Dean, Honors Tutorial College

Ohio University invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the Honors Tutorial College. The College seeks an experienced, dynamic leader who exhibits passion for the convergent disciplines that collectively fuel the success of the College, and who demonstrates a commitment to furthering growth and development of honors education at Ohio University. The Dean should have a strong commitment to supporting the academic mission of the University and its Strategic Pathways, with high standards in teaching, research, and service, as well as having the skillsets to serve as the chief spokesperson and advocate for the College both within and outside of the University. 

About Ohio University

Ohio University (OHIO) was chartered by the State of Ohio in 1804 and is the oldest university in Ohio and the Northwest Territory. Ohio University is a comprehensive research university with the largest osteopathic medical school in the state, and 10 other colleges that offer more than 250 degree undergraduate and graduate degree programs. An active and engaged campus yields more than 6,000 alumni with each graduating class, thus giving Ohio University 230,000 alumni worldwide. The University’s total enrollment is just over 36,000 students and the University has 5,300+ faculty and staff located on the main campus, seven regional campuses and centers in Southern and Central Ohio, as well as in its e-learning programs. Located in the scenic Appalachian foothills of Southeastern Ohio, its classic residential campus is one of the most attractive in the nation. The charm of tree-lined brick walkways on the University’s College Green makes you feel as if you are at a small college rather than a large university. Its regional campuses focus on providing access to “the nation’s best transformative learning community” for students in Ohio and beyond.

OHIO offers a compelling academic experience as it collectively aims to be transformative, values-based, and committed to the production of knowledge across the disciplines. Through traditional and experiential learning, OHIO prepares its alumni to be global leaders who will enrich society with accessible knowledge and innovation. Ohio University has a history of academic distinction and community engagement. Through its local, national, and international connections and relationships with a network of institutional and industry partners and alumni, OHIO is contributing to social change, new learning, and novel technologies with lasting positive impact.

Situated in Athens and the greater Appalachia region, OHIO has a distinct “sense of place.” The families who have lived in the region for centuries and those who are newcomers – whether from the U.S. or around the world – are weaved into the diversity of the community that creates an enriching and dynamic culture. The uniqueness of Ohio University is derived from synergy between the biodiversity of its region, beauty of its campus, and warmth of its people. These elements and others have evolved over the 200+ year history of the University to create a welcoming and vibrant culture. This “sense of place” is embedded within the OHIO culture that supports a welcoming, supportive, and safe environment for achieving academic excellence and contributing back to the community.

The President

Dr. M. Duane Nellis was named the 21st president of Ohio University on February 22, 2017. As an internationally recognized scholar and national higher education leader, Dr. Nellis brings nearly four decades of experience in academia as a president, provost, dean and professor to Ohio University. 

Prior to arriving at OHIO, Dr. Nellis was president of Texas Tech University from 2013 to 2016. While at Texas Tech, Dr. Nellis was committed to enhancing the University’s presence as a top tier national public research university. He led Texas Tech to Carnegie’s highest designation for research activity among national research universities. The institution was also designated as an Innovative and Economic Prosperity University and received national recognition for university engagement during Nellis’ tenure.

Prior to his time at Texas Tech, Dr. Nellis was president of the University of Idaho (2009-2013), where he led the university toward record enrollments and record levels of fund raising. He also served as provost and senior vice president at Kansas State University from 2004 to 2009 and Dean of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University, the institution’s largest academic college, from 1997 to 2004.

Dr. Nellis received his bachelor's degree in earth sciences/geography at Montana State University in 1976. He received his master's and doctoral degrees in geography from Oregon State University in 1977 and 1980, respectively.

The Provost

Dr. Chaden Djalali was appointed Executive Vice President and Provost of Ohio University, effective August 1, 2018. He previously served as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa. Before that, he served as a Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Physics department at University of South Carolina. Prior to his tenure and service at University of South Carolina, Dr. Djalali was a Tenured Research Scientist at IPN-Orsay, France.

Dr. Djalali earned his BS and MA degrees in Physics from the University of Paris XI, a doctorate in Nuclear Physics from IPN-Orsay in Paris, and a These d’Etat (post-doctoral degree) with highest honors from IPN-Orsay. Dr. Djalali is a member of the TREK Collaboration at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (JPARC) and a member of the CLAS Collaboration at the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Newport News, Virginia. Among his many academic accolades, Dr. Djalali was recognized with a Carolina Distinguished Professorship in 2007.

The Honors Tutorial College

The Honors Tutorial College (HTC) is based on the centuries-old tutorial system of undergraduate education developed at Oxford and Cambridge universities in England. Ohio University is the only public institution in the United States with a degree-granting college incorporating all of the essential features of the traditional tutorial system.

An HTC degree is an undergraduate research degree. The academic expectations for students in the College reside between those of a traditional undergraduate honors program and a graduate program. More than 325 students are enrolled in the soon-to-be 38 HTC programs of study.

