Dean of the College of Business
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY - United States
The University of Louisville (UofL) seeks a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and experienced academic leader to serve as its next Dean of the College of Business.
Founded in 1798 as one of the nation’s first city-owned public universities, the University of Louisville is a vital ecosystem that creates thriving futures for students, the community, and society. As one of only 84 universities in the U.S. to earn recognition by the Carnegie Foundation as both a Research 1 and a Community Engaged university, UofL is uniquely positioned to impact lives in areas of student success and research and innovation, while their dynamic connection with the local and global communities provides unparalleled opportunities for both students and citizens.
Spreading across three campuses, UofL is a state-supported research university that is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). With an enrollment of over 24,000 students, its academic programs attract students from every state in the U.S. and countries all over the world. UofL offers graduate, professional, baccalaureate, and associate degrees, as well as certificates in over 200 fields of study. UofL is especially well-known for excellence in teaching, research, and service to the Louisville community and the advancement of educational opportunities for its citizens. With more than 170,000 alumni residing in the U.S. and around the world, UofL’s reach extends far beyond the region in which it resides.
The University of Louisville College of Business, established in 1953, is dedicated to enhancing the intellectual and economic vitality of Louisville, the region, and the broader business world. The College offers a wide range of programs, including undergraduate degrees, masters, and doctoral programs. It is home to over 2,500 students, 80 full-time faculty, 70 full-time staff, and more than 27,100 alumni worldwide. Known for its strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, and critical thinking, the College provides students with real-world experience through its various centers and initiatives, such as the Ulmer Career Management Center, Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence, and the Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship. With a commitment to diversity and community engagement, the University of Louisville College of Business prepares students to excel in a dynamic global business environment. The College of Business and its School of Accounting were successfully re-accredited by AACSB International in 2024.
As the College’s chief executive officer, the Dean is responsible for the vision, leadership, and ultimate accountability for all activities within the College. The Dean reports to the Executive Vice President and University Provost, Gerry Bradley, and serves on the University’s Council of Academic Officers. The primary activities of the Dean are to represent the College to external audiences, be an advocate for College activities, communicate the College’s needs to internal and external constituents, and develop resources through program initiatives, internal University resources, and external fundraising. In addition, the Dean should build partnerships and promote and enhance the College’s reputation and reach to broader national and international audiences. Reporting directly to the Dean are the associate and assistant deans, the department chairs, and the directors of major College initiatives. For those having faculty appointments, the reporting relationship will be limited to administrative responsibilities.
The ideal candidate must have a strong demonstrated record of fundraising, scholarship, and strategic leadership in higher education and the skills required to oversee a large, complex college. Candidates should have excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively and build meaningful relationships across multiple constituencies. The candidate must possess a terminal degree and academic credentials that merit appointment with tenure at the rank of professor in one of the College’s departments.
WittKieffer is assisting the University of Louisville in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by February 3, 2024.
Application materials should be submitted through WittKieffer’s candidate portal using the buttons below.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Zachary A. Smith, Ph.D., Julia Bradley, and Natalie Song at [email protected]