Lawrence Technological University - Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Lawrence Technological University in its search for Dean, College of Arts and Sciences. 

For full consideration, please apply by March 15th. 

This is an exciting time for a dynamic leader with a passion for shaping vision to join a university amid growth and transformative change. Already moving toward R2 status and building strong research programs, the next Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences will play an integral role in advancing excellence in all forms of research and scholarship while still maintaining the culture of teaching excellence.  

The Dean is the senior administrator and chief academic officer of Lawrence Technological University’s College of Arts and Sciences. As part of the academic leadership team, the Dean will work collaboratively with the Provost, Deans, Chairs,  and administrative units to drive the University’s mission to the next level. In this role, the Dean will develop a vision for the college, map out the strategic steps necessary to achieve that vision, and skillfully manage faculty and staff charged with implementing the College’s strategic plan by embracing a team environment. Additional responsibilities of the position are to manage and drive enrollment growth in the College by fostering a culture of collaboration and working seamlessly across the University to promote a spirit of partnership, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. The next Dean will be an outward-facing individual, skilled at building robust connections with professional organizations, businesses, industry, and the broader community to enhance and elevate the College’s academic reputation and provide opportunities for meaningful involvement with both students and faculty. 

The Dean reports to the Provost and is responsible for advancing the College and University Mission.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead in the development and implementation of the College’s strategic plan, taking full advantage of opportunities to strengthen internal relationships among departments, collaborate with other University units and engage alumni, industry and the profession through projects connected to the community and outreach.
• Manage the College’s enrollment, advancing strategies for recruitment and retention of undergraduate and graduate students.
• Coordinate the development of new and existing academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and raise the academic reputation of the College through the growth of funded scholarship in all its forms.
• Lead the College’s fund development efforts to garner extramural grants and gifts from public and private entities and individuals to support the growth of scholarship and College initiatives.
• Establish sound financial policies consistent with the university financial policies.
• Develop strong, collaborative relationships with other Colleges and disciplines, foster interdisciplinary scholarship at all levels, and develop local and international partnerships.
• Strong, collaborative interactions with the College’s Department Advisory Board for guidance in academic programs and opportunities for support of scholarship, teaching, and learning.
• Promote and facilitate the advancement and development of faculty and staff, including enhancing the quality of teaching and advising.
• Lead faculty in continuously seeking ways to utilize technology and the principles of adult learning to develop engaging, high quality coursework and instruction.
• Represent the College and University effectively in educational, governmental, business and alumni and public forums.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Proven skills in vision, creativity, leadership, scholarship, enrollment management, academic quality, faculty development, fundraising, sponsored research, and community and alumni engagement
• Ability to effectively present information one-on-one and/or in small group situations to faculty, students, and other employees of the organization, as well as individuals and groups external to the University
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills 
• Exceptional analytical/evaluation skills
• Basic database development and database management skills, computer skills using word processing, database and spreadsheet software, and budget management skills
• Skills in qualitative and quantitative methods and tools for analysis, interpretation, and decision-making purposes (for example, metrics and measurements, cost/benefit analysis, financial statement analysis, etc.)
• Superior planning and organizing ability
• Ability to comprehend and resolve complex interpersonal and organizational problems is essential
• Ability to plan and work independently, as well as in teams
• Possess both strong analytical skills and sound instincts to complement programming and service delivery
• Significant personnel management, curriculum development, fundraising, instructional, coaching/counseling/conflict resolution, and change management skills
• Ability to effectively represent the College and the University in educational, governmental, business, alumni, and public forums
• Knowledge of leadership concepts and applications, motivation concepts and applications, third-party contract negotiation, and management techniques, as well as current knowledge of emerging trends in graduate, online, and non-traditional education

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. degree in a field of expertise within the College of Arts and Sciences
• Appropriate administrative and academic experience
• A distinguished record of teaching, research and service appropriate to the level of a full tenured professor in the College
• Significant personnel management, curriculum development, fundraising, instructional, coaching/counseling/conflict resolution, and change management skills
• Budget management skills
• Superior planning and organizing ability
• Track record of participation and leadership in professional and academic associations and ability to engage the professional community

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Exceptional analytical/evaluation skills, including qualitative and quantitative methods and tools for data analysis, interpretation, and decision-making purposes

About the Institution  
  
Lawrence Technological University ranks in the top tier of U.S. News & World Report's America's 2023 Best Colleges and continues to score highly in the most prestigious categories, including being recognized as a “Best Value School.” Founded in 1932 as a college of engineering with only a few hundred students and a handful of faculty; today, LTU offers more than 100 programs in five colleges, with a total enrollment of approximately 3,000 students and employs more than 400 full- and part-time faculty.  Lawrence Tech is among Michigan’s largest independent colleges, with a vibrant and engaged student body offering many co-curricular activities and 29 inter-collegiate athletic teams. 
 
LTU is located in close proximity to many leaders in the automotive, business, healthcare, and other high-tech industries. The University offers a spectrum of degree programs from the associate to the doctoral level. These programs provide students with a learning experience congruent with LTU’s motto - theory and practice. Many LTU students put knowledge into practice through internships, co-ops, and part-time work experiences throughout the academic year.   
 
LTU’s College of Arts and Sciences is composed of three diverse departments - Humanities, Social Sciences, and Communication; Natural Sciences; and Mathematics and Computer Science - which offer a core curriculum taken by all LTU undergraduates in addition to their own majors. Through interactive engagement with literature, history, philosophy, mathematics, science, and the arts, LTU’s core curriculum emphasizes shared intellectual experiences within a community of learning through reading, directed discussions, group presentations, and problem-solving teamwork. College of Arts and Sciences majors are technologically focused and intellectually engaging, producing graduates ready for 21st century careers. 
  
Mission  
 
To develop innovative and agile leaders through a student-centric learning environment and applied research embracing theory and practice.  
    
Living in the Area  
  
The school is located in Southfield, Michigan, a suburban area with a population of 76,000. Oakland County, which includes Southfield, is ranked second in the nation for per capita income among counties with populations exceeding one million people.. Attracting both young professionals and retirees, Southfield offers an urban/suburban blend with restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, museums, galleries, a zoo, and extensive parks and recreation areas with swimming pools, tennis and volleyball courts, and ice rinks. The city also offers 30 miles of cycling, hiking and nature trails, a museum, two public golf courses; and nearly 750 acres of park land.  
  
The area boasts a lower cost of living as well as lower unemployment and crime rates compared to the national average. Additionally, higher spending on schools highlights the benefits of living in Southfield.   
Offering a wealth of opportunities for business and industry, more than 35% of the Global Fortune 500 as well as 63,000 businesses are located in the county.  

To Apply 

For full consideration, please apply by March 15th. 

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications. 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to LTUDeanArtSciences@acesrch.com 
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominees name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.

Lawrence Technological University (LTU) conducts pre-employment screening on initial candidates for all positions, which may include but is not limited to, a criminal background check, verification of academic credentials, license, certifications, and/or verification of work history.  
  
Institution’s EEO Statement  
Lawrence Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.