Associate Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Academic Innovation

Michigan State University, Lyman Briggs College

Associate Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Academic Innovation

Michigan State University's Lyman Briggs College invites applications, nomination, and expressions of interest for the position of associate dean of inclusive excellence and academic innovation.

Lyman Briggs College (LBC) was founded in 1967 and focuses on the study of the sciences in their societal and global contexts. It is one of three residential, degree-granting colleges at Michigan State University (MSU) that are focused on undergraduate teaching and learning and provide living-learning communities for their students. By majors, LBC is the 8th largest college on campus, with approximately 2,000 students and approximately 65 faculty and professional staff members including a student success and advising team with academic and career advising professionals. Located in East Lansing, three miles east of Michigan's capitol in Lansing, MSU's campus is one of the biggest and greenest in the nation.

The Position
The associate dean of inclusive excellence and academic innovation (associate dean) is an essential role within the college's leadership team. The associate dean's portfolio will focus on advancing inclusive excellence across all key functional areas of the college, with particular attention to the core area of teaching and learning. This position will play a key role in implementing the LBC 2032 Strategic Plan, especially in the areas of Strengthening Community and Advancing Inclusive, Interdisciplinary, and Experiential Teaching, Advising & Learning, in alignment with the MSU Strategic Plan and DEI Report and Plan. The associate dean will provide intellectual and strategic leadership to promote inclusive excellence and exceptional teaching and learning experiences. The person appointed to this position will build positive relationships within the vibrant LBC community of faculty, students, staff, advisors, and alumni, as well as with those advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at MSU, notably the Council of Diversity Deans, Faculty Excellence Advocates, the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, and the LBC Inclusion Committee. The associate dean will supervise ten employees, including three direct reports.

The associate dean reports to the dean of Lyman Briggs College. Associate deans at MSU are considered faculty members. However, this position is a full-time, annual year (12-month), and 100% administrative role. The successful candidate will begin January 2024 (exact start date negotiable), the first (renewable) appointment will be effective for five years, and the position will be supported by the executive assistant to the associate deans.

Qualifications
Candidates must have an advanced degree and five years of relevant experience. The ideal candidate will possess most, if not all, of the following qualifications and characteristics:

• A PhD or other terminal degree, preferably in one of the disciplinary and/or interdisciplinary areas of the college.
• Three years of administrative or leadership experience in higher education.
• Demonstrated understanding of the challenges faced by members of underrepresented and/or marginalized groups and the visible and invisible institutional structures needed to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in educational settings.
• Evidence of developing, implementing, and/or assessing initiatives that advance DEIB and address barriers.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching through the use of innovative and evidence-based approaches in their classrooms.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving with a wide range of individuals, groups, and institutions to achieve results and effect change.
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic thinking and effective administration.

Application and Nomination
Michigan State University has retained Spelman Johnson, a national executive search firm, to assist with this search. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, application materials should be received by September 25, 2023. A resume with a cover letter that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the online position specification may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions.

Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.

Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to Jim Norfleet, practice leader and senior consultant, at jmn@spelmanjohnson.com.

Visit the Michigan State University website at https://msu.edu/ and the Lyman Briggs College website at https://lbc.msu.edu/.

Michigan State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.