The University of Alabama at Birmingham(UAB, or the University) seeks an innovative and visionary dean to continue the ongoing momentum of the Collat School of Business (CSOB, or the School) and to meet the dynamic demands of preparing students for success as leaders and business professionals through a balanced approach to teaching, research, and service.
Founded shortly after the university’s creation in 1969, the School is home to more than 3,000 students, 60+ faculty members, and 30+ staff members. It enjoys a high student retention rate, and faculty engage in high-impact research worldwide. Degree and certificate programs are rigorous and varied. Year-round internships and other applied learning experiences allow students to distinguish themselves in innovative ways. The School proudly boasts approximately 24,000 global alumni. CSOB enjoys a unique place in UAB history. It was the first named school at UAB, recognizing the generosity and philanthropy of Charles and Patsy Collat and their family.
CSOB occupies a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2018. The $37.5 million capital project included $15 million raised through community support. CSOB sits not only in the heart of UAB, but also in the heart of Alabama’s business center, Birmingham. The prime location allows faculty to integrate the practical experiences of the state’s leading companies – from Fortune 500 corporations to entrepreneurial startups – into programs offered.
The dean of the UAB Collat School of Business is its chief academic and executive officer, reporting to the University’s Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. The dean’s role is to lead the School’s core academic functions and further the mission and goals of the University. This includes engaging with the diverse greater Birmingham community through the education of entrepreneurs and other forms of business innovation support.
WittKieffer is assisting the University of Alabama at Birmingham in this search. Applications can be submitted through the WittKieffer Candidate Portal using the buttons above. Applicants should submit, as separate documents, a CV or résumé and a letter of interest that addresses the themes outlined in the leadership profile. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by July 29, 2026.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to the WittKieffer consultants supporting this search:
Ryan Crawford | [email protected]
Julia Bradley | [email protected]
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.