Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

Eastern Michigan University seeks a visionary and strategic leader to serve as the next Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). As the largest academic unit at the university, CAS is home to a diverse range of disciplines, outstanding faculty, and innovative programs that contribute to the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of the institution. The Dean will play a central role in advancing academic excellence, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthening student success and community engagement.

Position Overview :

Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean serves as the Colleges Chief Academic Officer and a key member of the Provosts senior leadership team. The Dean will work collaboratively with fellow deans, faculty, university leaders, and external partners to enhance academic offerings, student experiences, and community partnerships. The Dean is responsible for :

• Providing strategic leadership in academic program development, research, and faculty engagement.
• Managing resources effectively, including budgeting, fundraising, and external partnerships.
• Strengthening student recruitment, retention, and success initiatives through innovative strategies and support programs.
• Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and expanding opportunities for research and creative activities.
• Advancing the Colleges role in community engagement, including the pursuit of the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement.

The Dean oversees 18 departments spanning the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and arts, as well as interdisciplinary programs and research centers. The College provides high-quality education through small- and medium-sized classes, personalized faculty mentorship, and a strong commitment to experiential learning.

Key Leadership Priorities :

Academic Excellence & Innovation

The Dean will lead efforts to modernize and enhance academic programs to meet evolving student and workforce needs. By working with faculty and university leadership, the Dean will support curricular innovation, program expansion, and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure the College continues to be a leader in academic and research excellence.

Student Success & Engagement

Partnering with faculty, student affairs, and enrollment management, the Dean will develop initiatives that enhance student engagement, advising, and academic support. By fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging, the Dean will work to improve retention, achievement, and timely graduation rates.

Financial Stewardship & Resource Development

The Dean will be responsible for strategic financial management and fundraising efforts that expand support for faculty, students, and programs. The Dean will work with university advancement to strengthen philanthropic initiatives, pursue external grants, and develop partnerships with industry, government, and community organizations.

Community Engagement & Regional Impact

The College plays a vital role in regional development and public engagement. The Dean will build and strengthen relationships with local, state, and national partners to enhance opportunities for community-based research, service-learning, and workforce development initiatives.

Required Qualifications :

Preferred Qualifications :

The College of Arts and Sciences at EMU :

The College of Arts and Sciences is the intellectual and creative heart of Eastern Michigan University, offering a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts. The College is home to a diverse and dedicated faculty, committed to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and global awareness. Faculty are actively engaged in research and creative scholarship, providing students with hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for meaningful careers and lifelong learning.

The College also houses several research centers and institutes, including :

EMU is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that a thriving university community must be built on principles of equity, freedom, and justice. The College of Arts and Sciences prioritizes diverse perspectives, interdisciplinary collaboration, and inclusive excellence in all its academic and community efforts.

About Eastern Michigan University :

Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University is among the most diverse public universities in Michigan, serving more than 19,000 students in over 300 academic programs across six colleges. EMU is recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its commitment to social mobility, reflecting its mission as a welcoming institution of opportunity.

EMU is currently pursuing the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, underscoring its role as a regional leader in civic partnerships and experiential learning.

Nomination and Application Process :

The Search Committee invites letters of interest and nominations to be submitted to the search firm Anthem Executive.

Applications should include :

Send materials to Scott Watson, Michael Ballew, JR Wheless, or Florene Stawowy at :

EMICHDeanCAS@AnthemExecutive.com

Equal Opportunity Statement

Eastern Michigan University is committed to diversity and inclusion and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or veteran status. EMU complies with all applicable federal and state non-discrimination laws, including Title IX and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

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