Dean, College of Sciences

Dean, College of Sciences

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) invites nominations, expressions of interest, and applications for the position of Dean, College of Sciences.

Under the leadership of President Dr. Taylor Eighmy and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Kimberly Espy, the campus has developed a bold and ambitious vision for UTSA’s future and its pursuit of excellence as an urban-serving, Hispanic-thriving discovery enterprise (https://www.utsa.edu/strategicplan/). The University seeks a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader and scholar who will build upon the COS’ existing strengths to further advance the University’s progress toward these goals.

The University of Texas at San Antonio

Comprised of three campuses within the city of San Antonio, UTSA is the third largest of nine academic universities and six health institution within The University of Texas System and a leading public Hispanic and urban-serving university specializing in health, cybersecurity, energy sustainability, and human and social development. With nearly 30,000 students supported by 1,350 faculty and 5,050 staff and student employees, both benefits- and non-benefits eligible, it is the largest university in the San Antonio metropolitan region. UTSA is highly focused on student success, and meeting the educational needs of many 1st generation, transfer, DACA, Dreamers, Veteran and international students. UTSA prides itself on its diverse student population. More than 60% of UTSA students are from underrepresented groups. Nearly half (45%) of UTSA undergraduates will be the first in their family to earn a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, transfer students comprise about 38% of UTSA’s total undergraduate population. Further enhancing an already diverse student population is UTSA’s military community, which makes up approximately 13% of total students. This includes active duty military members, veterans, reserves/guard, and their spouses and dependents.

For more information about UTSA, please visit http://www.utsa.edu/.

The College of Sciences

The UTSA College of Sciences is dedicated to preparing the next generation of scientists to take their place in the workforce as well-educated, highly trained citizen leaders and to increasing scientific literacy within the community. As the third largest of UTSA’s ten colleges, the College has a budget of $30 million and is home to more than 5,200 undergraduate and graduate students, supported by 139 tenured and tenure-track and 160 non-tenure track faculty and 150 staff, and a community committed to innovation and excellence in the classroom and the laboratory. The College also plays a key role on campus in providing instruction to a large number of students in the first-year sequences and upper division support courses for academic disciplines outside of the COS. The COS is comprised of seven departments that include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Environmental Science and Ecology; Geological Sciences; Mathematics; and Physics and Astronomy.

The COS also houses 11 research consortia, centers, and institutes that foster interdisciplinary research across the college and University. With approximately $28 million in annual research expenditures, the COS is the most productive research community at UTSA. Faculty, staff and students in the College of Sciences make significant contributions in many fields, including nanotechnology, brain health, stem cell research, medicinal drugs, infectious diseases and vaccine development, and cybersecurity, where UTSA ranks No. 1 in the nation. In addition, graduate education and nationally and internationally-recognized research programs are important aspects of the College as the COS currently offers five Ph.D. programs and 11 M.S. degrees and several graduate certificate programs. The COS also draws post-doctoral fellows from the international community to study alongside UTSA’s world-class researchers. The continued growth and increased effectiveness of both the educational and research components of the COS is vital to the overall development of UTSA. The College will play a key role in UTSA’s pursuit of attaining R1 research university status on its journey toward achieving a societal impact like that of the member institutions within the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU).

In staying true to its strong commitment to community outreach, the COS offers nearly two dozen programs to engage youth in STEM-related topics and careers. Notably, the COS offers a unique program for prospective teachers who are interested in STEM-related areas. The UTeachSA program develops a pipeline of highly qualified math and science teachers by providing UTSA students with an enriched instructional curriculum to earn their math or science degree along with their teaching credential in four years.

For more information about the COS, please visit http://www.utsa.edu/sciences/.

Position Summary

The Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer for the College of Sciences with responsibility for the academic and outreach leadership of the College and management of its resources, including faculty and staff, physical facilities and budget. The Dean has responsibility for managing an administrative team to work cohesively to support the College as a whole and serves as the lead in representing the College on campus and to the outside world, including alumni, donors, and other external stakeholders. The Dean takes the lead in strategic planning and in solidifying and implementing the vision, mission, and goals for the College.

