Schroeder Family Dean of the College of Business and Engineering

Overview: 

The University of Evansville (UE) is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader for the position of Schroeder Family Dean of the College of Business and Engineering. UE is a private, comprehensive university with a strong foundation in the arts, sciences, and professional programs, dedicated to academic excellence and community impact. The College houses the Schroeder Family School of Business Administration, the School of Engineering and Computer Science, and the Center for the Advancement of Learning.

Role and Responsibilities: 

The Dean will oversee all aspects of teaching, scholarship, and service within the College, working closely with associate deans and reporting to the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. The successful candidate will drive strategic initiatives, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and promote faculty research and development.

Qualifications: 

Candidates should hold a doctoral degree relevant to the College's disciplines, with a strong record in teaching, scholarship, service, and fundraising and grant activity. Experience in cross-discipline program development or management is desirable.

Apply: 

For more information and application instructions, please visit https://wittkieffer.com/positions/25188

Opportunities and Expectations for Leadership:

The Schroeder Family Dean of the College of Business and Engineering (CBE) at the University of Evansville will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the college. The Dean will uphold UE's values of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and education for the whole person while leading CBE through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts. Key expectations include:

• Strategic Vision: Develop and implement a strategic vision for CBE, recognizing synergies across the Schroeder Family School of Business, the School of Engineering and Computer Science, and the Center for the Advancement of Learning. Balance tradition with forward-looking growth.
• Enrollment Growth: Drive student recruitment and retention through a strategic enrollment plan that balances teaching, revenue, and student outcomes. Communicate the college's value to various stakeholders, including prospective and current students, families, and alumni.
• Accreditation Leadership: Guide the college through upcoming accreditation processes, with AACSB reaccreditation for business in 2025-2026 and ABET reaccreditation for engineering in 2026. Collaborate with associate deans to meet contemporary accreditation standards.
• Diversity and Inclusive Excellence: Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion by integrating these principles into teaching, learning, and scholarship. Lead initiatives to make programs accessible and address structural inequalities in policy and practice through collaboration with the campus leadership team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Faculty and Student Development: The Dean will lead efforts to recruit, develop, and retain exceptional faculty, staff, and students. Emphasizing teaching excellence and research, the Dean will foster a supportive, collegial environment that breaks down barriers to hiring and promoting underrepresented groups. The Dean will work with university leadership to invest in mentorship and professional development, ensuring all members of the college community can achieve their full potential.
• Increase Engineering Visibility: The Dean will focus on enhancing the visibility of UE's School of Engineering and Computer Science, which has faced challenges since a past realignment. This includes ramping up marketing and communication efforts to promote the engineering programs locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Program Development: The Dean will be responsible for guiding the approval and growth of new programs, particularly in response to market demand for business and engineering offerings, including graduate programs. This may involve significant infrastructure and resource investment, particularly in engineering. The Dean will also explore ways to support economic development, community initiatives, and experiential learning both domestically and at Harlaxton.
• Visionary Leadership: Experience in shaping and executing a strategic vision, balancing diverse perspectives, and driving results as a data-driven leader.
• Collaborative Approach: A transparent, collegial leadership style that values empathy and the unique cultures within each school.
• Educational Insight: Understanding of project-based learning, hands-on student projects, and current trends affecting private universities.
• Commitment to Equity: Proven experience in implementing impactful changes around equity and racial justice, and supporting diverse faculty, staff, and students.
• Financial Acumen: Strong budget management skills, aligning resources with priorities, and transparent communication on resource allocation.
• Student-Centric Focus: Dedication to improving outcomes for diverse student populations and enhancing the undergraduate experience.
• Accreditation Experience: Familiarity with accrediting bodies and processes for sustaining accreditation.
• External Partnerships: A history of building successful partnerships with donors, alumni, business leaders, and other key stakeholders.
• Fundraising Success: Demonstrated ability to fundraise effectively, representing the college to a broad range of constituencies.
• Superb communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to develop and to nurture professional and strategic relationships with internal partners.
• The highest ethical values and principles in personal and professional endeavors

About the University of Evansville:

Founded in 1854, the University of Evansville (UE) is a private comprehensive university located in southwestern Indiana. With an enrollment of approximately 2,500 students, UE is recognized for its excellence in liberal arts, sciences, and professional programs. A leader in study abroad, UE owns Harlaxton College, a Victorian manor in the UK, where students can immerse themselves in international education.

UE is distinguished as an Ashoka Changemaker Campus, emphasizing social responsibility, and consistently ranks high in national rankings. Notably, U.S. News & World Report named UE the #5 Best Regional Midwest University for 2022-2023. UE is also recognized by Money Magazine as one of the Best Colleges for Your Money (2023) and by the Wall Street Journal as a Top 20 school for student engagement.

The university maintains a long-standing affiliation with The United Methodist Church, fostering a community of inclusiveness and belonging. UE's mission is to empower students to think critically, act bravely, serve responsibly, and live meaningfully in a changing world. The university upholds values of integrity, professionalism, and respect, preparing students for success in both their personal and professional lives.