Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Ohio University (www.ohio.edu) invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

THE 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 over 250 degree undergraduate and graduate 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 national’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 is a university, with 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.

Unique to OHIO in Athens and Appalachia, is a distinct ‘sense of place’ at OHIO and in the region. 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. There is a synergy derived from the natural habitat and biodiversity of the region and the beauty of the university campus, its people, and our location in which the 200+ year institution has evolved into the place that it is today. 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 COLLEGE

The Chronicle of Higher Education recently recognized OHIO as one of six colleges in the country in fostering cutting-edge educational innovation. The College of Arts & Sciences is a central piece to Ohio University's transformative learning experience. The foundational instruction for the entire university, delivered through the general education and liberal arts curriculum, is provided by the College of Arts & Sciences. The college’s breadth covers humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences across 19 departments. The college provides the primary instruction for approximately one-third of the undergraduate majors on campus, as well as half of the undergraduate credit hours on the Athens campus. This includes approximately 4000 undergraduate and 800 graduate students.

Ohio University is a high-activity research institution, and much of that scholarship and research activity originates in the College of Arts & Sciences. The college’s faculty includes 425 faculty members, including 298 tenure track faculty. In a typical year, the faculty produce 30 books in publication, more than 600 journal articles, and over 900 conference presentations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Dean has direct oversight of all faculty and staff within the College on the Athens and regional campuses, and works to fulfill its educational, research, and service missions. The College is home to a unique variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and it is expected the Dean will understand the importance of and successfully advocate for all disciplines. The Dean must be able to articulate effectively the mission and vision of the College to both external and internal constituencies, motivate these constituencies to achieve the mission and vision, and manage effectively and efficiently, while developing the College’s financial resources.

The Dean is also expected to:

• guide the development of the College in conjunction with the University’s Strategic Pathways and Priorities;
• forge a shared vision of the arts and sciences and create alliances with stakeholders throughout theUniversity;
• demonstrate administrative and financial management skills;
• support and encourage faculty excellence in teaching and encourage research, scholarship, andcreative activity among the faculty;
• foster and support the growth of relevant, student-centered, and innovative curriculum and instruction with a strong focus on experiential learning opportunities, distance learning, and cross disciplinary programs;
• champion the recruitment of outstanding undergraduate and graduate students and support a vibrant studentexperience;
• promote undergraduate and graduateresearch;
• further advance an inclusive culture with a strong commitment to valuing and supportingdiversity;
• advocate for the disciplines within the College of Arts and Sciences and the importance of the College to the overallUniversity;
• understand and appreciate the differences across the Humanities, Natural Sciences, and SocialSciences and support each discipline in their unique pursuit of educational, research, and serviceexcellence;
• proactively endorse interdisciplinary collaboration with units both internal and external to theCollege;
• cultivate strong relationships with alumni, parents, and donors to raise financial resources for the College through traditionalfundraising;
• foster new partnerships, enhance existing relationships, and articulate a vision that generates support from the community, andalumni.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

It is preferred that the successful candidate be a visionary leader in research, scholarship, and education in the arts and sciences; exhibit proven skills in academic administration, resource management, and program formation; and possess knowledge of pedagogical theory, practice, and policy. It is anticipated that candidates will have credentials and achievements commensurate with appointment at the rank of full professor.

The successful candidate should possess the following demonstrated capabilities and attributes:

• a broad understanding and appreciation for the disciplines within the College of Arts andSciences;
• a record of excellent scholarship and/or creativeactivity;
• commitment to diversity and inclusion amongst faculty, staff, students, and keystakeholders;
• a track record of timely implementation and execution of strategic and operational plans in an environment of teamwork and sharedgovernance;
• proven capacity to make strategic, tactical and operational decisions surrounding the utilization of finite resources;
• the ability to articulate a vision of opportunities for growth and innovation in large complex academicprograms;
• leadership in developing a robust program of scholarship andresearch;
• experience integrating critical academic, administrative, and financialoperations;
• commitment to building consensus among faculty across diversedisciplines;
• a proven history of successful, multidisciplinary academic program development, and faculty and staff professionaldevelopment;
• a track record of promoting student engagement through advising and careerplanning/development;
• a solid understanding of development and fundraising to identify and establish funding raising priorities and secure gifts from alumni, corporations, foundations andsupporters;
• demonstrated ability in effective communication skills andtechniques.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The Search Committee invites letters of nomination, applications (letter of interest, CV, and contact information of at least five references), or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University. Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. It is preferred, however, that all nominations and applications be submitted prior to February 22, 2019 to:

Porsha L. Williams, Vice President

Rich McNeal, Associate Parker Executive Search

Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2900 | Atlanta, GA 30328

770-804-1996 ext. 112

pwilliams@parkersearch.com | rmcneal@parkersearch.com