of its faculty and curriculum, the respect of its peers, and for promoting the economic and social progress of our communities. To read more about the Lewis Honors College, please visit http://www.uky.edu/academy/honors.

The deanship requires a visionary and collaborative leader of people and programs with outstanding communication and interpersonal skills. The dean will be responsible for all aspects of the college’s academic programs, operations, financial and faculty resources, student recruitment and fundraising efforts. To be successful, the dean must possess the capacity to articulate and implement a shared vision in collaboration with faculty and the peer deans, successful administrative experience, and an aptitude for fund raising. The successful candidate is expected to possess a terminal degree in their field, as well as a distinguished record of teaching, research, and service sufficient to qualify for appointment as a full professor with tenure in a University of Kentucky academic department.

To learn more about this opportunity, request the leadership profile, or apply please email University of Kentucky’s consultants Lucy A. Leske and Ann Yates at UKDeanHonorsCollege@wittkieffer.com. Applications should include a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for five references sent electronically. Review of candidates will begin on February 1 and will continue until the position is filled. In accordance with University of Kentucky policy, applicants must also complete the UK online application, the link to which will be provided upon application by Witt/Kieffer.

The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities. Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.