Dean, College of Letters and Sciences

Columbus State University (CSU) invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Dean of the College of Letters and Sciences.  The College of Letters and Sciences serves as the academic heart of the university, engaging students across a broad spectrum of disciplines in the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and emerging fields. The College plays a central role in the general education curriculum and serves a significant percentage of CSU's student population. With a long-standing commitment to student success, academic excellence, community engagement, and innovative teaching, the College is well positioned to build upon its strengths while addressing the opportunities and challenges shaping higher education today.  Reporting directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the College and provides strategic leadership, vision, and oversight for all academic, personnel, financial, and operational matters. The Dean will champion student success, faculty excellence, scholarly activity, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration while serving as a visible advocate for the College across the university and throughout the region.  Opportunity and Priorities  The next Dean will inherit a college with significant strengths and momentum, including a diverse portfolio of academic programs, strong faculty commitment to teaching, and extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Stakeholders view the College as uniquely positioned to strengthen career readiness, expand regional partnerships, support student success, and further elevate its role within the university.  The successful candidate will be expected to address several key priorities, including: 

Developing innovative strategies to support enrollment growth, student retention, and degree completion.  Advancing a unified vision that brings together the College's many disciplines while celebrating their distinct contributions.  Strengthening collaboration among departments and fostering a culture of inclusion, transparency, and shared purpose.  Enhancing the College's visibility and reputation through effective storytelling, community engagement, employer partnerships, and advancement activities.  Supporting faculty recruitment, retention, professional development, and scholarly growth.  Navigating resource allocation and strategic decision-making while maintaining a commitment to academic quality and student success.  Serving as a champion for interdisciplinary initiatives that prepare students for meaningful careers and engaged citizenship. 

Leadership Responsibilities 

Provide strategic leadership in advancing CSU's mission, vision, and academic priorities.  Foster excellence in teaching, scholarship, service, and community engagement.  Oversee College operations, including personnel, budgeting, facilities, and resource management.  Recruit, develop, support, and evaluate faculty and staff.  Promote innovation and collaboration across departments and disciplines.  Serve as an advocate for students, faculty, and staff.  Partner with University Advancement to support fundraising, alumni engagement, and donor cultivation.  Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, employers, alumni, and external stakeholders.  Ensure compliance with accreditation requirements, university policies, and regulatory expectations.  Represent the College and University at campus, community, state, and national events. 

Required Qualifications 

Terminal degree in a discipline represented within the College of Letters and Sciences.  Three to five years of progressively responsible academic leadership experience, such as department chair, director, associate dean, or dean.  Academic credentials and accomplishments sufficient to qualify for appointment at the rank of Professor.  Minimum of five years of experience in higher education.  Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. 

Preferred Characteristics  CSU seeks a collaborative and visionary leader who: 

Is an effective communicator and active listener.  Has experience leading diverse academic units and balancing competing priorities.  Demonstrates a commitment to faculty success, student achievement, and academic excellence.  Can build consensus while making difficult decisions when necessary.  Understands the value of both humanities and STEM disciplines and can advocate effectively for all programs.  Possesses the leadership skills necessary to guide organizational change and innovation.  Has experience supporting research and scholarly activity.  Demonstrates success in developing partnerships, fundraising, and external engagement.  Brings a compelling vision for the future of the College and the ability to inspire others to achieve it. 

About Columbus State University  Columbus State University is a student-centered public institution committed to academic excellence, community engagement, and preparing students for meaningful lives and careers. The University's culture emphasizes student success, innovation, and service while fostering an environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive.  Application and Nomination Process  Buffkin/Baker is assisting Columbus State University in the search for the Dean of the College of Letters and Sciences. The search will remain open until filled. Priority consideration will be given to materials received by October 23, 2026.  Applications should include a current CV/resume and a letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications described above.  Inquiries of interest, nominations, and applications (PDF preferred) should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to:  Martin M. Baker, Managing Partner 
Dinah DeWitt, Associate 
Buffkin/Baker 
[contact details available in the full listing]  EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY  Columbus State University is proud to be an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity institution. It is the policy of our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws. 

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