Dean, College of Business and Technology, University of Nebraska at Kearney

The University of Nebraska at Kearney seeks a visionary and dedicated leader to serve as the Dean of the College of Business and Technology. Central to the mission and vision of the University of Nebraska at Kearney, the College is a special combination of traditional programs in business with those in technology areas. The CBT mission focuses on professional preparation of a diverse student body by providing a student-centered learning environment and advancing knowledge through applied and pedagogical scholarship and service to stakeholders.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY
The College of Business & Technology is AACSB accredited; one of less than 5% of the Colleges of Business in the world to carry this distinction. The mission of CBT is to provide value to Nebraska by preparing our diverse student body to compete in dynamic professional environments and by promoting academic, social, technological, and economic development. The College takes particular pride in its:

• Commitment to all students’ participation in experiential learning—a signature component of the undergraduate educational experience at UNK
• Personalized attention to students and engagement with alumni
• Excellence in faculty and education a delivery, as evidenced by its AACSB accreditation
• Commitment to diversity and global education
• Strong relationships with business and industry across the state of Nebraska and beyond

Business departments in the College include Accounting/Finance/Economics, Cyber Systems, Management, Marketing/Agribusiness/Supply Chain Management and Industrial Technology areas include Aviation, Construction Management, Industrial Distribution, and Interior and Product Design. The College of Business and Technology also offers a vibrant MBA program with a mix of fully online and blended courses. Additionally, the College of Business and Technology has several dynamic Outreach Centers that are a source of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit for the College, including the Nebraska Safety Center; the Center for Entrepreneurship and Rural Development; the Nebraska Business Development Center; and the Center for Economic Education.

The west end of the UNK campus is emerging as an exciting new hub of programmatic innovation. The juxtaposition of the College of Business and Technology, the University of Nebraska Medical Center programs, the new STEM building, and the University Village is poised to inspire new synergies and possibilities for the College.

THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT KEARNEY
Founded in 1903, UNK is one of four distinct university campuses comprising the University of Nebraska system governed by the NU Board of Regents and President. Sister campuses include the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Omaha, and University of Nebraska Medical Center (Omaha). The system also includes the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture located in Curtis. The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a public, residential university committed to being one of the nation’s premier undergraduate institutions with excellent graduate education, scholarship, and public service.

Originally founded as a normal school to provide education to aspiring teachers, today UNK offers 81 undergraduate majors, 23 pre-professional programs, 32 master’s degrees, and 10 certificates. Under the leadership of Interim Chancellor Charlie Bicak, UNK’s residential campus mission is flourishing through high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs complemented by quality online programs. UNK has partnered with the UNMC Campus to offer allied health programs and increase nursing enrollments on the Kearney campus—these and other programs are essential for meeting the health needs of central Nebraska and the region.

UNK takes pride in putting “students first,” the work ethic its students bring to the classroom and lab, its historical emphasis on teaching and learning, and educational access and affordability. It boasts a 13 to 1 student-teacher ratio with 315 full-time and 156 part-time faculty. More than 74% of full- time faculty have completed the highest degrees in their fields. Students receive an incredible and unforgettable educational experience because of UNK’s welcoming and inclusive environment to all cultures, viewpoints, and ideas.

CAMPUS LIFE
UNK’s student population is comprised of 4,213 undergraduate students and 1,668 graduate students. Students come to UNK from 92 of the 93 Nebraska counties, 47 of the 50 states, and over 55 countries.

UNK is a strong residential student-centered campus, with nearly 40% of the undergraduate population residing on campus. Residential life facilities include seven traditional-style residence halls, one suite-style residence hall, two Greek chapter house complexes, and one university apartment complex. Campus is comprised of 515 acres, including the new University Village. UNK has more than 48 buildings including classrooms, labs, residence halls, and athletic venues. The location of the campus offers easy access to the city’s vibrant and growing community including: cultural events, shopping centers, outdoor recreational facilities, affordable housing, award-winning restaurants, as well as hockey, musical shows, plays, and a variety of concerts, many within walking distance of the campus.

In March of 2016, construction began on the first phase of the University Village project, a shared vision of former Chancellor Douglas Kristensen and the local community, structured as a public-private partnership. This 104-acre mixed-use development (academic, retail, office, residential, service, and recreation) is a source of great pride and a sign of the strength of town/gown relations between Kearney and UNK. University Village is a community where university faculty, staff and students, retirees, and others wanting to locate near the amenities offered can live and work adjacent to campus, in townhouses, apartments, and single-family dwellings, and have walking access to neighborhood businesses. In addition, UNK has invested more than $100 million in renovating or expanding every academic building and residence hall.

A Member of NCAA Division II, Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association, Loper athletics include softball, football, volleyball, wrestling, women’s swimming and diving, women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s tennis, women’s golf, and men’s and women’s track and field. UNK athletes are students first, boasting an average cumulative GPA for all 14 teams consistently above 3.0.

STUDENT SUCCESS
Many UNK graduates become administrative leaders in both the public and private sectors of the state and the nation. Others go on to successfully apply to medical, law, and other professional and graduate schools across the country. All students in the College of Business & Technology are required to complete an experiential learning internship prior to graduation. This is highly regarded by prospective employers as evidenced by the near 100% job placement rate in many areas. The CBT Career Center provides personal and professional development for CBT students through experiential learning and career planning.

