Dean

Wichita State University (WSU), Kansas's only urban public research university, seeks an innovative, engaged, and collaborative leader to be the next Dean of the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Dean). Founded in 1895, WSU focuses on access and affordability, with a deep commitment to the Wichita community and the State of Kansas as a driver in talent development and economic prosperity. Known for its innovation and growth, WSU is on an impressive trajectory, where collaboration and creativity shape the future of education, with an entrepreneurial spirit embedded in its foundation. 

An emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Wichita State University is one of the nation’s fastest-growing public research universities with a trajectory and momentum rarely seen among peer and aspirant institutions in today’s higher education climate. With an attainable goal to reach R1 status in the next several years, WSU boasts a 130-acre Innovation Campus, a recent partnership with the University of Kansas on the new $300 million Wichita Biomedical Center℠ in downtown Wichita, and the brand new Shocker Success Center. 

The next Dean will join WSU and the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at an exciting moment in the University’s history where courageous, transparent, and empathetic leadership will allow the College to realize its ability to be the center of academic and research excellence on campus. The Dean's primary responsibility is to advance the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ academic quality and research profile through visionary leadership committed to strategic planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical governance, and skillful human and financial resource management. The Dean is charged with supporting and advancing the educational and research agendas of all academic units within Fairmount and closely collaborating with the faculty to further the University’s research production capacity and re-envision the College as a place of distinction for top graduate students and faculty while retaining its commitment to excellence in teaching. The Dean will also enhance the College's educational impact on campus and in the region while ensuring Fairmount remains student-centered, innovation-driven, and entrepreneurial-focused. A deep personal commitment to and demonstrated track record of actively supporting and promoting inclusive excellence is a priority. In line with the University’s strategic plan and priorities, the Dean will work with the other academic Deans and the President’s Executive Team to advance WSU as an innovative university by focusing on increasing enrollment, promoting student success and retention, developing new educational experiences, applied learning, funded research, improvement of facilities, and digital transformation. The Dean will also be responsible for ongoing fundraising efforts in close partnership with the WSU Foundation.

Inquiries, referrals, and resumes accompanied by a cover letter should be submitted below. 

Jackie Mildner is leading this search with Robin Dougherty.

Wichita State University (WSU) does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of age (40 years or older), ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran. WSU also prohibits retaliation against any person making a complaint of discrimination or against any person involved or participating in the investigation of any such allegation. Sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking are forms of sex discrimination and are prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, other federal laws, and WSU policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding WSU’s non-discrimination policies: the Institutional Equity and Compliance Director (Telephone: (316) 978-3205), Title IX Coordinator (Telephone: (316) 978-5177), or Equal Opportunity Coordinator (Telephone: (316) 978-3186), each located at Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260, Human Resources Building.