Dean

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (“UMBC”) seeks a visionary and collaborative leader to serve as the inaugural Dean of the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery (“AOK Library & Gallery” or “the Library”). As an experienced Library leader, the Dean will provide overall leadership to the Library and further connect the Library with the broader campus. Reporting to the Provost and a member of the University’s senior leadership team, the Dean will play a pivotal role in leading the AOK Library & Gallery into a new era of excellence and innovation. 

Founded in 1966, UMBC is a distinguished national university with an inclusive culture that connects innovative teaching and learning, research across disciplines, and civic engagement. UMBC is dedicated to cultural and ethnic diversity, social responsibility, and lifelong learning. UMBC has achieved a remarkable national and international reputation for innovation and student success, best known for STEM but also the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. UMBC is home to approximately 14,000 students, around 1,000 faculty, and 95,000 alumni. Fifty-six percent of students identify as minority students, making UMBC a Minority Serving Institution (MSI). Located just southwest of downtown Baltimore City and in proximity to Washington DC, UMBC is a nationally recognized model of inclusive excellence. UMBC consistently ranks among the most innovative universities with the highest quality undergraduate teaching. As one of eleven campuses within the University System of Maryland, UMBC was designated as a Research 1 (R1) university in 2022, making it one of only 146 institutions nationally, including 107 public and 39 private universities, with the R1 designation for doctoral universities. 

The Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery serves as the heartbeat of campus, strategically positioned at the center of the UMBC grounds with student dormitories on one side and academic buildings on the other, symbolizing its integral role in connecting and energizing the university community. Recognizing the rapidly evolving landscape of information access and digital innovation, the Dean of AOK Library & Gallery will lead transformative initiatives to ensure the Library remains at the forefront of academic and technological advancement. This community-building leader will cultivate a cohesive and inclusive culture within the Library, empowering staff and fostering a shared sense of purpose and pride. The Dean will inspire engagement across campus and beyond by articulating a bold and compelling vision for AOK Library & Gallery’s future, championing the Library’s essential role in supporting discovery, collaboration, and creativity. As a passionate advocate for the Library, the Dean will build meaningful relationships with diverse stakeholders, showcasing its impact as an indispensable cornerstone of UMBC’s academic and research excellence. With a commitment to innovation and adaptability, the Dean will ensure that AOK Library & Gallery thrives as a dynamic and forward-looking resource for the whole UMBC 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. The target salary range for this role is $225,000 - $250,000 and will be commensurate with experience. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

Sean Farrell is leading this search with Arianna Williams.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County, values safety, cultural and ethnic diversity, social responsibility, lifelong learning, equity, and civic engagement. Consistent with these principles, the UMBC does not discriminate in offering equal access to its educational programs and activities or with respect to employment terms and conditions on the basis of a UMBC community member’s race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, ancestry, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, veterans status, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or genetic information.