Dean of the College of Engineering

Wayne State University (WSU) seeks a visionary and collaborative leader to serve as the next dean of the College of Engineering. Applications, inquiries and nominations are invited.

Founded in 1868, Wayne State is Michigan's third largest and only urban research university, with the Carnegie Foundation's highest classifications for research and community engagement and annual research expenditures of more than $320 million. Evidenced in its world-renowned faculty, top-ranked programs and groundbreaking discoveries, academic excellence and pioneering research are central to Wayne State's mission. Wayne State is a member of the University Research Corridor, along with the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, generating 95% of research in the state and supporting economic growth throughout Michigan. As one of the city's largest employers, Wayne State has a nearly $2.5 billion impact in Detroit — a driving force behind the city's resurgence. Wayne State consists of 13 schools and colleges offering 240 programs to nearly 25,000 graduate, professional and undergraduate students. 

The Wayne State University College of Engineering (COE) improves quality of life through engineering and computer science education, research innovation and entrepreneurship. The 3,300-member student body benefits from a robust academic system with more than 50 degree and certificate programs, as well as a diverse and inclusive environment nestled in the college's vibrant urban setting of Midtown Detroit, down the street from a host of industry partners. A network of 30,000 alumni are changing the world in 48 countries and all 50 states.

The dean of the COE 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 within Wayne State, the local Detroit community, across the state and the globe. Working closely with administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders, the dean will guide the college's academic and strategic planning, advance its reputation as an innovative and inclusive engineering college and strengthen the college's impact and reputation through strategic fundraising, enrollment growth, community engagement and industry partnerships.

The dean will possess excellent communication and relationship building skills and a demonstrated ability to work well as a collaborative and consultative member of the university community. 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 COE to support the diversity and inclusion goals of WSU. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree from an accredited institution and have a record of teaching and scholarly or professional attainment that merits appointment as professor with tenure.  

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, which can be found at www.wittkieffer.com.

WittKieffer is assisting Wayne State University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by February 25, 2022.

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

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Zachary A. Smith, Ph.D., Jessica Herrington and Luis Bertot

WayneStateEngineeringDean@wittkieffer.com

Wayne State University is an equal opportunity employer. No person will be discriminated against or harassed in employment because of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, arrest record, height, weight, sexual orientation, qualified Vietnam era veterans, qualified special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans and other protected veterans, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or state law.