Dean

Kansas City University (KCU) invites applications for a visionary and collaborative leader to serve as Dean of the College of Biosciences (COB) and Vice Provost for Research (VPR). Reporting to the Provost, this dual-role position will drive strategic direction for the College’s academic, financial, and operational initiatives while leading the advancement of KCU’s university-wide research enterprise. As both the chief academic officer of the COB and the institution’s senior research leader, the Dean and VPR will play a central role in elevating KCU’s academic and scholarly impact. The University is actively pursuing the prestigious R2 Carnegie Classification, reflecting its commitment to growing research activity and doctoral education. The ideal candidate will be an inspiring strategist and skillful convener, poised to expand research capacity and academic programs through thoughtful investment and innovation.

Established in 1916 as a single college, KCU has evolved from one of the nation’s first colleges of osteopathic medicine to one of the world’s premiere health sciences universities, with 1,892 students currently enrolled. KCU’s academic programs push the boundaries of osteopathic medicine, biomedical sciences, psychology, bioethics, bioinformatics, and dental medicine. In 2004, KCU expanded its academic offerings to include the College of Biosciences. In 2017, the University embarked upon the next 100 years of cutting-edge health sciences education with a second campus in Joplin, Missouri, and a new Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) program on the Kansas City  campus. KCU-Joplin is the first medical school to open in Missouri in nearly 50 years and it’s the only medical school in the Southwest region of the state. In 2021, KCU broke ground on the construction of a College of Dental Medicine in Joplin, which opened in 2023. 

As osteopathic medicine institutions across the nation face enrollment challenges and increasing competition for students, the Dean and VPR will continue to differentiate the COB’s curricular offerings—including the creation of a PhD program in biosciences—while broadly amplifying KCU’s research portfolio. KCU is poised for growth and has plans to expand and update research spaces on both campuses. Successful candidates will harness KCU’s considerable momentum and leverage the University’s collegial, collaborative environment to attract and retain top-notch researchers and faculty. As the COB’s public face, the Dean and VPR will deepen relationships with alumni, potential funders and donors, and with the broader community.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be submitted below. 

Jay Torio is leading this search with Afi Tettey-Fio and Rachel Banderob. 

KCU is committed to promoting an equal employment opportunity workplace. Equal opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information (GINA), physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, ancestry, military and/or veteran status, and/or any other status protected by applicable Federal, state or local law.