Description
Hiring Department
Office of Graduate Education
Job Description
Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) invites applications and nominations for the position of Founding Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. This newly established leadership role presents a unique opportunity for a visionary academic leader to shape and elevate graduate and postdoctoral education at a nationally recognized STEM-focused R1 research university.
The successful candidate will lead the development of a centralized Graduate School and provide strategic oversight of the university’s postdoctoral enterprise. This dual role is designed to foster integration, innovation, and excellence across graduate and postdoctoral programs, aligning both with Missouri S&T’s mission and strategic priorities. This individual will engage in possibility thinking, scenario development and work closely with the Chancellor, Provost, and university leadership including the three colleges and their deans to increase Ph.D. enrollment and foster student success and institutional growth.
Position Overview
The Founding Dean and Vice Provost will:
- Establish and lead a new centralized Graduate School that supports academic excellence, innovation, and student success
- Drive strategic enrollment growth and enhance the graduate and postdoctoral experience
- Provide high-level leadership for postdoctoral affairs, fostering a vibrant and inclusive research community
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership - Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for the Graduate School in alignment with institutional goals
- Ph.D. Recruitment and Enrollment - Collaborate with academic deans, department chairs, faculty, and administrative leaders to recruit a diverse pool of domestic and international graduate students, with a strong emphasis on Ph.D. enrollment
- Program Development - Lead the expansion and enhancement of graduate programs, ensuring academic rigor and relevance
- Admissions and Enrollment Management - Strengthen graduate admissions processes and deploy strategic initiatives to attract top-tier students for both on-campus and online programs
- Academic Oversight - Partner with academic leadership to administer graduate education policies and uphold academic standards
- Student Success and Engagement - Champion initiatives that support recruitment, retention, degree completion, and professional development; engage with the Graduate Student Council and Graduate Faculty Council
- Resource Management - Oversee budget planning, resource allocation, and advancement efforts to secure external funding and philanthropic support
- Advocacy and Support - Serve as the chief advocate for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, promoting their academic and professional growth
- Policy and Administration - Develop and manage policies, benefits, and services for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in compliance with institutional and regulatory standards
- Professional Development and Mentorship - Enhance career development programs and foster a supportive environment for high-quality research and training experiences
- Cross-Campus Collaboration - Partner with academic and administrative units, including the Office of Sponsored Programs, to promote interdisciplinary research and integrate postdoctoral affairs
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Earned doctorate from an accredited institution
- Distinguished record of scholarly achievement and research, qualifying for appointment as a tenured full professor
- Minimum of 10 years of executive leadership experience in higher education, with a strong background in research and mentoring Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows
- Proven success in academic administration, preferably at a research-intensive institution
- Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, program development, and budget management
- Experience mentoring graduate students and/or postdoctoral scholars
- Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and foster a culture of teamwork and respect
- Commitment to assessment, continuous improvement, and evidence-based practices
Preferred Leadership Attributes
- Visionary and Strategic: Able to articulate and implement a bold vision for graduate and postdoctoral education
- Collaborative and Engaging: Skilled in building consensus and engaging stakeholders across the university
- Empathetic and Decisive: Balances sound decision-making with empathy and understanding of student and scholar experiences
- Resilient and Accountable: Demonstrates integrity, resilience, and a results-oriented approach
- Inspiring and Supportive: Motivates and supports faculty, staff, and students in achieving academic excellence
