The University of Maryland (UMD) invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the College of Information.
Reporting to the Senior Vice President and Provost, the next Dean of the College of Information (INFO) will be committed to strong and innovative leadership, eager to articulate and champion a compelling and future-focused INFO vision. Rooted in the college’s mission of improving lives and opportunities for people through information and harnessing data and technology for social, economic, and environmental good, the Dean will promote a culture of impactful scholarship and research, supporting cross-college collaborations, and advancing interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research and partnerships that are in line with the University’s strategic priorities. Additionally, the Dean will be deeply committed to building a community whose members constantly intertwine inclusive excellence, equity, and respect into their teaching and learning, research, and scholarship. Leveraging the College’s upcoming 60th anniversary, the Dean will expand fundraising efforts by engaging broader audiences beyond its alumni base, promoting an inspirational vision, and emphasizing the College’s societal impact and relevance when articulating a compelling case for support. Finally, the Dean will be laser focused on supporting student academic success while also working to increase partnerships and philanthropic support for INFO’s faculty, programs, and students.
The University seeks a strategic, visionary, collaborative, entrepreneurial, and dynamic leader with a national and international perspective, a collegial and consultative leadership style, a deep commitment to student success, and the demonstrated skill of creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for students, staff, and faculty. A terminal degree in a related field and the scholarly achievement to attain the rank of full professor within the College of Information at Maryland is required.
The University of Maryland is a diverse and inclusive community of more than 50,000 fearless Terrapins. The University is 16th among U.S. public institutions and 42nd among national universities in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges, is the nation’s first Do Good campus, and is consistently ranked for its innovation, research, and commitment to inclusive excellence. Propelled by a $1.4 billion joint research enterprise, UMD is dedicated to addressing the grand challenges of our time. Located four miles from Washington, D.C., the University offers an unparalleled student experience with more than 300 academic programs, 25 living-learning programs and 400 study abroad programs. Spurred by a culture of innovation and creativity, its faculty are global leaders in their field and include two Nobel laureates, five Pulitzer Prize winners, and 79 members of the national academies.
The College of Information is a top-ranked research and teaching college in the field of information science and a vibrant hub of innovation, with over 3,000 combined faculty, staff and students from 61 countries around the world who are diving into library resources for communities, AI applications for archives, app development, data visualization, assistive technology and much more. Since its inception, INFO has been a leader in developing innovative solutions to help people access and use information—both through research and by shaping the next generation of information professionals and researchers. Across all endeavors, INFO is committed to utilizing information and technology to connect communities, empower individuals and create opportunities.
INFO’s degree programs are highly ranked, with its graduate LIS programs ranked #3 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report 2025 (up from # 8 in 2018 and #4 in 2021). INFO has one of the largest student populations at UMD, including the 2nd largest undergraduate program and 4th largest (and fastest growing) overall graduate student body as of Fall 2025. Additionally, the INFO college boasts a highly effective research enterprise that brought in over $10 million in new funding in FY25. Known for its multidisciplinary approach that fosters new perspectives and solutions, INFO is a catalyst for cross-college, multi-institutional and private collaboration. INFO faculty, staff and students—across all endeavors—are passionate about using information and technology to break down barriers and create exciting new possibilities.
Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile. Professional references are not requested at this time. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by January 16, 2026.
Nominations, inquiries, and application materials can be directed to: Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., Jessica Herrington, and Jess Cummings at [email protected].