Dean, School of Engineering

The University of Dayton (UD), seeks a collaborative, inclusive, equity-minded, and forward-thinking academic leader to serve as the Dean of the School of Engineering. This is an exceptional opportunity for an entrepreneurial and mission-driven individual to join a genuinely caring community to help chart the course for the advancement of the School’s regional, national, and international reputation in engineering education and research.

Founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary (the Marianists), UD has grown into a top-tier Catholic university. As a Marianist university, UD strives to educate for formation in faith; provide an integral, quality education; educate in family spirit; educate for service, justice, peace, and integrity of creation; and educate for adaptation and change. The University of Dayton comprises six academic units: the College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Business Administration, Education and Health Sciences, Law, Engineering, and University Libraries. More than 82 academic programs are available at the undergraduate level. With over 35 centers and institutes, including the nationally recognized University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI), UD provides faculty, students, and staff with outstanding opportunities for research, experiential learning, and community engagement. With an overall enrollment of just over 12,000 students, including approximately 8,700 undergraduate and 3,400 graduate and law students, UD encourages students to engage the world, developing critical minds, and compassionate hearts.

The School of Engineering (SoE) offers an excellent technical engineering education with a focus on educating the whole person. The School includes six departments: chemical and materials engineering; civil and environmental engineering and engineering mechanics; electrical and computer engineering; electro-optics and photonics; engineering management, systems, and technology; and mechanical and aerospace engineering. SoE serves more than 1900 undergraduate and 576 graduate students by offering nine undergraduate majors in engineering and engineering technology, with multiple pathways to bachelor’s plus master’s programs, 14 master's level programs and five Ph.D. programs. U.S News & World Report recently named the UD's School of Engineering among the "Best Engineering Schools" for graduate education. The school is a longstanding and acclaimed member of the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN). UD's School of Engineering was one of just 28 schools nationwide and the only school in Ohio to achieve the ASEE Diversity Recognition Program's Bronze Award.

Reporting directly to the provost and executive vice president of academic affairs, the dean is the chief academic officer for the School of Engineering. The dean will provide strategic, academic, and administrative leadership for the undergraduate and graduate engineering programs, guide the development of a unifying vision for the future, and champion meaningful partnerships with UDRI, the local Dayton community, and beyond. The dean will embrace UD’s Catholic and Marianist mission and sharpen its vision to better promote the long-term development and advancement of the School as a collaborative contributor to the University’s mission to be a university committed to the common good. Working closely with administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other stakeholders, the dean will guide the school’s academic and strategic planning, advance its reputation as an innovative and inclusive engineering school, and strengthen the School’s impact and reputation through strategic fundraising, community engagement, and industry partnerships. The new dean will be a forward-thinking and accomplished academic leader with a strategic vision who will continue to cultivate a sense of mission-driven community within the School of Engineering and across UD.

The successful dean will have a track record of entrepreneurial, transformative leadership that enables them to inspire and encourage faculty, staff, and students to commit to a unified, strategic vision that moves the school towards greater prominence as a national leader in engineering education and research. The dean will possess excellent communication and relationship building skills and demonstrated ability to work well as a collaborative and consultative member of the University’s senior leadership team while advocating for the resources to thrive as a key player in the overall university strategy. The dean will work to advance diversity from historically underrepresented and underserved populations, articulate an understanding of the educational and social value of a diverse community, foster an inclusive educational and workplace climate, and lead efforts within the SoE to support the anti-racist goals of the university.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume, a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile, and a 1-2 page diversity statement addressing how your past and/or potential contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion will advance University of Dayton’s commitment to inclusive excellence. WittKieffer is assisting the University of Dayton in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by January 7, 2022. Submit application materials to the WittKieffer candidate portal. Direct confidential nominations and inquiries can be sent to Suzanne Teer, Julia Bradley, and Randi Miller at DaytonEngineeringDean@wittkieffer.com.

The University of Dayton is a top tier, Catholic research university with offerings from the undergraduate to the doctoral levels. Founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary, the University is a diverse community committed to advancing the common good through intellectual curiosity, academic rigor, community engagement and local, national and global partnerships. Guided by the Marianist educational philosophy, we educate the whole person and link learning and scholarship with leadership and service.

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The University is also pleased to provide support for spouses of prospective and newly hired faculty through its dual career program. While we cannot guarantee placement, we serve as an effective resource and support system for your spouse. Information can be found at http://www.udayton.edu/hr/employee_resources/dual_career_resources.php