Youngstown State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Associate Dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM). This is an opportunity for a collaborative academic leader to help guide a complex, multi-site STEM enterprise through its next phase of innovation, enrollment momentum, and workforce alignment. The Associate Dean will serve as the Dean’s principal partner for internal operations and academic excellence, enabling expanded external engagement and impact across the region.
Founded in 1908, Youngstown State (YSU) is a comprehensive public institution and an anchor for Northeast Ohio’s educational and economic vitality. The University enrolls approximately 12,000 students, has achieved back-to-back enrollment growth through Fall 2025, and maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio. YSU is ranked #99 Regional Universities in the Midwest and #35 Top Public Schools. With accessible tuition and expanding online, graduate, and international enrollment, YSU continues to advance its mission of affordability, access, and student success.
Established in 2007, the College of STEM is Ohio’s first and only dedicated STEM college, spanning 12 buildings across four locations and serving roughly 3,000 students. The College offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, Ph.D. and workforce-aligned programs, engages undergraduates directly in research, and operates the Excellence Training Center (ETC) as a hub for advanced manufacturing, engineering technology, and industry training. YSU is also advancing a new Steubenville site, prioritized by the state to deliver career-aligned pathways beginning as early as 2026, further extending the College’s footprint and mission.
The Associate Dean will lead internal operations, drive student success strategies in recruitment and retention, and strengthen workforce education through employer partnerships, internships, co-ops, and program expansion at new and existing sites. The role also includes facilitating faculty research and grant development, nurturing interdisciplinary collaboration, and supporting the launch and scale of innovative centers and academic offerings, positioning the YSU College of STEM as a statewide leader in applied research, innovation, and workforce alignment.
Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in a STEM discipline and tenure at the rank of Associate Professor or higher (with Full Professor preferred), plus three or more years of college-level teaching and a record of advising, mentoring, scholarly productivity, and/or externally funded work. The College values authentic, approachable, collaborative leadership, outstanding communication, equitable resource allocation, and skillful cultural stewardship, sustaining a well-known climate of trust and shared governance.
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.
WittKieffer is assisting Youngstown State University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by March 2, 2026.
Application should be submitted through Youngstown State University's jobs site.
Nominations, and inquiries can be directed to Lauren Bruce-Stets and Jess Cummings at [email protected].
Youngstown State University is committed to a campus environment that values all individuals and groups and to non-discrimination and equality of opportunity in education and employment. University policy and federal and state law prohibit all forms of discrimination and/ or harassment based on sex, race, color, religion, national origin (including shared ancestry), age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, or veteran/military status or any other basis protected by law.