Dean of the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts

San Diego State University (SDSU) is seeking an innovative and energetic academic leader to serve as Dean of the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts for a dynamic national public research university. SDSU serves a highly diverse student population of over 36,000. Established in 1897, SDSU offers bachelor’s degrees in 91 areas, master’s degrees in 76, and the doctorate in 23. Additional information about the university and the college is available at www.sdsu.edu and psfa.sdsu.edu.

 

SDSU is a large, diverse, urban research university and a Hispanic-Serving Institution with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusive excellence. SDSU strives to build and sustain a welcoming environment for all, regardless of race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, medical condition and covered veteran status. The university seeks applicants with demonstrated experience in and/or commitment to teaching, research and working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and members of underrepresented groups.

 

The most disciplinarily diverse college on the SDSU campus, the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts (PFSA) offers programs to 4,696 undergraduate students, 308 graduate students, and it has nearly 300 high-caliber faculty (112 tenure/tenure-track and 178 full- and part-time lecturers). PSFA comprises seven schools: Art + Design; Communication; Hospitality and Tourism Management; Journalism and Media Studies; Music and Dance; Public Affairs; Theatre, Television, and Film; and the Departments of Aerospace Studies, Military Science and Naval Science. These 10 schools and departments, as well as 15 interdisciplinary centers and institutes, share a common goal of advancing human knowledge and understanding while cultivating a rich environment in which students can access opportunities for growth, ask insightful questions, and experience discovery that will transform their lives.

 

Recognized for bridging the college experience with the community, the College of PFSA prepares students to be workforce ready. A dedication to and an appreciation for traditional and non-traditional forms of scholarship, creative activity, and research results in undergraduate and graduate students who are prepared to be creative, innovative, and responsible leaders of our ever-changing society.

 

Using the community as a “laboratory for learning,” the College’s students and faculty engage in applied research, in-class service opportunities, and public performances that serve the needs of the San Diego region while providing meaningful learning experiences for its students. Whether through internships, faculty-led research, and/or international experience, the hallmark of PSFA is an educational experience that prepares each student to engage in the world-wide community upon graduation.

 

 

The Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of the College, reports to the Provost and serves as a member of the Academic Deans Council. The Dean is responsible for guiding, directing and overseeing the educational, professional and research mission of the College; supervising the personnel procedures of its faculty and staff; securing resources, fiscal planning and oversight; representing and promoting the College within the community; and preparing and administering the College budget.  The next Dean of PSFA will be expected to advance student success, faculty research and creative endeavors, and community impact and engagement.

 

Qualifications: The successful candidate will have an earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree, and a record of accomplishment suitable for tenure as full professor in one of PSFA’s schools or departments. The candidate will have excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, be capable of promoting collegiality and building consensus, and have a strong commitment to shared governance.

 

SDSU seeks a dean who will help foster and support collaboration within the College and across different academic units on campus. Experience in the development and management of arts and professional programs is desired, along with a demonstrated ability to secure external support for academic and instructional programs. The ideal candidate will have the capacity to build corporate partnerships in the San Diego community, and a willingness and ability to undertake significant fund-raising and other development activities. A track record of enhancing diversity and an ability to work effectively in a multicultural campus and community setting is highly valued.

 

Compensation/Expected Start Date: Compensation is competitive and based upon qualifications and experience. Expected starting date is July 1, 2019.

 

Nominations/Application Process: Nominations and application materials should be submitted by the target date of January 8, 2019, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled. Application materials must include: 1) a letter of interest stating how the candidate’s experiences and qualifications connect with the required/preferred characteristics and strategic priorities expressed in the leadership profile; 2) a curriculum vitae; and 3) the names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of five references for future contact, along with an indication of the candidate’s professional relationship with each reference. References will not be contacted without candidate permission. Applications, nominations and inquiries should be sent to the search consultants, Philip Tang and Andrew Bowen, at SDSU-PSFADean@wittkieffer.com. Read a comprehensive leadership profile at wittkieffer.com.

 

The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

 

SDSU is a Title IX, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.