Dean of the College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences

Northern Arizona University (NAU) seeks a visionary, inclusive, and strategic leader as its next dean of the College Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences (CEIAS).

Founded in 1899, Northern Arizona University (NAU) began as a teachers college, and its commitment to building a better tomorrow through access to a world-class education remains central to the university's mission. Students, mentored by faculty members renowned in their fields, are at the center of all institutional efforts. In the classroom and online, through hands-on experiences in an unparalleled learning environment, and with the NAU community supporting them every step of the way, students discover and hone their ambitions. NAU's academic programs, research, public service, and creative endeavors enrich lives and create opportunities in Arizona and beyond. The institution's mission is to develop solutions to today's challenges and drive innovation in a supportive, inclusive, and diverse environment.

NAU has grown significantly in recent decades in its student population, scholarly endeavors, and public service. Today, the institution serves almost 29,000 students through multiple offerings: the traditional college campus experience in Flagstaff, set against a remarkable landscape at the base of Flagstaff's San Francisco Peaks in one of the nation's finest college towns; the convenience of attending classes at one of over 20 locations across the state; and an award-winning online experience with over 125 virtual programs. NAU is dedicated to upholding the same high standards of education across all locations and delivery options. Under the leadership of the university's 17th President, Dr. José Luis Cruz Rivera, NAU has adopted a new strategic plan, NAU 2025 – Elevating Excellence, that is guided by the vision to be the nation's preeminent engine of opportunity, vehicle of upward mobility, and driver of social impact by delivering equitable postsecondary value in Arizona and beyond. The results of this visionary leadership are already impressive, with records in first-year enrollments, philanthropic support, and research expenditures all being celebrated as NAU continues to raise its profile as a national leader in student access and academic excellence.

The College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences (CEIAS) is home to 85 faculty and 10 staff who serve nearly 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in a range of high-quality programs. CEIAS faculty members are rapidly accelerating their engagement in impactful research, and the College currently oversees over $6M in annual research expenditures. CEIAS's current departments consist of Civil Engineering, Construction Management, and Environmental Engineering (CECMEE); Mechanical Engineering (ME); and the School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems (SICCS).

The new dean will help create and advance a forward-looking vision for the CEIAS. This vision will build on the university's strategic plan, the College's responsive program portfolio, innovation in engineering education, strengths in innovative interdisciplinary research, and involvement of undergraduates in research, as well as further commitments to student success, workforce development, impactful research, and partnerships. The dean will collaborate within and beyond the college to develop an agenda that leverages diverse strengths in teaching, research, and partnerships that sharpens focus around a thematic niche that fits the unique profile of NAU and distinguishes CEIAS as a nationwide leader. CEIAS's reputation and impact is strengthened by strong workforce connections and industry partnerships, as highlighted by the recent $13 million investment from the Arizona Commerce Authority in support of metrology research and training centers to support Arizona's booming semiconductor industry.

The dean will lead the development of community among the units, faculty, and staff that comprise the College and who share a common vision and high aspirations. Building an equitable and inclusive community, recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented faculty and staff, and expanding access and promoting exceptional outcomes for the College's students are key goals for the dean that will be carried out in concert with the university community as a whole. The incoming dean will also be a strong partner to University leadership and build relationships across the University, as well as with external partners. Working closely with NAU's foundation and the Dean's Advisory Board, the dean will also be a leading advocate and fundraiser for the college, especially as NAU embarks on a comprehensive fundraising campaign.

The next dean must possess an earned doctorate from an accredited institution in one of the disciplines of the College, including any field of engineering, computer science, or informatics, or in a closely related field. They must also have a distinguished record of teaching, scholarship, and leadership that warrants a tenured appointment at the rank of full Professor. Finally, candidates must have demonstrated successful administrative leadership experience in higher education as a center or institute leader, chair, associate dean, dean, or comparable position with responsibilities that include budget oversight and fiscal strategy, strategic planning, personnel management, performance reviews, and promotion and tenure decisions.

WittKieffer is assisting Northern Arizona University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by March 22, 2024.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Jessica Herrington, Julia Bradley and Cathryn Davis at
NAUDeanCEIAS@WittKieffer.com

Northern Arizona University does not discriminate in access to programs and activities or employment on the basis of sex, race, age, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

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