DePauw University - Dean of the School of Business and Leadership

WittKieffer is proud to partner with DePauw University as it seeks the inaugural dean of its School of Business and Leadership (SBL). Launching in fall 2023, the SBL arose from DePauw’s Bold & Gold strategic planning process and has been further propelled by the enthusiasm of alumni business leaders, students and faculty members eager to be a part of DePauw’s vision of a business school. The SBL will build an experiential and personal business school education on the unparalleled foundation of a liberal arts and sciences education at a United States top 50 liberal arts college. The School will also embody DePauw’s mission, which calls for the University to develop “leaders the world needs through an uncommon commitment to the liberal arts.” 

An important component of DePauw’s strategic plan calls for academic programs that include the introduction of a groundbreaking three-school model. DePauw will center and strengthen the liberal arts and sciences as the foundation for academic innovation, interdisciplinary teaching, and learning, and the elevation of each student’s potential; every DePauw student, regardless of school or major, will be broadly educated in the liberal arts and sciences. The faculty will remain affiliated with their home department or program, allowing each to work with one or more of the three schools – The Creative School, School of Business, and Leadership, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Each school will be championed by a dedicated dean.

The SBL dean serves as the administrative leader of the school as well as the chief advocate for its mission and purpose. The dean will report to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and will also serve as a member of President Lori White’s University Leadership Team, which gives input to the President and her cabinet on matters of institutional importance. The primary responsibility of the dean will be to ensure the execution of the school’s ambition, goals, and operation as both an internal leader and consensus builder as well as an external advocate and relationship builder. The dean also serves as a key spokesperson and fundraiser for the SBL, working closely with leadership across campus to ensure that these agenda items are top priorities. As a strategic partner committed to the university’s success, the dean will work in a dynamic and nimble, environment and engage with faculty, staff, prospective students, alumni, and community stakeholders in a culture that fully embraces and encourages transparent and inclusive dialogue.

The new SBL dean will be an inspiring, strategic, and creative leader with an unwavering commitment to DePauw University and its legacy. The selected candidate will also be an entrepreneur and innovator who is infused with a collaborative spirit. In addition, the dean will be a distinguished leader who is ready to seize the opportunities that the dynamic DePauw alumni network and corporate community offer. Candidates will possess the academic credentials and record of academic accomplishments, or comparable industry achievements, to qualify for a faculty appointment. A minimum of a master’s degree and a proven record of broad and progressive administrative and leadership experience, including leadership that centers issues of diversity, equity and inclusion, is required.

All 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 the Leadership Profile.

WittKieffer is assisting DePauw University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by Friday, February 17^th. Application materials should be submitted to WittKieffer’s candidate portal using the buttons below.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Greg Duyck and Natalie Song at DePauwDeanBusinessSchool@wittkieffer.com.

DePauw University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: Women, members of underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

In affirmation of its commitment to excellence, DePauw University, endeavors to provide equal opportunity for all individuals in its hiring, promotion, compensation, and admission procedures. Institutional decisions regarding hiring, promotion, compensation and admission will be based upon a person’s qualifications and/or performance without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, age, gender, gender identity or gender expression, except where religion, gender, or national origin is a bona fide occupational qualification.

DePauw University’s goals and commitments are best served if the institution reflects the diversity of our society; hence, DePauw seeks diversity in all areas and levels of employment and abides by all local, state, and federal regulations concerning equal employment opportunities. The university admits, hires and promotes individuals upon their qualities and merits.