Oregon State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Associate Dean of Students and Educational Innovation in the College of Engineering. This is an exceptional opportunity for an innovative, student-centered leader to shape the future of one of the nation’s largest and most dynamic engineering undergraduate communities. The Associate Dean will serve as a key member of the College’s leadership team, providing strategic direction for student life, learning, support, and success across the undergraduate experience, from recruitment through graduation, and beyond.
Founded in 1868, Oregon State University is an internationally recognized land-grant research institution and one of only three universities in the U.S. to hold land, sea, space, and sun grant designations. Serving more than 38,000 students across its campuses and nationally ranked Ecampus, OSU is distinguished by rapidly growing research activity, strong industry partnerships, and a deep commitment to inclusive excellence and public impact. Its current strategic plan, Prosperity Widely Shared, sets bold goals for research expansion, enrollment growth, and improved student outcomes, supported by major investments in facilities and interdisciplinary innovation. OSU's research enterprise is distinguished by excellence across various disciplines, with faculty contributing to the University's record-breaking research expenditures of $422 million in 2024, growth of over 35 percent in the last five years, making significant progress toward the University's goal of $600 million by 2030.
The Oregon State University College of Engineering is a powerhouse of talent, innovation, and purpose—home to worldclass experts working across every major engineering discipline to create a better future for our planet and all who inhabit it. Founded in 1889, the College has long championed strong economies, healthy communities, and a sustainable natural environment. Throughout its history, Oregon State engineers have transformed entire fields, from pioneering the artificial heart valve and the computer mouse to advancing today’s breakthroughs in robotics, artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, materials science, climate and coastal resilience, and more.
As the largest college at OSU and one of the nation’s most respected engineering institutions, the College enrolls nearly 11,000 students, making it the 5th largest undergraduate program, and consistently ranks among the top engineering programs in the U.S. Its scale and impact are powered by more than 300 faculty, deep industry partnerships, and globally recognized research enterprise.
The Associate Dean will play a pivotal leadership role in elevating undergraduate student success, driving educational innovation, and strengthening community across all aspects of the enterprise that support students. Key expectations include unifying advising across schools in the College, leading efforts to close achievement gaps, enhancing academic integrity processes, expanding experiential learning opportunities, supporting mental health and wellbeing initiatives, and guiding curricular and pedagogical innovation across schools. The Associate Dean will also contribute to the development of the College’s 2026–2030 strategic plan and ensure alignment with OSU-wide goals related to degree completion, access, online learning, and teaching excellence, as well as support the university’s Prosperity Widely Shared strategic plan.
The ideal candidate will bring a record of strategic leadership, deep commitment to excellence, experience in evidence-based teaching and learning, and skill in fostering positive relationships with faculty, staff, and students. The candidate will demonstrate strength in supervision, academic program leadership, assessment and accreditation, cocurricular development, and managing student-centered policies and processes. Outstanding communication skills, collaborative leadership, crisis response capabilities, and the ability to cultivate a culture of trust, innovation, and continuous improvement will be essential for success in this highly impactful role.
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 Oregon State University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by March 23, 2026.
Please direct all nominations and applications through the WittKieffer Candidate Portal using the buttons above or below. Additional inquiries can be directed to: Lauren Bruce-Stets and Amy Crutchfield at [email protected].
OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.