Dean, College of Aviation, Prescott Campus

Discover Your Future with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University!

Embry-Riddle: A Global Leader in Aviation and Aerospace

With vibrant campuses in Daytona Beach, FL and Prescott, AZ, plus a Worldwide network across approximately 120 locations, Embry-Riddle stands as the world's largest aviation and aerospace university. For over 95 years, we've been pioneering education in STEM fields, serving over 11,600 residential students and 19,200 globally in the 2023-24 academic year with cutting-edge programs in Applied Science, Aviation, Business, Technology, Engineering, Safety, Security, and Space.

Our Vision

EmbryRiddle will be the source for innovation and excellence in aerospace education and research. We will be the unquestioned global leader in aviation and aerospace higher education, with a reputation for personal attention to the success of all students. Our Prescott campus will focus on undergraduate education that emphasizes problem-based discovery and become a top-ranked destination for its undergraduate STEM programs. Our Worldwide campus will be recognized as the best in online and distance education. and, our Daytona Beach campus will be recognized for leadership in select areas of research, aerospace innovation and attention to student success, also grounded in problem-based discovery.

To complete a virtual tour of the Prescott campus and check out Prescott Campus Future Flythrough, please visit the links below:

https://prescott.erau.edu/admissions/tour-details

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQeMUHG4AU4

Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle!

• Generous Time Off:Relax with 15 days of personal leave in your first year. Enjoy 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.
• Health Benefits:Experience comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness programs that include preventive care and fitness memberships. Our flexible spending and health savings accounts simplify managing healthcare costs. Join a workplace that prioritizes your health-because your journey to wellness should be rewarding! Buckle up for a healthier, happier you!
• Tuition Coverage:Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.
• Retirement Contributions:ERAU contributes 6% of your base salary to your retirement plan annually and offers a 4% matching contribution - with no vesting period.

The Dean of the College of Aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott will report directly to the Chancellor and serve as the principal administrator overseeing academic, operational, and financial functions of the College. The Dean is responsible for fostering strong, collaborative partnerships with academic leaders across all university campuses. This leadership role includes building a team to define, implement, and advance the College's strategic goals, while setting a high standard of integrity and professionalism for faculty and being accessible to students. As a member of the Academic Leadership Council, the Dean will collaborate with fellow leadership team members to advance the Campus' vision. Given the multi-campus structure of the University, the Dean will also engage with deans from other colleges within the institution. The Dean will be a proactive advocate for the College and University, engaging with regional, national, and international entities to shape academic offerings, encourage cross-disciplinary projects, and promote cutting-edge research initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• The Dean will be an approachable and engaging leader, acting as a strong advocate for the College and articulating its vision. This will include effectively sharing the College's story through public speaking and storytelling, creating connections with diverse stakeholders. Passion for aviation education and a commitment to continuing its evolution will be central to the Dean's role in cultivating enthusiasm across various College communities and building the College team.
• The Dean is responsible for leading the creation and execution of innovative academic programs, ensuring alignment with the evolving aviation industry, governmental regulations, and accreditation standards. This involves ongoing program assessments and a proactive approach to academic quality and faculty development.
• The Dean will play a key role in building and maintaining partnerships with potential student employers, collaborating with alumni, corporate partners, and foundations to increase financial support for both the College and the broader University.
• The Dean will champion faculty growth and development, fostering a culture of shared governance in collaboration with the Faculty Senate
• The Dean will actively contribute to retention strategies, student success, and the realization of other strategic initiatives set by the Chancellor.
• The Dean is responsible for developing and overseeing a team of approximately 40 full-time faculty, 20 part-time faculty, and nine direct staff members, including the Department Chair for the Flight Department. The Dean will also supervise about 230 flight instructors and staff, including flight operation with 300+ flight activities daily utilizing 90+ aircraft and advanced flight simulators..

Opportunities and Challenges

As the University grows, the next Dean will need to stay responsive to advancements in aviation, support safety initiatives, and uphold the Prescott campus's emphasis on hands-on learning. The next Dean will have the opportunity to lead the College into the future by addressing the following:

Strategic Vision: Lead the development and implementation of a cohesive and responsible vision for the College's future, aligning it with Embry-Riddle's broader vision. The Dean will guide an inclusive process, integrating current leadership perspectives with innovative and aspirational ideas to adapt to the evolving landscape of aviation education.

Academic Excellence: The Dean will ensure that the College maintains its commitment to the highest academic standards by empowering faculty and supporting research-driven, entrepreneurial initiatives. A focus on student success and teaching excellence will be vital, with the Dean providing support to faculty throughout their career stages.

Collaborative Opportunities: The Dean will work across the University system to create new opportunities for collaboration between colleges, campuses, and regional locations, advancing educational and research partnerships.

Fundraising and Resources: The Dean will play a critical role in securing resources for the College by engaging alumni, foundations, and corporate partners in fundraising initiatives that align with the College's strategic priorities.

Financial and Academic Planning: The Dean will work closely with the Chancellor and Chief Business Officer to ensure effective resource management, with a clear focus on aligning budgeting and planning with the College's goals in a competitive higher education environment.

• The ideal candidate will hold a terminal degree, ideally in an aviation-related field, and possess a distinguished record of professional achievement sufficient to be appointed as a tenured full professor. Experience in teaching, research, service, and aviation industry leadership is highly valued.
• The next Dean will have demonstrated success in personnel management and administrative leadership, particularly in mentoring faculty, staff, and students. Proven ability to lead strategic initiatives, engage with industry partners, and foster academic excellence is essential.
• The following skills and experience are highly desired:
  • Expertise in implementing strategic visions that align with institutional goals and drive forward initiatives in student success, research, and external partnerships.
  • A strong commitment to student success, faculty support, and the ability to foster partnerships within industry.
  • Ability to work with development teams to support fundraising efforts and engage alumni and corporate partners.
  • Experience in budgeting and efficient resource management, collaborating with senior leadership to ensure alignment of financial priorities with institutional objectives.
  • A collaborative approach to program development, academic planning, and the promotion of shared governance across the College and University.