Dean of the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, University of Cincinnati
Consistently ranked as one of the most prestigious design schools in the world, the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean. The ideal candidate will embody the teacher/scholar model, demonstrating a commitment to both academic excellence and innovative research. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost, the dean will be a proven leader who can build strong teams and foster relationships across the university.
This role is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a prestigious institution and inspire the next generation of creative professionals. The dean will conceptualize a compelling vision for the College’s future, one that motivates faculty and inspires students. The ability to articulate this vision in terms of measurable goals and garner the support of essential constituencies will be crucial. The dean will provide leadership and guidance in fulfilling DAAP’s mission and aligned with the goals of the University’s strategic plan, Next Lives Here.
Strengthening existing programs and developing new ones to meet the evolving needs of the community will be a key focus for this new leader. The dean will ensure that superior academic programs are delivered by a dedicated and talented faculty. Attracting and retaining faculty of the highest caliber will be a priority and creating an environment that offers long-term career incentives and fosters professional development.
Building strong external relationships is essential. The dean will enhance connections among the College, the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati’s dynamic and diverse community, and the international arena. Interdisciplinary collaboration across the campus will be prioritized and maintain and strengthen these relationships, fostering a culture of cooperation, and innovation is paramount. Taking a lead role in pursuing private funding for the College, supported by the UC Foundation, will be critical. DAAP’s current endowment annual spendable income at $5 million.
The dean will ensure that goals are specified, strategies are articulated, and results are reported to foster a culture of accountability. The dean will manage an annual budget of approximately $24.3 million and manage resources effectively to achieve the College’s objectives.
The dean will be a visionary academic leader, who will have the demonstrated ability to turn vision into reality. The dean will inspire faculty, students, and the community with ambitious but attainable objectives and build a plan to lead DAAP toward those goals. A distinguished record as an accomplished scholar or noted contributor to the profession, possessing at minimum a master’s degree and creative excellence satisfying the requirements for the rank of full professor with tenure in one of DAAP’s academic units is required.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the forthcoming leadership profile.
For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by March 11, 2025.
Application materials should be submitted to WittKieffer’s candidate portal at https://wittkieffer.com/positions/200732.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to the WittKieffer consultants supporting this search: Melissa Fincher and Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, Ph.D. at UCincinnatiDeanDAAP@wittkieffer.com.