The Honors Tutorial College also oversees three other programs—the OHIO Honors Program, the Cutler Scholars Program and the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards. The new OHIO Honors Program will serve up to 1,000 additional undergraduate honors students from across all Ohio University majors and campuses. The Honors Program is experience-based and incorporates curricular and co-curricular learning opportunities. OHIO Honors students take on challenging coursework through small-group seminars or honors projects in traditional classes. They also apply their learning in the real world through internships, partnerships with community organizations, hands-on research, and other high-impact practices.

Ohio University’s premier merit scholarship for ethically and intellectually engaged students, the Cutler Scholars Program serves 65 students who want to make a positive impact on their communities. The Office of Nationally Competitive Awards works with OHIO graduate and undergraduate students who apply for prestigious fellowships and scholarships; with ONCA’s assistance more than 50 Ohio University students in the past five years have won prestigious nationally competitive awards including Fulbright, Goldwater, Hollings, Marshall, and Udall scholarships.

The Position of Dean

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DEAN

Assure the College provides students a broad foundation as well as preparation for employment or for graduate and professional schools

The Dean is the intellectual leader of the College and the primary champion of its educational mission. The Dean, in partnership with faculty, will assure that the curriculum of the College is soundly and broadly based, demands a high level of excellence, and reflects the contemporary perspectives of learning and education. The instructional programs will need to address changing views about what constitutes an honors education and the impact of technology on the educational process. It is also essential that HTC is a leader in academic and learning innovation.  HTC is a key part of the University and it is essential that its programs address the evolving needs of all groups that are part of the University community. The Dean will ensure HTC is increasingly connected across the University.

Articulate and achieve standards for accomplishment through strategic vision and action

HTC has a strong commitment to academic excellence. That commitment, and the desire to continue to enhance it, has long provided a culture of intellectual vigor, of cross-disciplinary influences, and of a deep commitment to students and providing them the highest quality education.  The Dean will work with those faculty who partner with the College to identify and cultivate areas of particular strength that will enable the College to diversify and leverage its resources to achieve a maximal impact on the University and the honors community. The Dean will lead the staff and shape a vision for the College that is strategic, realizable, innovative and reflective of the purpose of an honors college.

Manage the assets of the school: human, financial and physical

The Dean has primary, direct responsibility for managing the budget, staff members, and the honors curriculum. The Dean also plays a critical role in setting the tone for the collaborative culture of the College.

Identify and attract resources to support the faculty and students

The Dean will play a significant role in developing vital private resources for the College through both fundraising and friend-raising. While the College already has a successful national scholarship office that focuses on preparing students for nationally competitive awards, the Dean will continue to build the infrastructure within the College to secure private funding to support HTC and its students. In addition, the Dean will engage alumni of HTC and will establish relationships that generate additional investments from corporations, foundations, and individuals that share a commitment to honors education at Ohio University.

Assume an influential role in the governance of the University as part of its senior leadership team

By leading one of the most prominent programs in the university, the Dean of HTC is a key member of the University leadership team and will work with the team to support the University’s Strategic Pathways. The Dean, as a part of the Council of Deans, is positioned to influence thought across the University. The Dean is a voice of academic leadership that connects disciplines across campus. Among external audiences, the Dean and the College need to continue to serve as a flagship for the University’s programs of distinction.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have an earned doctorate or appropriate terminal degree, with a distinguished record of achievement in teaching, research or creative activity, and service that meets qualifications for appointment at the rank of professor with tenure in an academic discipline offered at Ohio University; meaningful experience in academic leadership and honors teaching; and the ability to work and communicate effectively with all stakeholders of the College. Especially important is the ability to engage and interact with students across programs within the College in order to promote academic excellence.

Candidates must have demonstrated experience and the ability to:

  • regularly engage and interact with students;
  • clearly articulate the College’s vision, goals, and accomplishments to its many constituencies; 
  • promote a culturally aware and inclusive environment with a strong commitment to recruiting and retaining diverse staff and students;
  • further community engagement efforts for the purpose of linking students with the region;
  • motivate students to strive toward excellence in academics, research, and scholarship;
  • provide leadership, guidance, and counsel to College staff;
  • lead fundraising initiatives and promote alumni development to meet current and future College priorities;
  • increase awareness of the College and enhance enrollment strategy in order to recruit top students;
  • manage, allocate, and monitor College budgets;
  • develop a shared vision through open communication and transparency; and
  • cultivate a climate of academic cohesiveness within the College and across campus, including excellent listening, decision-making, and consensus-building skills.

Applicants should submit a cover letter expressing interest and an updated CV to the University’s executive search firm:

Martin M. Baker, Managing Partner

Dan Walters, Associate Partner

Buffkin/Baker

10 Cadillac Drive, Suite 190

Brentwood, TN 37027

martin@buffkinbaker.com

dan@buffkinbaker.com

Ohio University is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive educational and workplace environment. Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity and affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. Women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.