Dean - College of Engineering and Technology

Dean – College of Engineering and Technology

Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University (WCU) seeks a proven leader who understands the complexities of leading and administering an engaged College of Engineering and Technology (CET) in the context of shared governance. The CET Dean reports to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and, as a member of the Provost Council, works collaboratively with other deans and members of the Academic Affairs staff. The CET includes approximately 30 faculty and 10 staff members who serve approximately 850 undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Engineering + Technology and the Kimmel School of Construction Management.

Position Summary

The Dean is responsible for overseeing multiple processes including, but not limited to, budgeting, faculty recruitment and hiring, faculty retention, program assessment and review, strategic planning, space allocation, infrastructure oversight, policy management, and personnel management (including the collegial review process). Other responsibilities include:

• Fostering student excellence in learning; faculty excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service; and staff excellence in job performance, professional development, and growth.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with key community partners to enhance the College’s presence and significance in the region.
• Pursuing both internal and external development to support the College’s programs and initiatives.
• Leading the College in resource development and the recruitment, appointment, supervision, and career progression/development of faculty and staff.
• Serving as an effective advocate for the College’s students, faculty, staff, and programs.
• Fostering a climate in the College that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Providing leadership to support and grow the research enterprise of the College.
• Maintaining sensitivity to faculty and staff viewpoints and seeking appropriate means for addressing their concerns to create a healthy, cooperative work environment.
• Developing a compelling vision and strategic direction for the College that is consistent with the University’s strategic plan in collaboration with faculty, staff, and students.

Job posting and application details can be found at https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/17661

Minimum Qualifications              

Minimum qualifications include a terminal degree from an accredited institution with an academic record that qualifies the candidate for tenure at the rank of full professor in one of the academic disciplines within the College (Engineering, Engineering Technology, or Construction Management) and a record of progressively more responsible academic leadership positions.

Preferred Qualifications              

Preferred qualifications include a history of progressively more responsible academic leadership positions characterized by:

• An open, collaborative, and transparent leadership style with a focus on shared decision-making.
• A solid commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching excellence, faculty scholarship, and creative activities as characterized by the Boyer Model of Scholarship, and the significance of applied research in regional economic development.
• Experience with developing resources to support faculty research and engagement, including grant writing, sponsored research, and technology transfer.
• Experience recruiting, retaining, mentoring, and developing faculty and staff.
• Experience managing a complex budget, integrating budget decisions and strategic planning, and ensuring institutional efficiency.
• A clear understanding of SACSCOC and ABET accreditation processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to represent the University and the College to external audiences, including corporate partners.
• A meaningful commitment to and demonstrated accomplishment in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion for students, faculty, and staff.
• A clear understanding of cutting-edge methods and instructional technologies to support teaching and student learning.
• Three or more years of industry experience.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.

Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu