University of Iowa - Dean of Engineering

The University of Iowa (UI) seeks a transformational, experienced and engaged leader with a deep commitment to collaboration and an interdisciplinary focus to serve as its next dean of the College of Engineering.

The University of Iowa is one of the nation’s premier public research universities with over 30,000 students from more than 100 countries and all 50 states. Founded in 1847, it is the state’s oldest institution of higher education and is located alongside the picturesque Iowa River in Iowa City. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) since 1909 and the Big Ten Conference since 1899, UI is home to one of the largest and most acclaimed medical centers in the country, as well as the famous Iowa Writers’ Workshop.

The College of Engineering is one of 12 colleges at The University of Iowa. With educational courses dating back more than 100 years, the College today has a total enrollment of 2,037 undergraduate and graduate students with 28% of the undergraduate students identifying as female. The College teaches undergraduate and graduate coursework in biomedical, chemical and biochemical, civil and environmental, electrical and computer, industrial and systems engineering and mechanical engineering. UI Engineering is recognized for its personalized student-oriented mission coupled with the resources of a major research university. Its undergraduate students become “engineers…and something more,” by combining a rigorous technical education with essential 21^st Century skills in teamwork, communication, global awareness, leadership, entrepreneurship and creativity—the “uniquely Iowa” approach.

The next dean of the College of Engineering will be expected to develop a forward-looking, innovative and strategic vision for the future of the College, one that will unify the College around shared goals and serve as a guidepost for key decisions and investment of resources. Included in this vision must be a clearly articulated value proposition for the College to attract prospective students, faculty and staff. Essential to the College’s future is further strengthening its research and academic programs, capitalizing on its considerable interdisciplinary expertise and capacity. Equally important is growing and enhancing the college’s graduate education programs. The next dean is expected to take a considerable role in advancing diversity and inclusion, a foundational element of strengthening the College community. All of these efforts must rest on a foundation of strong, highly collaborative relationships across the university, within the College and out into the community with alumni, donors and industry leaders to grow partnerships, visibility and resources to enable the College to thrive.

The next dean must have a record of excellence in scholarly achievement, funded research, teaching and service appropriate for a tenured appointment at the level of full professor in a department at the College. The dean must have a record of administrative leadership at the center director, department chair level or higher and demonstrate the administrative, fiscal and operational acumen required to manage a complex program of six departments and nine centers within the context of a highly decentralized, modified RCM budget model. The dean should demonstrate inspiring leadership qualities and exceptional interpersonal, collaboration and communication skills. The next dean must have the ability to formulate and complete transformative initiatives to improve organizational efficiency, resilience and revenue. Additionally, the dean should be an experienced fundraiser and, in coordination with the UI Center for Advancement development staff, forge strong relationships and engage donors, alumni and industry leaders in a significant upcoming fundraising campaign. The dean will be a highly engaged and accessible leader and must have a deep and steadfast commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.

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 profile.

WittKieffer is assisting the University of Iowa in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by March 29, 2023.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal, via the links below. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Suzanne Teer and Julia Bradley at IowaEngineeringDean@wittkieffer.com.

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences.