Dean, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering
University of North Carolina Greensboro
Greensboro, NC - United States
The University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNC Greensboro) and North Carolina A&T State University (N.C. A&T) seek a collaborative, visionary, and strategic leader to serve as the next Dean of the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN). 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.
UNC Greensboro is the largest university in the Piedmont Triad region and is the most diverse of the 17 UNC System institutions. Founded as the State Normal and Industrial School in 1891, UNC Greensboro is one of the original three UNC System institutions. 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.
UNC Greensboro is recognized nationally for academic excellence, access, and affordability. UNC Greensboro is ranked the No. 1 most affordable institution in North Carolina for net cost by the New York 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, UNC Greensboro is a community-engaged research institution with a portfolio of more than $65M in research and creative activity. The University’s 1,100 faculty and 1,700 staff help create an annual economic impact for the Piedmont Triad region in excess of $1B annually.
N.C. A&T is a top-flight high research university, the largest historically black university in the country, the #1 producer of degrees awarded to African Americans in North Carolina, and nationally recognized for excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. An 1890 land-grant, doctoral university, N.C. A&T prepares students to advance the human condition and facilitate economic growth in North Carolina and beyond by providing a preeminent and diverse educational experience through teaching, research, and scholarly application of knowledge. One of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina system, N.C. A&T has 14,311 students.
N.C. A&T is an academic community focused on students, providing them with interdisciplinary learning opportunities, faculty renowned for excellence, opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research, and encouragement to serve their communities. For the fiscal year 2023-2024, N.C. A&T generated more than $100M in sponsored research. The University’s strategic plan, Preeminence 2030 North Carolina A&T Blueprint, is available at www.ncat.edu/about/initiatives/preeminence-2030/index.php. As A&T aspires to become an R1 institution by 2030, the university is amid an exciting period of growth and transformation.
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.
WittKieffer is assisting UNC Greensboro and N.C. A&T in this search. All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile found below. For fullest consideration, application materials should be received by November 18, 2024. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal, via the buttons below.
Confidential nominations and inquiries can be directed to the institutions’ consultants,
Christine J. Pendleton, Jessica Herrington, and Randi Miller at
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in education and employment. Admission to, participation in the programs of, employment by, and promotion in the University shall be on the basis of merit. The University prohibits unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on consideration of race, religion, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), political affiliation, National Guard, veteran status, genetic information, or disability, except where gender, age, or physical requirements are bona fide educational or job-related employment requirements.
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University administer all aspects of education and employment in accordance with federal and State equal employment opportunity laws. This policy covers all University programs and activities and all conditions of employment, including the following: recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations, opportunities to serve on committees and decision-making bodies, and participation in social and recreational programs.