Valparaiso University

Dean, College of Arts and Sciences Search   Valparaiso University invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Founded in 1859, Valparaiso University is located in Valparaiso, Indiana, an hour’s drive from Chicago and only 15 miles from Indiana Dunes National Park and central commuter train station. Valparaiso University’s College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college, and, today, is the home to 19 departments which offer over 40 majors with both undergraduate and master degrees. Currently, all general education classes are housed in the College of Arts and Sciences.   The Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of the College of Arts and Sciences and reports directly to Provost Eric W. Johnson ’87, Ph.D. The Dean is responsible for all aspects of planning, leadership, and administration of the College of Arts and Sciences. The Dean will be expected to demonstrate innovative leadership and provide vigorous support of the academic programs by fostering relationships within the college, the University community, and various external constituencies. Direct reports include the department chairs, two assistant deans, two associate deans and an executive assistant. The Dean oversees a budget of $25 million.   In addition to leading the college, the Dean will work closely with fellow deans, the Office of the Provost, and the Offices of Admissions and Advancement on major University initiatives. Valparaiso University developed a new strategic plan, https://www.valpo.edu/uplift-valpo/files/2022/07/SP_Exec_Sum_Goals_approved_July2022.pdf, during the 2021-2023 academic years and the incoming Dean will be a thought partner and important voice in the implementation process, sharing innovative ideas and traditional strengths related to the structure and programs housed in the college.   The Dean must demonstrate thoughtful and tactical leadership as the higher education landscape and demands from industry continue to evolve. The Dean will have a solid track record of building consensus and inspiring leadership with a wide variety of constituents, including University leadership, colleagues, students, alumni, donors, and the general public. The Dean will be expected to work with colleagues across campus to establish a vision for the college that will allow it to innovate and continue to enhance and build on the stellar reputation of the college.   The incoming Dean will find a welcoming community of committed faculty and staff who are dedicated to their students, their scholarship, and to the liberal arts mission of the University and the College of Arts and Sciences. The Dean’s leadership agenda focuses on supporting this mission and seeking out new opportunities for innovation and collaboration. At the same time, the new Dean will attend to the important operational matters that make continued excellence within campus structures. Assuring sound operations and administration is important and necessary but not sufficient for the College to reach the promise of its future.   Academic Search is assisting Valparaiso University in this search. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be held in strict confidence. To learn more about this opportunity, potential candidates are welcome to schedule a conversation with the Senior Consultant for this search – Dr. Linda McMillin (linda.mcmillin@academicsearch.org). Please see the position profile at https://academicsearch.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/ASI-Valparaiso-University-Dean-COA-Sciences-ProfilepFINAL.pdf . Applicants should send these separate documents (in PDF format) to ValparaisoDean@academicsearch.org by February 23, 2024. • A detailed cover letter, addressed to the Search Committee, expressing your interest in this position and addressing how you meet the qualifications as outlined in the profile; • A current resume/curriculum vitae; and • A list of five professional references, including names, titles, organizations, phone numbers, and email addresses, noting your relationship with each reference.   Valparaiso University maintains a policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or (as qualified herein) religion or any protected classification under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, job benefits, pay, dismissal, social and recreational activities. An institution committed to its Lutheran traditions, the University reserves the right to promote the teachings of the church and to exercise preferences in employment-related practices in favor of Lutherans.