Director/Dean - Forensic Science Institute

Online application must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a list of three references with contact information, and transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate degrees and degrees in progress. To ensure full consideration, application materials should be received no later than January 31st.

Position Overview:

The Director/Dean will manage and administer the W. Roger Webb Forensic Sciences Institute (FSI), University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond, Oklahoma. The FSI serves as the academic, research, and continuing-education leader of forensic science in Oklahoma higher education. In addition, the Director/Dean will coordinate forensic science activities of UCO with national forensic science related organizations, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Oklahoma Legislature, and local community organizations and agencies interested in the advancement of forensic science in Oklahoma and beyond. The FSI bridges the gap between academic activities and scientific research, crime-fighting initiatives, and criminal investigative laboratories. The FSI offers in-service training courses for professionals currently employed and serving within the law enforcement community.

The FSI is devoted to providing a world-class academic experience to all students, through a unique multidisciplinary program. The Institute is a comprehensive training and research organization in all aspects of evidence collection, preservation, analysis, reporting, and testimony. Our mission is to provide the best educational, research, and professional training opportunities to both undergraduate and graduate students and practicing professionals. The FSI is fully accredited in all disciplines that can be accredited through the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). A Doctor of Forensic Science (D.Sc.) will launch in the fall of 2024.

The FSI is the largest forensic science education program in the country with nearly 1,000 students. The FSI is housed in a 35,000 square foot building completed in November 2009 on the campus of UCO and is located across the street from the OSBI Forensic Science Services Laboratory. The available facilities and instructional equipment that are currently in place meet the needs of our students and faculty/staff to include:

• 1 auditorium 164-seat (6000 square foot)
• 4 classrooms (7000 square foot classrooms and 4000 square foot digital classroom with 30 PCs)
• 1 evidence bay (10,000 square foot equipped with CSI and Bloodstain evidence equipment)
• Multiple faculty/staff offices and conference room

In addition, the Institute has access to the training laboratories in the OSBI facility across from the Institute. Multiple courses for the Institute are taught in the OSBI training laboratories. The FSI also maintains multiple laboratories in the Donald Betz STEM Research and Learning Center which is a 57,000 square foot building that opened in fall 2018 and provides an additional lecture hall and transformative learning classroom spaces to support the Institute and other STEM programs. Additional collaborative spaces are dedicated to Forensic Science to include:

• Transformational Learning Classroom
• DNA Teaching Laboratory
• DNA Research Laboratory
• Impression Evidence Teaching Laboratory
• Digital Forensics Teaching Laboratory
• Digital Forensics Research Laboratory

Department Specific Essential Job Functions:

• Reporting to and advising the Provost of UCO on issues related to the FSI
• Overseeing the development of forensic science in-service training, forensic science career education, forensic science continuing education, and certifications for individuals involved with forensic science
• Participating in teaching as appropriate
• Developing a financial support system for special programs, training events, certifications, workshops, through outside grants endowments, and special appropriations
• Interacting with the Oklahoma State Legislature when called upon
• Working with universities, colleges, departments, and external agencies to develop educational programs in forensic science
• Supervising the bachelor's, master’s, and doctoral programs in forensic science
• Development of resources (facilities, financial and personnel) for forensic science research and education
• Coordinating accreditation efforts through FEPAC
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Institute Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Personnel management including faculty tenure and promotion responsibilities
• Budget formulation and execution
• Facilities, equipment, and other asset oversight
• Course offering management
• Accreditation leadership with a thorough understanding of FEPAC standards
• Coordination with UCO Deans and Chairs with shared personnel and interests

Qualifications/Experience Required:

The Director/Dean will be an individual with an extensive forensic science background, the ability to ensure quality management, and will possess and demonstrate, proven conceptual, analytical, and problem-solving skills. They will have appropriate academic experience in forensic science procedures, research, and training, as well as excellent communication and stakeholder service skills. Terminal degree required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, human relations, public relations, and organizational skills. Computer proficiency preferably in Microsoft Office. Ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and interact professionally with all segments of the University community. Good supervisory, report preparation, training and project management skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to hire and supervise employees. Ability to make policy and procedure decisions. Must be detail oriented.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.