College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean Search

Wayne State University is seeking its next dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Founded in 1868, Wayne State University is a nationally recognized metropolitan research institution that offers more than 370 academic programs to over 30,000 students. Located in midtown Detroit, Wayne State’s main campus consists of 102 buildings which span over 200 acres, and its five extension centers offer higher education to people throughout Southeast Michigan. The 13 schools and colleges at the university include the School of Business Administration; the College of Education; the College of Engineering; the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts; the Graduate School; the Irvin D. Reid Honors College; the Law School; the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; the School of Library and Information Science; the School of Medicine; the College of Nursing; the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; and the School of Social Work. Annual research expenditures for the university exceed $250 million.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) enrolls more than 13,500 students and offers a range of majors, minors and co-majors across 19 departments and more than a dozen programs, centers, and institutes. With more than 400 faculty members, CLAS provides the core learning experience in the university. CLAS also has a number of top-ranked departments and receives more than $20 million in annual research funding.

Reporting to the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, the dean is the chief academic and administrative officer. The successful candidate will be expected to provide visionary leadership for the college’s academic and research programs including budget management, faculty recruitment and resource development. Effectively working across the range of disciplines in CLAS and developing new or restructured programs that bridge those disciplines will be important.

The successful candidate will have strong administrative skills, preferably developed in a large, complex environment; the ability to raise funds effectively and develop resources; and excellent interpersonal and communication skills. This individual also should have a commitment to diversity consistent with the university’s mission as an urban public research institution. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree from an accredited institution and have a record of teaching and scholarly or professional attainment that merits appointment as a professor with tenure. For additional information on Wayne State University, please visit: http://wayne.edu/.

Initial screening of applicants will begin by January 9, 2012, and continue until the position is filled. Wayne State University will be assisted by Ellen Brown and Cynthia Greenleaf of Heidrick & Struggles, Inc. Inquiries, nominations and applications should be directed to the address below. Nominations of qualified candidates are encouraged. Candidates should include a resume and letter of interest (electronic submissions preferred).

Download job description (PDF)

Initial screening of applicants will begin by January 9, 2012, and continue until the position is filled. Wayne State University will be assisted by Ellen Brown and Cynthia Greenleaf of Heidrick & Struggles, Inc. Inquiries, nominations and applications should be directed to the address below. Nominations of qualified candidates are encouraged. Candidates should include a resume and letter of interest (electronic submissions preferred).

Wayne State College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean Search
Heidrick & Struggles, Inc.
303 Peachtree Street, NE
Suite 4300
Atlanta, GA 30308
Email: waynestate@heidrick.com
 

Heidrick & Struggles Team

Search Committee