Dean

Washington State University (WSU) invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the role of Dean of the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture (VCEA). This is an excellent opportunity for an entrepreneurial and collaborative leader to join an innovative community focused on providing solutions to societal grand challenges and preparing graduates to make an impact. Steering one of the nation’s only colleges with engineering, computer science, design, and construction disciplines under the same umbrella in a state dominated by the world’s leading technology, energy, and advanced manufacturing companies, the new Dean will seize the opportunity to lead this multi-campus enterprise as it produces transformative research, prepares the next generation of engineering and design professionals, and engages industry to improve quality of life and enhance economic development. 

Established in 1890 as the state’s land-grant research university, WSU embraces its land-grant heritage and seeks to transform lives through education, research, community engagement, and serving the public good. The university holds a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) research designation and, in service to its mission, is committed to producing research that benefits communities and fuels prosperity in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. In the last 35 years alone, WSU has seen incredible growth, going from a single flagship campus to an evolving system of six interconnected campuses, numerous research centers, and 39 extension centers throughout the state. WSU serves 26,500 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students across its five physical campuses (Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Everett) as well as its numerous other locations across the state of Washington and online through its Global Campus.  

This is an exciting time to join WSU as the university recently welcomed a new Provost and Executive Vice President, T. Chris Riley-Tillman, and prepares for new presidential leadership following the highly successful tenure of President Kirk Schulz, who will retire in 2025. Within the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, research expenditures increased by approximately 30% last year, and the College welcomed 18 new faculty members for the 2024-2025 school year. The College is modernizing its facilities to support the future forward needs of teaching and research and plans to open Schweitzer Engineering Hall, the central hub for the College, in Fall 2026. In addition to infrastructure improvement, the new Dean will oversee other critical aspects of Voiland’s strategic plan, which launched last year and will run through 2028. 

The new Dean will be a strong advocate and champion for Voiland’s faculty and staff, ensuring the smooth operation of the College while maintaining a strong external presence and touting VCEA’s accomplishments to donors and corporate partners. As the College balances its responsibility for research, education, and community support, the Dean will ensure that the College positions itself as a cornerstone for innovation and workforce development for the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest.  The Dean will be committed to the College’s principles of collaboration, innovation, and transformation, and will address the following opportunities and challenges: 

• Craft a shared multi-campus vision and strategy to better position the College as a statewide powerhouse;
• Further cultivate and grow industry and community partnerships to prepare graduates for success and meet workforce needs;
• Recruit and retain top-tier faculty and staff across a dynamic, multi-site enterprise;
• Enhance the student experience and research enterprise through infrastructure improvements and effective resource allocation and growth.
• Broadcast the success of the College’s faculty, staff, and students widely for increased visibility and fundraising

The anticipated salary range for this position is $425,000 - $450,000 annually and is commensurate with related experience and qualifications. Relocation assistance is available. WSU offers an inspiring higher education environment and offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, and paid time off. To learn more about WSU employee benefits, please visit: hrs.wsu.edu/employees/benefits.

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. Electronic submission of materials is required.

Julie Filizetti is leading this search with Drew Nichols.

Washington State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action educator and employer. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.