Job Description

Dean of the College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies (CLSPS)
Butte, Montana

THE OPPORTUNITY
Montana Technological University (Montana Tech), Montana’s Special Focus Institution for science, engineering, and technology, invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies (CLSPS). Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, the Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative leader of one of Montana Tech’s most diverse and strategically important colleges.
This is a compelling opportunity for an experienced, forward‑looking academic leader to shape the future of liberal studies, sciences, health, data, and professional programs within a distinctive, applied‑learning university. The Dean will join Montana Tech at a moment of momentum and transition, working in close partnership with Chancellor Johnny MacLean and the senior leadership team to advance the University’s mission, strategic plan, and culture of innovation.
ABOUT MONTANA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Montana Tech’s purpose is to rise to meet America’s emerging needs by preparing the next generation of STEM leaders. Founded in 1900 as the Montana State School of Mines, Montana Technological University has evolved into a nationally recognized STEM‑focused institution grounded in hands‑on, experiential education and strong industry alignment. Montana Tech is one of only a few institutions nationally designated as a Special Focus university, with a mission centered on workforce‑aligned education, applied research, and student success.
Montana Tech serves approximately 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students across four academic units: the Lance College of Mines and Engineering; the College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies; Highlands College; and the Graduate School. The University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and is consistently ranked among the nation’s top institutions for value, salary outcomes, and career placement.
Under the leadership of Chancellor Johnny MacLean, Montana Tech is focused on strengthening its distinctive identity, expanding interdisciplinary and applied programs, deepening partnerships with industry and communities, and ensuring that access, affordability, and student success remain central to institutional decision‑making.
THE COLLEGE OF LETTERS, SCIENCES, AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
The College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies plays a central role in Montana Tech’s mission by providing the scientific, analytical, professional, and humanistic foundations that support student success across the University. The College houses programs in the biological and physical sciences, mathematics, data science, business, health and nursing, education, interdisciplinary studies, and the liberal studies core that undergirds all Montana Tech degrees.
CLSPS is distinguished by its integration of rigorous academic preparation with applied learning, pre‑professional pathways, undergraduate research, and workforce‑aligned curricula. Graduates of the College pursue careers in healthcare, data and analytics, business and industry, education, and public service, as well as advanced study in highly competitive graduate and professional programs.
LEADERSHIP CONTEXT AND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
The Dean of CLSPS will be a key partner in advancing Montana Tech’s strategic plan, Deliberately Distinct: Positioning Montana Tech for the Future, with particular emphasis on:

• Student Success – advancing access, persistence, completion, and career readiness through high‑impact educational practices and evidence‑informed decision‑making.
• Programs of Distinction – strengthening and growing distinctive, high‑demand programs; supporting interdisciplinary and applied learning initiatives; and aligning curricula with regional, state, and national workforce needs.
• A Healthy and Vibrant Campus Ecosystem – fostering a collegial, inclusive academic culture that values shared governance, professional development, and continuous improvement.

Working closely with the Provost, fellow deans, faculty leaders, and external partners, the Dean will help position CLSPS as an essential driver of institutional innovation and impact.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEAN
The Dean provides strategic, academic, and operational leadership for the College and is responsible for:

• Leading college‑level strategic planning; program evaluation and development; academic and operational effectiveness; and market‑informed academic planning.
• Advancing enrollment growth, student persistence, retention, and degree completion across undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Developing and administering the College budget, including annual budget requests and responsible stewardship of allocated resources.
• Recruiting, retaining, mentoring, and evaluating department heads, program directors, faculty, and staff, and fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Supporting innovative, high‑quality teaching; undergraduate and graduate research; professional development; and applied learning experiences.
• Overseeing curriculum development and approving new courses and programs, including preparation of proposals for University and Montana University System Board of Regents approval.
• Ensuring compliance with regional and specialized accreditation standards, assessment expectations, and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Working effectively within a collective bargaining environment and supporting shared governance processes.
• Building strong relationships with alumni, industry partners, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Collaborating with the Montana Tech Foundation to advance fundraising, philanthropic partnerships, and resource development in support of College priorities.
• Serving as an ambassador and spokesperson for the College at academic, professional, and community events.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• An earned terminal degree from an accredited institution in a discipline represented within the College or a closely related interdisciplinary field.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible academic administrative experience at the department head level or higher.
• Qualifications sufficient to merit appointment at the rank of associate professor or professor.
• Demonstrated success in academic leadership, program development, and personnel management in a complex institutional environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A record of success in fundraising, corporate and foundation partnerships, and external grant or contract support.
• Experience with graduate education and interdisciplinary programs.
• Demonstrated effectiveness working within shared governance and collective bargaining environments.
• Experience with accreditation, assessment, and institutional effectiveness processes.

ABOUT BUTTE, MONTANA
Butte is one of Montana’s most distinctive and welcoming communities, known for its rich history, architectural character, and strong sense of place. Located in the heart of southwest Montana, Butte offers exceptional access to outdoor recreation, including hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and world‑class fly‑fishing—all within minutes of campus.
The city features a vibrant arts and cultural scene, nationally recognized festivals, affordable living, and a growing economy reinventing itself for the future. Butte’s history of grit, resilience, and innovation mirrors the values that define Montana Tech and its community.

APPLICATION AND NOMINATION PROCESS
Confidential inquiries, applications, and nominations are welcomed. Application materials should include a letter of interest addressing qualifications and leadership experience, a current curriculum vitae, and four professional references with full contact information including e-mail (PDFs preferred). (References will not be contacted without consent from applicant). For best consideration, application should be received before March 20, 2026.
Montana Technological University is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

For full consideration application materials must be complete.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check.

Montana Tech is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University’s mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged. Montana Tech makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant’s ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee’s ability to perform the duties of the job. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, Montana Tech provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans.

To claim veteran’s preference please complete the employment (veteran’s) preference form located on the employment page and email to humanresources@mtech.edu. You must include the job title of the position in which you are applying.

Employment (veteran's) preference form

To request an accommodation for the application or interview, please contact Cathy Isakson 406-496-4380; cisakson@mtech.edu

Why Work at Tech?

Help meet the changing needs of society by providing a transformative student experience by helping develop leaders for tomorrow by advancing science, engineering and technology.

In addition, Montana Tech offers an attractive benefits package* which includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with low deductibles and comprehensive coverage.
• Generous employer contribution toward monthly health care benefits worth $6.08 per hour.
• 5.9% retirement employer contribution for eligible employees
• 11 Holidays per year
• 3 weeks of Annual Leave to start
• Generous sick leave policy that can be used for sick children, doctor and dentist appointments as well as bereavement.
• 6 credits of coursework free per year (fees not included)
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Reduced tuition for dependents after 4 months of employment for eligible employees
• Employee Assistance and a Wellness Program
• Optional Retirement Plan for eligible employees
• Possible remote work days with supervisor approval and eligible positions.

* Benefits are dependent on position type and terms and conditions of eligibility.

Montana Technological University, Butte Montana, is nestled in the Heart of the Rocky Mountains along the Continental Divide, where I-15 and I-90 intersect. We are home to the largest National Historic District in the country. Montana Tech is a special focus institution with a reputation for excellence and value. Montana Tech is ranked #1 in the nation by CollegeNET.