Dean Search: College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
With its vision to cultivate leaders, inspire excellence and impact our world, Purdue University Northwest invites nominations and applications for the next Dean of the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (CHESS).
This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional, innovative and collaborative academic leader and scholar to strategically guide the college amidst the changing landscape of higher education, the growing vibrancy and diversity of Northwest Indiana and the Greater Chicago Area, and a renewed sense of optimism across the university.
To ensure the fullest consideration, applicants should submit the required materials by January 8, 2025.
Download the Search Profile (2.2 MB PDF)
Please direct any nominations, expressions of interest or questions regarding the application process to PNWDeanCHESS@agbsearch.com.
The successful candidate for Dean of the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences shall have all of the following required skills and qualifications:
- An earned doctorate or other terminal degree in a discipline appropriate to the college.
- Academic qualifications for appointment at the rank of professor in one of the academic departments/schools of the college.
- Evidence of a student-centered approach for enhancing the teaching and learning mission of an academic program or unit.
- Leadership experience related to faculty and staff.
- Experience related to managing financial and personnel resources.
- Collaboration with external stakeholders, which may include alumni, donors, industry, education, government and other community partners.
In addition to the required qualifications, candidates for Dean of the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences can also demonstrate the following preferred qualifications.
- Experience in securing external funding from donors or funding agencies.
- Experience in program assessment, particularly with external accreditation bodies at the program level or university level.
- Evidence of enhancing research and scholarly productivity among faculty.
- Experience in regional universities that are part of a larger university system.
- An understanding of responsibility-center-management (RCM) budget models.
- A track record of improving student outcomes.
- Commitment to working with diverse student populations, including first-generation college students and adult learners.
The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to accept nominations and applications until the position is filled.
However, to assure the fullest consideration, applicants should submit the required materials listed below as three (3) separate PDF documents by January 8, 2025:
- A detailed letter of interest that addresses the specific qualifications, expectations and themes identified in the position profile;
- A current curriculum vitae; and
- A list of five (5) or more professional references with each referee’s position, email address, telephone number and relationship to the candidate. (References will not be contacted until after the first screening of applications and then only after the applicant has provided explicit permission to do so.)
All applications, nominations and inquiries will remain confidential until finalists are identified for campus interviews. Employment will be contingent upon completion of a successful background check.
Application materials should be submitted in PDF format through the AGB Search portal.
Please direct any nominations, expressions of interest, or questions regarding the application process to PNWDeanCHESS@agbsearch.com or to the AGB Search consultants assisting Purdue University Northwest with this search:
Sally Mason, Ph.D. | Senior Executive Search Consultant
AGB Search, LLC
sally.mason@agbsearch.com
765-414-0299 (mobile)
Garry W. Owens, Ph.D. | Senior Executive Search Consultant
AGB Search, LLC
garry.owens@agbsearch.com
806-239-3049 (mobile)
More About Purdue University Northwest
College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
Preparing students for successful careers, ethical leadership and engaged citizenship, the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences has a combined enrollment of nearly 1,400 core undergraduate and graduate students.
About PNW
Part of the Purdue University System, Purdue University Northwest is a diverse, student-centered university that transforms lives and serves our region through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement.
PNW Leadership
Overseen by Chancellor Chris Holford, our leadership team drives PNW to be a premier metropolitan university that empowers the transformational change that leads to success.
The CHESS dean position reports to PNW’s Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Marie Mora.
Search Committee
The search committee, which is an advisory committee chaired by College of Nursing Dean Amy Fry, includes at least one member from each CHESS department and faculty of different ranks, among other members.
- Amy Fry, Chair of the CHESS Search Committee, Dean, College of Nursing
- Shreya Bhandari, Professor, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, and Faculty Senate Representative
- Oliver Camacho, Assistant Professor, School of Education & Counseling, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
- Frank Colucci, Associate Professor, History, Philosophy, Politics & Economic , College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
- Catherine Gillotti, Interim Department Chair, Communication & Creative Arts/Professor of Communication , College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
- Deanna Hardwick, Director of Development, Office of Institutional Advancement
- Elizabeth Rodriguez, Senior Administrative Assistant to the Dean, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
- Pamela Saylor, Clinical Assistant Professor, Behavioral Sciences, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
- Steffanie Triller, Assistant Professor of Practice/Writing Center Director, English & World Languages, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
- Daniel Wilbur, Associate Professor, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, and Chair of the CHESS College Council
- Amanda Zelechoski, Director of Clinical Training/Professor, Psychology, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
- Support: Debra Grant, Executive Assistant to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs