Dean of School of Architecture

University of Detroit Mercy seeks applications and nominations of highly qualified individuals for the position of Dean of the School of Architecture.

University of Detroit Mercy is Michigan's largest and most comprehensive Catholic University, sponsored by the Religious Sisters of Mercy and the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). The University seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University's mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community.  Today's University boasts the heritage of two founding institutions: University of Detroit, founded in 1877 by the Jesuits, and Mercy College of Detroit, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1941.  The two consolidated as University of Detroit Mercy in 1990. Detroit Mercy offers more than 100 academic degrees and programs through seven schools and colleges, and currently enrolls more than 5,000 students across three Detroit campuses. The School of Architecture itself is comprised of 32 full time and adjunct faculty and serves a total of 225 students at the undergraduate and graduate level.

The Detroit Mercy School of Architecture (SOA) is one of only 123 institutions in North America with an accredited professional architecture program, and the only accredited architecture program at an institution sponsored by the Jesuits or the Sisters of Mercy. The central program in the School of Architecture is a five-year professional accredited Master of Architecture degree that includes a mandatory two semester co-op program.  Students may elect to graduate in four years with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, or to follow a six-year “integrated path to licensure” track. At the undergraduate level, the SOA offers a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering in collaboration with the College of Engineering and Science. The School also includes an undergraduate program for Canadian students in collaboration with the School of Creative Arts at the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada. The architecture program runs a full semester exchange program with the Warsaw Technical University, and a second study abroad program in Volterra, Italy, where the School operates its own private facility, The Pagnotta International Residential College. At the Master’s level the School offers a unique Master of Community Development program. In addition, the School is home to the Detroit Collaborative Design Center (DCDC) – an award-winning professional practice with full-time staff supported by student employees providing design, planning, and community engagement services to the non-profit community. The DCDC leadership team reports to the Dean of the School of Architecture.  In 2017 the DCDC was honored to receive the prestigious American Institute of Architects national Whitney M. Young Jr. Award for social impact.

The Dean reports directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and will join a very collaborative and supportive group of colleagues on the Academic Leadership Team. The Dean will have responsibility for the strategic, programmatic, accreditation, financial, fundraising, and management operations that support the mission of the School of Architecture and its role within the University. Candidates should have an outstanding record commensurate with the rank of full professor with tenure; relevant leadership experience; an abiding commitment to excellence in undergraduate, graduate and professional education and research and scholarly activity; the ability to collaborate effectively with a broad range of constituencies internal and external to the School and University; and the skill to develop a purposeful and compelling strategy that will distinguish the School at  local, regional, and national levels.

While applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled, interested parties are encouraged to submit a curriculum vitae and a letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the position as soon as possible and no later than January 15, 2019.

Detroit Mercy Dean of Architecture Search

R. William Funk & Associates

2911 Turtle Creek Blvd., Suite 300

Dallas, Texas  75219

Email:  krisha.creal@rwilliamfunk.com

Fax:  214-523-9067

 

Further information may be found at: https://architecture.udmercy.edu

Michigan's largest, most comprehensive private University, the University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Religious Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. The university seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University's mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community.  The University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse faculty and student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.