In their role, the Dean will set the standard of intellectual engagement and accomplishment for the College, provide strategic vision and operational leadership to all aspects of the academic and scholarly programs, promote synergies within the College and university and encourage opportunities for distinctive programmatic innovation. The Dean will be responsible for providing academic leadership in planning and developing academic programs and in the implementation of plans and program improvements in the areas of instruction, research, academic advising, and public service. In addition, in supporting the University’s research mission, the Dean will advance the faculty’s scholarly activities and encourage and advocate for interdisciplinary opportunities. As the College’s champion, the Dean will also persuasively articulate the vision, mission, goals, and programs of the College to the University community, external stakeholders and the general public.

Qualifications

UTSA’s next Dean will play an important role in the future growth of the COS as well as ensuring the College’s support of UTSA’s goal of attaining R1 research university status and its dedication to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement, and public service. The successful candidate will possess a distinguished record of academic service, superior interpersonal and management skills, and in addition will possess:

• an earned doctorate and administrative and/or leadership experience in a research university;
• an outstanding record of scholarly achievement and international reputation in the broader sciences community, commensurate with appointment as full professor in one of the departments in the College;
• a history of providing students with a high-quality educational experience and aggressively addressing issues related to student success;

• a record of success and ability in recruiting and retaining talented and diverse faculty; a history of inspiring faculty to excel in teaching, research, and creative activities and to reward excellence in these areas;

• well-developed fiscal management experience, both in establishing budgets and implementing them along with a history of data-driven business decisions on balancing the allocation of resources and funding across departments to meet university growth needs;
• a track record of success in fundraising and securing private support from donors; and
• proven people skills and the ability to serve as a highly effective listener and communicator with both academic and non-academic audiences.

For a complete position profile and list of qualifications, please visit https://www.storbeckpimentel.com/pd/UTSA/COS.pdf

San Antonio, TX

San Antonio is the 7th largest city in the United States with a thriving economy based on Energy, Bioscience/Healthcare, Aerospace/Aviation, Military, Financial Services, Information Technology and Cyber, and Tourism. It is recognized worldwide as the home of The Alamo and the Riverwalk. The city is celebrating growth and a rich, forward looking culture, and is a place of inclusiveness. In 2018, San Antonio celebrates the 300th anniversary of its founding by Spanish missionaries.

San Antonio provides an environment where professional satisfaction and career achievement are paired with optimal quality of life. It is a city that celebrates its rich heritage yet is progressive in embracing the future. As home to the Southwest Research Institute, an internationally renowned organization with which UTSA has created many collaborations, and areas such as the beautiful Pearl and Southtown, revitalized and revamped for urban space, as well as their celebrated historical spaces – San Antonio exemplifies the future for vibrant, urban locales. This is a city that fosters entrepreneurial growth, co-working spaces, and accelerators/incubators – environments that encourage building foundations for business, and a business-friendly economy. San Antonio residents benefit from no state income tax and access to scenic pathways across the city to museums and art galleries, history, culture, performing arts, theme parks, family fun, dining and nightlife, festivals and events, shopping, sports and year-round outdoor lifestyle.

Application and Nomination Process

The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and continue to accept applications and nominations until the position is filled. Applicants must submit: a current resume or curriculum vitae and a cover letter describing relevant experience and interest in the position. Nomination letters should include the name, position, address and telephone number of the nominee. All applications and nominations will be handled in confidence.

Applications and letters of nomination should be submitted by email to:

Alberto Pimentel, Managing Partner

Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates

6512 Painter Avenue

Whittier, CA 90601

Email: apsearch@storbeckpimentel.com

Refer to code “UTSA-SCIENCES” in subject line

UTSA is committed to provide equal employment and educational opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation.