Dean of the College of Liberal Arts

The University of New Hampshire seeks nominations and expressions of interest for the next dean of the College of Liberal Arts (COLA). As the state's flagship research university, UNH serves that mission through strong academic and co-curricular programs that prepare students to mindfully and productively engage in the challenges facing the region, the nation and the world. The dean will begin their tenure at an important time in the University's history. Recently completing the ambitious Campaign for UNH, the University surpassed its goal by raising over $300 million to support scholarships, academic programs, faculty, research and innovation. In addition, UNH welcomed James W. Dean, Jr. as its 20th president on June 30, 2018 and Wayne Jones as its provost and vice president of academic affairs on November 19, 2018, with a shared commitment to student success, graduate education and research.

Comprised of four divisions in humanities, social and behavioral sciences, education, and fine and performing arts, COLA is the largest of the University's colleges and plays a prominent role across a wide range of the university programs, centers and institutes and offers distinctive, experiential programs taught by world-class faculty. The college takes great pride both in its commitment to teaching and in its devotion to scholarly research, combining the best of a traditional liberal arts education with cutting-edge instruction in emerging fields. Liberal Arts faculty include Guggenheim Scholars, Carnegie Fellows, Fulbright Scholars and some of the most influential scholars, creative artists and scientists in their fields. The next dean will both celebrate and foster faculty success in these areas. More information about the college can be found at https://cola.unh.edu/.

The new Dean will be the chief academic and administrative officer of the College, reporting to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs. On the University level, the Dean will provide leadership for the College by working with faculty, students, staff, alumni and other key stakeholders to support the University’s strategic plan, which will leverage the intersections and common strengths among the University’s many departments. On the College level, with a strong commitment to shared governance, the Dean will play a key role in defining College participation in the plan’s interdisciplinary, strategic pillars, and provide leadership that supports continued excellence in teaching, research, and artistic expression. The new dean will also continue the advancement of innovation and fundraising as well as increase the College’s financial resources. 

The candidate must possess a terminal degree in a discipline related to one of the academic departments of the college, and have a record of distinguished scholarship and teaching that would support an appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure in a department within the College. The candidate must have extensive and recent administrative experience in a higher education context, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to shared governance and collegial decision-making.

The University of New Hampshire seeks excellence through diversity among its administrators, faculty, staff and students.  We are committed to enhancing and sustaining an educational community that is inclusive and equitable, and cherish these values as being inextricably linked to our core mission.  We are a public institution with a long-standing commitment to equal employment and educational opportunity for all qualified persons.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or marital status.  This applies to admission to, access to, treatment within, or employment in UNH programs or activities.

Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. For fullest consideration, materials should be received by February 25, 2019. Candidates should provide a CV, a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in this leadership profile, and the names and contact information of five references. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. These materials should be sent electronically to the University of New Hampshire’s consultants Concetta M. Stewart, Ph.D., and Jennifer G. Bauer via email at UNHDeanCOLA@wittkieffer.com.