BUDGET AND FINANCE
The University of Nebraska at Kearney and NU system are financially sound as evidenced by successful annual compliance audits by the State Auditor’s Office. UNK and NU have not experienced state funding decreases as drastic as those in some other states, and NU bond ratings are strong. Operating on a biennial budget cycle, the system and campus are required to maintain balanced budgets. UNK is increasingly dependent on tuition revenue and continues to analyze strategies to enhance enrollment and retention to increase credit hour production while expanding access to UNK’s quality academic programs for traditional and non-traditional students. The public/ private development of UNK’s University Village presents unprecedented opportunities to achieve these and other strategic goals.

KEARNEY COMMUNITY
UNK is in the middle of Kearney, Nebraska, a vibrant, attractive, progressive and growing community of more than 35,000 people, which is, in turn, in the middle of the state. Kearney often makes national “top places to live” listings for numerous reasons, but it all comes down to this: Kearney offers a great quality of life. Kearney is small, yet continually growing; and modern, yet tenacious about preserving its distinctive traditions and pioneering heritage. Kearney’s citizens and members of the UNK community are known for their welcoming efforts to make immediate connections with newcomers.

Kearney’s bustling economy co-exists with the enviable quality of life that results from high-quality housing, excellent schools, medical care and other government services, a multitude of recreational and cultural opportunities for adults and children of all ages, and safe, welcoming neighborhoods. The unemployment rate in Kearney remains near the lowest in the nation. Kearney’s historic downtown features brick-paved streets and its bike trails, parks, golf courses, event center, and other entertainment and recreational opportunities bring people of all ages to events and activities every day.

Kearney’s alignment along the Platte River provides a picturesque backdrop where annually the world watches the Sandhill crane migration. For six weeks, late February to early April, more than 80% of the world’s population of Sandhill cranes converges on Nebraska’s Platte River, making Kearney the Sandhill Crane Capital of the world. The city is located in the very center of America’s heartland, a 4 ½ -hour drive to Denver to the west, 5-hour drive to Kansas City to the southeast and 2 ½ hours to Omaha to the east.
    
AUTHORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Dean is the chief administrative officer of the Colleges’ Departments and Centers and is expected to provide academic, professional, and administrative leadership to faculty and students. Duties include providing academic leadership for the College; overseeing and improving College academic programs; administering faculty promotion, tenure, and evaluation procedures; managing the College budget and facilities; recruiting and retaining excellent students and faculty; participating in annual and strategic planning both within the College and campus-wide; collaborating with the University of Nebraska Foundation on external fundraising; fostering innovative outreach and engagement; and communicating effectively with internal and external constituencies. The Business Programs are accredited by AACSB. The Technology Programs are also accredited—Industrial Technology by ATMAE, Interior & Product Design by CIDA, and Cyber Systems by ABET. As such, the Dean will guide the further development of the College while ensuring continued accreditation. The Dean will be a collaborative and collegial campus leader, working with other Deans and administrators to fulfill the mission of the University.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS    
An earned doctorate in a discipline within UNK’s College of Business and Technology or closely allied area. A record of demonstrated excellence in teaching and scholarship warranting appointment at the rank of Professor in a Department of the College. Substantive understanding of and experience with accreditation standards such as those for the AACSB and other accreditations held by the colleges’ programs. Successful leadership experience and budget responsibility at the department chair level or higher. Evidence of achievements in enhancing academic excellence, experiential learning, research opportunities, enrollment management and recruiting, and/or external fundraising.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 
The next dean of the College of Business and Technology will have demonstrated the capacity to work effectively with senior administrative colleagues, students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and with community and disciplinary groups related to business and technology. The ability to develop creative and supportive collaborations among a diverse array of academic departments and interdisciplinary programs. The capacity to implement innovative initiatives to meet the needs of a rural, entrepreneurial ecosystem.

NOMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications should consist of (1) a detailed cover letter not to exceed five pages addressing the above-listed expectations of the position (2) a current CV; and (3) a list of five references with contact information and a notation describing the work relationship with each. References will not be contacted without explicit permission from the candidate. The position will remain open until filled, but only applications received by January 31, 2025 can be assured full consideration. 

Questions regarding the position can be submitted to Paul Twigg at twiggp@unk.edu. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to 308-865-8615 or employment@unk.edu.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney is responsive to University issues which supports a diverse work and academic environment. It is the policy of the University of Nebraska at Kearney not to discriminate based on age, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, pregnancy, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran’s status, marital status, religion, or political affiliation. This policy applies to all University administered programs including educational programs, financial aid, admission policies, and employment policies. UNK is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity employer. Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The University affirms a policy of equal educational and employment opportunities, affirmative action in employment, and nondiscrimination in providing services to the public. University employees, students, and others associated with the University who have not received the benefits of these policies are encouraged to contact the Human Resources Director/ADA Coordinator. For a copy of the University of Nebraska at Kearney's Annual Security Report, you may contact the Office of Police and Parking Services or visit the website: http://www.unk.edu/annual_security_report.