"Graduate School Dean"

Graduate School Dean

University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama

THE SEARCH

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) seeks a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as Dean of the Graduate School. A nationally recognized hub for advanced education, UAB’s graduate school offers over 100 master’s and doctoral programs and more than 40 certificate options across diverse disciplines. With a graduate student population exceeding 7,400—including more than 1,800 international students and scholars—UAB fosters a vibrant, inclusive academic community committed to innovation and global engagement. The university ranks 38th in federal research funding and 13th among public institutions in NIH support, reflecting its strength as a top-tier research university. UAB’s Graduate School encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerated pathways, preparing students to thrive in a dynamic, interconnected world. This environment provides a strong foundation for the next Dean to lead with vision, drive strategic growth, and elevate graduate education on a national scale.

Reporting to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of graduate education at a leading R1 institution, advancing UAB’s research mission and institutional priorities. The Dean will articulate and implement a compelling vision for graduate education, collaborating with academic deans, faculty, and institutional leaders to strengthen and expand programs across disciplines. With oversight of key operational areas—including admissions, fellowships, student success initiatives, interdisciplinary programs, and professional development—the Dean will guide a team of approximately 40 full-time staff and steward a budget of $8.8 million to ensure excellence, innovation, and impact.

The Dean will play a central role in supporting UAB’s Student SUCCESS Initiative, which emphasizes retention, graduation, and holistic student support. A critical priority includes growing PhD enrollment to remain competitive with peer institutions. The Dean will coordinate a hybrid funding model that integrates centrally awarded fellowships with department-based assistantships, and will serve as a visible campus leader, representing the Graduate School in university-wide and external forums. This role also includes advising the Graduate Student Government and partnering with faculty leaders to refine academic policies and foster inclusive student engagement. The ideal candidate will bring visionary leadership, operational acumen, and a deep commitment to graduate education and institutional advancement.

UAB has retained Isaacson Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in the search. All applications, inquiries, and nominations, which will remain confidential, should be directed to the search firm as indicated at the end of this document.

COMPENSATION AND LOCATION

This is an on-campus position. The salary range for this role will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website for the search. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

Greg Esposito, Partner
Karson Freeman, Associate
Victoria Castillo, Senior Search Coordinator
https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-alabama-birmingham-graduate-school/dean

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.