Dean

San José State University (SJSU) seeks a visionary and collaborative leader to serve as the inaugural Dean of the College of Information, Data & Society, the first college of its kind in the California State University system.

For nearly 170 years, SJSU has pushed boundaries around innovation and industry connections, all while prioritizing the education of diverse student populations from the region and across the globe as the first public university in the West. Home to more than 37,000 undergraduate and graduate students, SJSU is proudly designated as both a Hispanic Serving Institution and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution. Recognized as one the top public universities in the nation, SJSU’s academic programs consistently earn top rankings among public universities, with graduates achieving high salaries, according to the Wall Street Journal in 2024. The university’s Transforming 2030 strategic plan serves as the blueprint for this national-leading urban public university. As the second-largest research university in the CSU system with expenditures exceeding $80M in 2023-2024, SJSU is committed to further expanding its research profile and developing new academic programs and collaborations with corporations and nonprofit organizations across the Silicon Valley and beyond.

The newly formed College of Information, Data & Society (IDS) brings together two leading interdisciplinary academic units: the School of Information (iSchool) and the Department of Applied Data Science (ADS). This bold cross-campus strategy expands SJSU’s capacity to lead in workforce development across critical fields such as information and library science, artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics and ethics, instructional design, and cybersecurity at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Positioned at the intersection of technology and practice, IDS connects professionals, institutions, businesses, and industries to Silicon Valley’s only public university, offering educational programs that empower individuals to become engaged citizens of a global society. And, it does so in a highly collaborative environment, where cross-college collaborations and programs are highly valued. 

The iSchool and ADS have consistently grown over the years, offering both online and in-person degree programs such as the Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Data Analytics, the Master of Library and Information Science, the Master of Archives and Records Administration, the Master of Science in Informatics, and the Master of Science in Data Analytics. The iSchool, a trailblazer in online education for over 55 years, prepares students for diverse careers as information professionals in areas such as libraries and librarianship, user experience design, digital asset management, information architecture, electronic records management, information governance, and digital preservation. As the first information school within the CSU system, the iSchool consistently ranks among the top programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report. The Applied Data Science Department addresses the growing demand for interdisciplinary talents capable of designing and deploying intelligent solutions to real-world data challenges, equipping students to excel in today’s data-driven society.

This is an unparalleled opportunity to lead a newly launched college at the forefront of data science and information technology during a transformative period of growth and innovation. The inaugural Dean will shape the future of a college that is not just growing but thriving. In addition, the Dean will lead the charge in strengthening academic programs, increasing both on campus and online enrollment and expanding access to undergraduate degree options, recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff, and developing strategic industry partnerships. The Dean will ensure the college’s priorities align with the broader university goals and are responsive to the rich diversity of the region and the state. 

SJSU is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and collaborative leader with a forward-thinking approach to interdisciplinary education in a fast-paced and innovative environment. The ideal candidate will understand the future of information science, data analytics, and librarianship education both regionally and globally, ensuring IDS programs meet the needs of students and communities alike. Ideal qualifications include a terminal degree in an information science discipline or equivalent; a demonstrated record of teaching, research, service, and/or experience meriting appointment as a tenured professor in the college; leadership experience at the department chair, director, associate dean or dean level; and demonstrated ability to develop a culture of philanthropy. The CSU salary bands set the pay ranges for deans and classify the salary band for an Administrator IV at $115,000-$370,752; the anticipated hiring range for this position is $225,000-$240,000. 

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process/until the position is filled. For best consideration, please apply by October 30, 2024. 

Submit inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications electronically below. Applicants may also complete a Voluntary Self Identification Form for Executives to assist the CSU system’s recruitment efforts and workforce diversity. 

Cati Mitchell-Crossley is leading this search with Phuong Ta and Luciano Zuniga.

San José State University (SJSU) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, or protected veteran status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. This policy applies to all SJSU students, faculty and staff programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus).