Job description
Purdue University seeks nominations and applications for its Justin S. Morrill Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, a key leadership role on campus that is more critical than ever before to the University’s future. Purdue is a STEM-forward university, with over 75% of its undergraduates studying for STEM degrees, meaning that the liberal arts play a uniquely crucial and differentiated role in strengthening Purdue’s scholarly excellence as a comprehensive research university. Known for its longstanding commitments to freedom of expression, academic freedom and institutional neutrality—the “home and sponsor of critics,” in the words of Chicago’s Kalven Report, the intellectual setting at Purdue provides unique and unparalleled opportunities for the right candidate.
Working in conjunction with University leadership, the new Dean will have the opportunity to develop and implement a strategic vision for the College, which spans diverse disciplines and programs across the liberal arts and social sciences. Reporting to Purdue’s provost, and working closely with his/her counterpart in the natural sciences as well as other key deans on campus, the Justin S. Morrill Dean serves as the chief academic officer for the College of Liberal Arts and is responsible for its strategic, programmatic, and financial operations in their entirety. Representing the College effectively and championing its values to a wide range of constituencies and stakeholders—external as well as internal—will be a key aspect of the role.
The College offers a comprehensive and dynamic intellectual and academic experience, with 40+ majors as well as certificates and minors across 10 departments and schools: the Department of Anthropology, Brian Lamb School of Communication, Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance, Department of English, Department of History, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Languages and Cultures, Department of Philosophy, Department of Political Science, and Department of Sociology. With a student body of more than 3,000, a dedicated team of over 250 faculty and 125 staff, and a vibrant alumni network exceeding 50,000, the College fosters a strong sense of community and purpose.
Purdue itself is a leading public research university pursuing excellence at scale. Ranked among the top 10 public universities nationwide and with two colleges in the top four in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. Purdue’s continued commitment to affordability and accessibility has led to an expansion of its West Lafayette main campus to include a burgeoning presence in the heart of Indianapolis where new opportunities abound.
Purdue seeks candidates with the vision, experience base and integrity to be highly successful in a complex higher education setting, along with a track record that will make them suitable for appointment, either as tenured faculty or professional faculty, at the rank of full professor within one of the College’s home disciplines. Ideal candidates may possess one or more of the following traits: An excellent administrative skill set with a proven record of providing vision and leadership and the ability to set priorities, allocate resources, and achieve specific goals; an exceptional ability as a communicator; a deep commitment to undergraduate, professional, and graduate education; effectiveness at fundraising and helping to secure additional support for major College initiatives; an ability to connect with all the constituencies served by the University and be able to articulate the goals of the College and University; a demonstrated record of supporting faculty research and creative works in the liberal arts; and the ability and willingness to champion the value and relevance of the humanities and the arts within the unique context of the Purdue community and beyond.
To view the full position profile visit: https://www.dsgco.com/search/22294-purdue-unive rsity-dean-college-of-liberal-arts/
How to apply
Candidates should submit the following materials via the DSG | Storbeck Talent Profile, https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/22294: A cover letter outlining interest in the position and detailing relevant qualifications; a statement detailing leadership philosophy and experiences; and a current curriculum vitae.
Nominations (including self-nominations) and inquiries should be directed to:
Steve Leo, Managing Director
Vicki Henderson, Senior Associate
DSG | Storbeck
[email protected]
This is a full-time 12-month appointment, on-site at Purdue University’s main campus location spanning West Lafayette and Indianapolis. Salary commensurate with experience with a generous benefits package.
A background check is required for employment in this position.
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.
