Texas Southern University (Texas Southern) invites nominations, applications, and inquiries in its search for a visionary leader to serve as the next Dean of the Jesse H. Jones School of Business (JHJ).
Founded in 1927 and located in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward, Texas Southern University is a public, comprehensive doctoral university enrolling more than 8,700 students across 10 academic colleges and schools. As a Carnegie Research 2 (R2) institution and one of the nation’s largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Texas Southern combines a rich legacy of educational access with a bold vision for academic excellence, research, and community impact. Through its Ascend 2030 strategic plan, the University is investing in academic excellence, research growth, operational effectiveness, and community engagement while preparing graduates to become leaders who shape the future of Texas and beyond.
JHJ was founded in 1955 to serve an increasing student interest in business in the City of Houston. Today, JHJ is at the forefront of business education, providing cutting-edge, innovative programming to business students from around the world. JHJ is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, the hallmark of business school accreditation worldwide. The School offers a BBA degree in Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, and Management Information Systems (MIS). There are three graduate degrees offered at the School: Master of Business Administration, M.S. in Management Information Systems, and an online Executive MBA. As of fall 2025, the School has 57 faculty, 1,753 students, and an operating budget of approximately $7.5 million.
Reporting to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research, the Dean serves as the Chief Administrative, Fiscal, and Academic Officer of the Jesse H. Jones School of Business. The Dean is responsible for providing visionary leadership, strategic direction, and academic oversight while fostering a culture of excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, and service. The Dean serves as the School’s principal advocate within the University and among external constituencies and is responsible for advancing the School’s mission, reputation, and impact.
The successful candidate must be an outstanding and transformational leader. The next Dean must be knowledgeable about current trends in business education, have experience in fundraising, external relations, and community engagement, and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. The next Dean must have successful leadership experience that demonstrates increasing levels of responsibility and accomplishment at the chair or director level or above, or comparable leadership experience in industry or government, with credentials appropriate for a faculty appointment in the School. An earned doctorate or other terminal degree is required.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications can be submitted through the WittKieffer Candidate Portal, or by using the buttons above or below. Applicants should submit, as separate documents, a CV or résumé and a letter of interest that addresses the themes outlined in the leadership profile, available below. WittKieffer is assisting Texas Southern University in this search. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by September 8th, 2026.
This search is being led by Christine J. Pendleton and Bronwen Bares Pelaez, Ph.D., of WittKieffer. Nominations and inquiries may be directed to Bronwen Bares Peleaz, Ph.D. ([email protected]).
It is the policy of Texas Southern University to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, individuals with disability, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its programs, activities, admissions or employment policies. This policy of equal opportunity is strictly observed in all University employment-related activities such as advertising, recruiting, interviewing, testing, employment training, compensation, promotion, termination, and employment benefits. This policy expressly prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, genetic history, national origin, individuals with disability, age, citizenship status, or protected veteran status. This policy shall be adhered to in accordance with the provisions of all applicable federal, state and local laws, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.