Title: Dean of College of Arts & Sciences - 999910
Position Number: 999910
Unit/Department: Dean's Office Arts & Sciences
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Department Summary:
The mission of the College of Arts & Sciences is to provide an exceptional learning environment for students to develop the talents and skills necessary for personal and professional success. Combining a solid grounding in their major disciplines with an interdisciplinary approach to education, Arts and Sciences students learn, practice and value analysis, experimentation, creativity and ethical action. In collaboration with the entire university, the College encourages students to assume responsibility for their education and to become engaged citizens on both local and global levels.
The College of Arts and Sciences is home to a distinguished faculty of 117 engaged scholar-teachers, serving in 20 departments and programs across 48 majors, 42 minors, and 12 areas of concentration. The college supports and manages international programs in several countries and offers interdisciplinary majors and experiences for all students. Taken together, students are provided with an exceptional education in the sciences, fine arts, humanities, and social sciences that emphasizes experiential learning, collaboration, and innovative approaches.
Drake University seeks a visionary academic dean with the skills, energy, and experience to lead the dynamic and vibrant College of Arts and Sciences. Drake is a private, midsize, comprehensive University of approximately 4,200 students located in Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa.
Drake is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity and equity. We seek candidates with similar commitments and lived experiences that contribute to fulfilling our mission. It is anticipated that the new dean will begin serving July 1, 2027.
The dean will provide leadership; engage in fundraising, budgeting, and advocacy; facilitate an inclusive environment; and create structures and processes. Read the full job profile for the position here – https://www.drake.edu/about/offices/hr/docs/artsci-dean-search.pdf
Minimum Qualifications:
• Significant academic leadership experience including fiscal management and oversight
• Experience creating or managing interdisciplinary majors or programs in the arts and sciences
• Educational, scholarly, and teaching record commensurate with full professor in one of the college’s academic departments
• Expressed commitment to the Drake University mission
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence and equity
• Demonstrated capacity to manage change
• Demonstrated capacity to establish relationships with community partners for external funding
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate with a wide range of constituents
• Demonstrated history of interdisciplinary collaboration and advocacy
Preferred Qualifications:
We seek applications from and nominations of experienced candidates who are curious, forward-looking, and innovative, and who blend a collaborative leadership style with an ability to be bold and decisive. These candidates will model calm, effective, and dynamic leadership and build relationships within, across, and beyond the college. To be successful, a candidate must demonstrate a proven ability to provide support to and work with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
We welcome all applications, nominations, and inquiries. The provost search committee will begin a review of applications immediately and continue work until an appointment is made. To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by Sept. 30, 2026, and include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and five professional references with email addresses and telephone numbers. References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the applicant. All application materials must be submitted using Drake University’s online applicant system.
Have Questions?
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to the search chairs:
Maryann Huey, Ph.D.
Professor of Mathematics
515-271-2839
Eric Barnum, Ph.D.
Director of Choral Activities
515-271-2841
Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources at jobs@drake.edu
All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Review of Applications Begins:
For full consideration, apply by September 30, 2026 The position will remain posted until filled.
Salary and Benefits:
The salary will be competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our digital benefits guide: Drake Benefits Guide
One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. You can learn about both the tuition waiver policy and tuition exchange programs here: Tuition Benefits
