Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Bryant University seeks a bold and visionary leader capable of integrating and elevating 21st century learning in the College of Arts and Sciences and establishing Arts and Sciences as a vital unit within the overall academic profile of the University. The University invites nominations and applications for an experienced and forward-looking academic leader to serve as its next Dean. The Dean will join an exceptional community of faculty, students and administrators who are preparing for a period of dynamic growth and change under the leadership of the University's new President Ross Gittell, Ph.D.

The successful candidate will serve as an advocate for and intellectual leader of the College of Arts and Sciences. As such, the Dean will have an opportunity to raise the profile and define the scope of Arts and Sciences within the context of the well-established programs in Business and the emerging programs in Health and Behavioral Sciences at Bryant. The Dean will demonstrate a deep commitment to education in the arts and sciences, and the innovative drive to develop programs and areas of inquiry that support existing curricular strengths while introducing new areas of study to reinforce the evolving profile of the University. Interdisciplinary program development within or related to the social sciences is of particular interest to the University. Bryant University has for many years had an impressive record of creating career opportunities for students that underscore the school's mission of serving as an engine for the economic and social mobility of its students. The successful candidate will be an entrepreneurial leader committed to equality, fairness, and the virtues of diversity while playing a leadership role in defining the school’s next chapter.

Throughout its 157-year history, Bryant University has been recognized for innovative academic programs that are marketplace driven and highly attuned to the emerging needs of industry and society. Building on its historic strength as a College of Business, in 2004 Bryant added the College of Arts and Sciences which offers both majors and minors that support the Business curriculum. Currently there are eight departments (Math, Communication, Economics, History and Social Sciences, English and Cultural Studies, Psychology, Modern Languages and Science and Technology) supporting 14 undergraduate majors and numerous minors and concentrations. The most recent school, the School of Health Sciences, was established in 2014 with the introduction of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. 

Historically, approximately three fourths of undergraduate students have majored in Business. All undergraduates who major in Business are required to minor in the College of Arts and Sciences, and those who major in the College of Arts and Sciences minor in the College of Business. The University expects these ratios to shift increasingly as the Arts and Sciences curriculum is developed to highlight areas of professional relevance and to be in strategic alignment with the career and professional aspirations of Bryant students. Bryant’s close-knit, student-centered community of scholars delivers graduate and undergraduate academic programs that emphasize this integrated academic model. The University, located in Smithfield, RI (10 miles outside of Providence and less than an hour from Boston), is a residential campus on nearly 450 acres of a purpose-built campus. Bryant offers a rich array of co-curricular opportunities, service-learning programs, and an emphasis on building character and leadership skills through all of its programs and services. For the Fall, 2020 semester, the University is offering its academic programs in a HyFlex format. 

The University’s three schools — the College of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Health Sciences educate more than 3,200 undergraduate and 375 graduate students. Before the Fall of 2020, over 80% of undergraduate students resided on campus, including 94% of first-year students. Dr. Ross Gittell joined Bryant in July as the University’s ninth President. 

Applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile. 

WittKieffer is assisting Bryant University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by December 18, 2020 via WittKieffer’s candidate portal.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Sheila Murphy and Jennifer Meyers Pickard, Ph.D.
BUDeanCAS@wittkieffer.com

Bryant University is an EEO/AA Employer and an institution committed to diversifying its students, staff and faculty.

Bryant University provides an inclusive and welcoming educational and working environment for all members of its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual preference or orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, ethnicity, disability, genetic information, protected veteran or marital status.