RF-SMART and Morales Family Director of the School of Computing
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL - United States
The University of North Florida’s (UNF) College of Computing, Engineering & Construction seeks a visionary and strategic leader who is deeply committed to a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to serve as the next RF-SMART and Morales Family Director of the School of Computing. Applications, inquiries, and nominations are invited.
UNF was established in 1972 and has experienced significant growth in size and reputation over the years. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, serving a large regional population, UNF enjoys strong support from the State University System of Florida, which employs a unique performance funding model. The university currently has over 17,000 students, 584 full-time faculty members, and more than 1,200 staff members. It is home to six colleges and is frequently recognized for its high quality and value by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, and other national publications. UNF has been awarded the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement and is dedicated to providing a holistic education to its students. The university prides itself on offering engaging classroom environments and personalized attention to students. Additionally, UNF is committed to community service and encourages students to participate in impactful projects under the guidance of passionate faculty and staff.
In 2022, UNF was classified as a Carnegie Classified R2 – High Research Activity institution. Building off this achievement, the institution has a new 2023-2028 strategic plan, Soaring Higher Together, that aspires to considerably greater national and international acclaim while optimizing its research relevance and the university’s historical commitment to student success. The priorities of the strategic plan are: Ensure Student Success from Enrollment to Employment and Beyond; Inspire Relevant Research and Impactful Innovation; Expand Mutually Beneficial Partnerships with the Community; and Accelerate the Success of Faculty and Staff. Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Information Technologies is one of the five areas of focus within the strategic plan, which shows the university’s commitment to the School of Computing and the desire for the School to grow.
The School of Computing is one of three units that comprise the College of Computing, Engineering, & Construction. This summer, the Florida Board of Governors approved UNF’s first and only Ph.D. program, which is housed in the School of Computing. The Ph.D. in Computing offers students an advanced, research-based education in computing to prepare students for research and development roles in private and public sectors and for collegiate academic positions. The School of Computing offers undergraduate degrees in Computer Science, Data Science, FinTech, Information Science, Information Systems, and Information Technology. A Master of Science in Computing and Information Sciences is also offered through the school.
Reporting directly to the dean of the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction, the director will provide strategic, intellectual, and administrative leadership to the School of Computing. The next director will develop a vision and execute a plan for strategic growth of the academic and research enterprises; lead a strong team on issues including recruitment, retention, and management and development of faculty and staff; contribute to both undergraduate and graduate teaching, curriculum, and program development by advancing and modernizing the curriculum; advance the school’s research funding and reputation; and work collaboratively across the university and with alumni and industry partners.
In achieving these objectives, the next director must be a collaborative leader who possesses the leadership skills, entrepreneurial spirit, and compassion to advance and advocate for the school. Additional preferred experiences include successful administrative experience in a university environment; the ability to collaborate with others to establish and implement a vision; a strong record of forging interdisciplinary partnerships internally and externally; the passion for developing resources to support the school; and the interest in supporting students and strengthening the student experience. The director must possess the scholarly record required to merit a tenured appointment as a full or associate professor in one of the School of Computing’s academic programs.
WittKieffer is assisting UNF 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 on this page. Application materials should be submitted using the buttons below. For fullest consideration, application materials should be received by November 4, 2024.
Confidential nominations and inquiries can be directed to the institution’s consultants, Randi Miller, Corin Edwards, and Jessica Herrington at [email protected].