"Dean, School of Science and Engineering"

Job Description

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the School of Science and Engineering (SSE). This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead a dynamic and growing school at a pivotal moment in UMKC history. With the university's recent achievement of the prestigious Carnegie R1 designation, expanded academic offerings, and the imminent launch of a comprehensive capital campaign, the next Dean will play a vital role in advancing excellence in education, discovery, and innovation at one of the nation's premier urban research universities.

The School of Science and Engineering houses a robust collection of degree programs spanning the sciences, computing, data science, information technology, and engineering disciplines. SSE's exceptional faculty are deeply engaged in teaching and research, offering rich experiential learning opportunities including undergraduate research, industry partnerships, internships, and community-based projects. Recent academic innovations include new programs in architecture, biomedical engineering, and multiple PhD offerings across engineering, computer science, and the natural sciences.

SSE's impressive research enterprise is anchored by nationally and internationally recognized centers and institutes, including the Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy (MIDE) and the Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center (dSAIC). The Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise and Research Center is a signature feature of the school, which provides world-class laboratories, maker spaces, and innovation studios where students, faculty, and industry partners come together to discover and create. Through close collaboration with Kansas City's thriving business and technology community, the Plaster Center strengthens UMKC's role as a hub for entrepreneurship, research, and workforce development. With $67 million in funded research, SSE faculty are advancing frontier work that addresses some of the world's most pressing challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and applied solutions that benefit Kansas City, the state of Missouri, and beyond.

Reporting directly to the Provost, the Dean will lead a community of more than 120 full-time faculty and a dedicated professional staff who together support approximately 3,000 students. Working collaboratively across four interdisciplinary academic divisions and a growing portfolio of programs, the Dean will champion a culture of innovation and academic excellence. Key priorities for the next leader include strengthening external partnerships with industry and government, expanding research productivity, enhancing student success and experiential learning, recruiting and retaining top talent, and building philanthropic and corporate support to advance the school's mission.