Missouri University of Science and Technology invites applications and nominations for the Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing. At a moment of remarkable momentum, marked by Carnegie R1 classification, national recognition for graduate salary outcomes, and the continued impact of the transformational $300 million gift from June and Fred Kummer, the next Dean will lead Missouri S&T’s largest academic college and help define the future of engineering, computing, innovation, and economic development for Missouri and beyond.
Founded in 1870 as one of the first technological universities west of the Mississippi River, Missouri S&T has built a national reputation for excellence in engineering, science, technology, and applied research. As Missouri’s premier technological research university and a member of the University of Missouri System, S&T enrolls more than 7,000 students, offers more than 100 academic programs, and generates more than $100 million in annual research expenditures. Its highly ranked return on investment, expanding research enterprise, and ambitious investments in new facilities and programs create a powerful platform for the university’s next era of distinction.
The College of Engineering and Computing is the academic heart of Missouri S&T. As the largest of the university’s three colleges, it enrolls approximately 80 percent of all students and includes nine academic departments, nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate programs, more than 180 ranked faculty, and major research centers spanning intelligent systems, materials, infrastructure, aerospace and manufacturing technologies, and steel manufacturing. The college combines deep disciplinary strength with a practical, hands-on culture that produces highly sought-after graduates and sustains strong partnerships with industry, government, alumni, and donors.
The next Dean will bring vision, energy, and strategic focus to a college positioned for significant growth. Key priorities will include expanding undergraduate and graduate enrollment, strengthening doctoral education, growing sponsored research, recruiting and retaining exceptional faculty, integrating artificial intelligence throughout engineering education and research, and deepening partnerships with industry and government. The Dean will also help activate signature university investments, including the newly opened Missouri Protoplex, Missouri S&T's largest capital project in history, the Missouri Bioplex, the emerging Missouri GeoPlex initiative, and Missouri S&T’s expanding nuclear energy strategy; each offering powerful opportunities to connect faculty expertise, student talent, research capacity, and workforce development with urgent national and global needs.
Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Dean will serve as the chief academic and administrative officer of the college and a key member of the university’s senior leadership team. This leader will advance excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, support faculty development and shared governance, steward a substantial operating budget and endowment, increase philanthropic support, and represent the college regionally, nationally, and internationally. This opportunity calls for a collaborative builder who can align people and resources around an ambitious vision while strengthening the college’s national reputation and impact.
Missouri S&T seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial, and collaborative academic leader with the credentials for appointment as a tenured full professor in the College of Engineering and Computing. Candidates should bring an earned doctorate in an appropriate discipline; significant academic leadership experience; a distinguished record of scholarship; demonstrated success in strategic planning, budgeting, organizational leadership, faculty development, research growth, external engagement, and fundraising; and the communication skills and judgment to build trust across a complex, high-performing academic community.
For a leader drawn to technological education, applied research, public impact, and institutional transformation, this deanship offers a rare chance to shape the future of a college central to Missouri S&T’s identity and aspirations. The next Dean will join a university on the rise, lead a college with exceptional talent and momentum, and help position Missouri S&T among the nation’s leading engineering and computing institutions.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.
WittKieffer is assisting Missouri S&T in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by October 26, 2026.
Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal by clicking the buttons above or below.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to the WittKieffer consultants supporting the search: Jessica Herrington, Lauren Bruce-Stets, and Randi Miller at [email protected].
Missouri University of Science and Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer.