Frederick L. Hovde Dean of Science

Purdue University is seeking a dynamic and innovative scholar to serve as its next Frederick L. Hovde Dean of the College of Science, and invites applications and nominations from senior academic leaders worldwide.

The College of Science has grown to become Purdue’s second-largest college, and one of its strongest. The College continues on an enormous and sustained upward trajectory, helping to propel Purdue toward its goal of becoming a top-5 public research university nationally. It comprises seven departments spanning the mathematical and computational sciences, the physical sciences, and the life sciences, and its most recently introduced programs in Data Science and in Artificial Intelligence have proved enormously popular. In addition to record enrollments and increases in student profile, the College has also been successful in growing its National Academies membership, mid-career and distinguished senior hiring, and early-career award winners.

The College hosts ~350 faculty, 308 staff, and enrolls approximately 5600 undergraduate students, 1500 graduate students and 110 postdoctoral researchers. Beyond the College, Purdue’s strengths across engineering, agriculture, and the life & health sciences contribute to a robust research and educational environment. New university strategic priorities—the newly re-imagined STEM-focused Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, and Purdue’s presence in Indianapolis, among others still to be announced—present additional opportunities for strong partnerships and collaboration to grow the scholarly impact and distinction of Purdue Science.

The Dean’s role is to provide exceptional scientific vision and leadership in the College, and to foster a culture of academic excellence, freedom of expression, and inclusiveness & belonging. As chief executive officer of the College, the Dean actively represents the College to a variety of constituents inside and outside the University. The Dean also provides leadership for the recruitment and promotion of faculty and staff, budget development, and allocation of fiscal and physical resources within the College. The Dean provides leadership in fundraising and capacity for obtaining extramural support. The Dean reports directly to the Provost of Purdue University and works closely with other deans and vice presidents across key functional areas.

The successful candidate will:

• have a preeminent scientific record in an area represented by the College, and a distinguished record of scholarship appropriate for a tenured full professorship;
• show excellent promise as a leader who can provide scientific, organizational and strategic vision, along with the ability to set priorities, allocate resources, and achieve specific goals;
• have substantial experience with the national research funding environment;
• be an exceptional communicator facilitating connections between departments and across the College;
• demonstrate a deep commitment to undergraduate and graduate education;
• be an effective fundraiser who can secure flexible support for the College;
• be able to connect with all the constituencies served by the University, to best advance the College and Purdue overall.

Qualified candidates will have credentials appropriate for a tenured full professorship and demonstrated excellence in or potential for higher education administration.

Confidential nominations should be submitted at Purdue.Science@edexsearch.com. The search will remain open until a hire is made, but for the fullest consideration, applications should be submitted by April 3, 2023.

Submit the following documents to Purdue.Science@edexsearch.com:

1. a curriculum vitae;
2. a bullet-point summary of key accomplishments in any leadership roles held;
3. a personal statement, not to exceed three pages, addressing the applicant’s vision, leadership and mentoring philosophy, experience, and qualifications; and
4. names and contact information for at least five references, who will not be called without expressed permission.

The Search Committee is chaired by Prof. Richard Kuhn, the Trent and Judith Anderson Distinguished Professor of Science. Purdue University has retained Education Executives to assist with this search. Confidential inquiries and nominations should be sent via e-mail to: Purdue.Science@edexsearch.com.

Additional Information about the Dean Search and the College of Science can be found here.

Purdue's main campus is located in West Lafayette, Indiana, a rapidly-growing, welcoming, and diverse community with a wide variety of cultural activities, events, and industries. Purdue and the College of Science have a Concierge Program that provides dual career assistance and relocation services.

Purdue’s College of Science is committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort, including discovery, instruction, and engagement. Candidates are encouraged to address at least one of these areas in their cover letter, indicating their experiences, current interests or activities, and/or future goals to promote a climate that values diversity, equity and inclusion.

Purdue University and the College of Science are committed to free and open inquiry in all matters. Candidates are encouraged to address in their cover letter how they are prepared to contribute to a climate that values free inquiry and academic freedom.

A background check is required for employment in this position. The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. upon appointment.

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.