Dean

Located in North Carolina's third largest city, UNC Greensboro is among the most diverse, learner-centered public research universities in the state, with 18,000 students in eight colleges and schools pursuing more than 150 areas of undergraduate and over 200 areas of graduate study. UNCG continues to be recognized nationally for academic excellence, access, and affordability. UNCG is ranked No. 1 most affordable institution in North Carolina for net cost by the N.Y. Times and No. 1 in North Carolina for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal - helping first-generation and lower-income students find paths to prosperity. Designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, UNCG is a community-engaged research institution with a portfolio of more than $67M in research and creative activity. The University's 2,600 staff help create an annual economic impact for the Piedmont Triad region in excess of $1B.

JSNN was established through a joint academic agreement between both institutions, focusing on interdisciplinary and high-impact research, breakthrough innovations, and high-quality student experiences. JSNN is located at Gateway Research Park South Campus, a thriving research park in East Greensboro, North Carolina, near the campuses of UNC Greensboro and N.C. A&T.

JSNN was established in 2009 and celebrated its 15-year anniversary in spring of 2024. JSNN is accredited through SACSCOC. JSNN has two departments and one Institute. The Department of Nanoscience, administered by the University of North Carolina Greensboro, offers master's and doctoral degrees in nanoscience and five certificate programs in Synthetic Biology, Medical Science, Nanoscience, Instrumentation, and Advanced Materials. The Department of Nanoengineering, administered by N.C. A&T, offers master's and doctoral degrees in nanoengineering and postbaccalaureate certificates in Synthetic and Systems Biology, Advanced Materials, Micro and Nano Devices, and STEM Entrepreneurship. Enrollment has increased by 65% since 2019.

The Dean of the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering reports to the Provosts at UNC Greensboro and N.C. A&T, is a member of the Deans Council, and an ex-officio member of the Gateway Research Park Board of Directors. The Dean must have demonstrated excellence in leadership within the context of change, Preeminence 2030 and Forward Together strategic initiatives, and significant research expansion; experience in selecting, evaluating, promoting, and retaining high-quality faculty and staff; innovative and inclusive program development and planning; accreditation oversight; demonstrated capabilities and willingness to obtain significant external funding; managing and allocating financial resources; demonstrated understanding of the need for active student recruitment, retention, and student success; and a clear understanding of the importance of inclusion.

Additionally, the Dean must have an interdisciplinary and/or transdisciplinary orientation; exemplary communication skills and capabilities to serve as a spokesperson and advocate; a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively; a consensus-building leadership style; a command of the elements of excellence in faculty, staff, and department chairs; the ability to support excellence in teaching, research, and engagement; and a strong commitment to student success. A Ph.D. in a science and/or engineering discipline with experience in nanoscience or nanoengineering from an accredited institution is required, as well as qualifications appropriate for an appointment to the faculty as a tenured full professor. At least three years of significant senior leadership and administrative experience, in addition to academic service and demonstrated success in community/professional engagements across a wide array of organizations, are also requirements for the role.

The successful candidate should hold an earned PhD in a science and/or engineering-related discipline from an accredited institution , or equivalent terminal degree(s), and possess a record of recognized achievement in leadership, service, teaching and research.

At least five years of academic leadership and administrative experience, in addition to academic service.
A strong record of success as a visionary and dynamic leader with keen and demonstrated abilities to work collaboratively in the pursuit of excellence.
Evidence of insight and talent to leverage the institutional assets to continue to advance the Joint School's role, innovations in research and education, as well as the stature and impact of each institution.
Achievement of significant goals related to graduate student success, university performance metrics, and research expansion.
Strong record of success as a visionary and dynamic leader with keen and demonstrated abilities to work collaboratively in the pursuit of excellence.

WittKieffer Search Firm is assisting UNC Greensboro and N.C. A&T in this search.

For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by November 18, 2024.
Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal.

https://wittkieffer.com/positions/200084

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Christine J. Pendleton, Jessica Herrington, and Randi Miller at UNCG-NCATJointSchoolDean@WittKieffer.com