Ohio University (OHIO), an R1 research university and the oldest public university in the State of Ohio, seeks an accomplished and visionary leader to serve as Dean of the Scripps College of Communications (Scripps College). The Dean will lead with energy and enthusiasm, elevating Scripps College to new levels of success and promise. The Dean will join the college at a time when innovative, forward-thinking change is celebrated. The Dean will be well-positioned to lead and advance this charge…
amongst a motivated Ohio community and beyond.
Scripps College's dynamic undergraduate and graduate academic programs in journalism and visual communication have been churning out Pulitzer-winning, industry-defining journalists and photographers for decades. Faculty are leading the charge in teaching emerging technologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategies for storytelling in an ever-more-connected world so that students do not just read about what is new and next, they navigate, apply, and lead it. OHIO students learn by doing. They are offered many educational experiences beyond the classroom, giving each student the insights and experience needed to hit the ground running in these competitive industries. Scripps's students are offered career development, extensive internship opportunities, and access to one of the strongest alumni networks in the country. Scripps students graduate with resumes packed with internships and real-world experience guided by faculty experts at the top of their field.
The Dean will lead five schools and five centers with ambition and the power of a strong legacy of excellence. Founded in 1808, The Scripps College of Communication is recognized as a Top 10 Journalism School by bold.org in 2024 & 2025 and for its 60 Pulitzer Prizes awarded to its alumni, students, and faculty. The Dean will focus on identifying new resources, attracting and retaining talented faculty and staff, and telling the story of this renowned academic institution. The Dean will work to strengthen industry relationships locally and nationally to ensure that the college has access to internships, sponsorships, guest speakers, and inspiring speakers.
Reporting directly to Dr. John McCarthy, Interim Executive Vice President and Provost, the Dean will be an inspiring leader with an unwavering commitment to the Scripps College of Communications, ensuring that its needs are represented and prioritized within the university's robust agenda and strategic priorities. The Dean will foster and cultivate an environment that enables interdisciplinary collaborations to thrive, allowing the college to contribute to the creative and research agenda throughout the entire institution. The Dean will serve as a facilitator, bridge builder, and obstacle remover to achieve solutions that maximize efficiency and utilize resources effectively. The Dean will convene the Dean's Advisory Council, students, staff, and faculty in the spirit of strong shared governance.
The next Dean will have a strong capacity for cultivating existing and new relationships to advance the college's philanthropic priorities, including alumni relations, sponsorship, stewardship, special events, and fundraising. The Dean will demonstrate significant intellectual curiosity and possess the ability to effectively represent the work of the students, faculty, and academic programs across all disciplines. The Dean will actively listen to the needs of faculty and staff to create and collaboratively execute a strategic vision. Most importantly, the Dean will be relatable, student-centric, have impeccable character, and be fully committed to Ohio University.
The candidate must possess an earned terminal degree in a related field, demonstrate expertise in their field, show a record of success in research, scholarship, or creative activity, and prove their ability and education as an effective teacher. Upon appointment, candidates must be eligible for a tenured appointment in one of the schools within the Scripps College of Communications. Exceptional professional activity and service to the industry may be supplemented on a case-by-case basis. WittKieffer is assisting Ohio University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by October 26, 2026.
Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Jenna Brumleve, and Bronwen Bares Pelaez, Ph.D., at: OhioDeanCommunications@wittkieffer.com