ABOUT PURDUE
Purdue University is a leading public research university pursuing excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top four in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. Purdue’s continued commitment to affordability and accessibility has led to an expansion of its West Lafayette main campus to include a burgeoning presence in the heart of Indianapolis where new opportunities abound.
See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap — including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the Mitch Daniels School of Business, Purdue Computes and the One Health initiative — at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.
BRIEF OVERVIEW
The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) offers a comprehensive and dynamic academic experience, providing over 40 majors and numerous certificates and minors across 10 departments and schools: Department of Anthropology, Brian Lamb School of Communication, Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance, Department of English, Department of History, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Languages and Cultures, Department of Philosophy, Department of Political Science, and Department of Sociology.
Academic programs emphasize critical thinking, effective communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving—skills that are highly valued by employers and essential for success in a rapidly changing world. Students engage in multidisciplinary studies, participate in study abroad programs, and gain practical experience through internships. With personalized advising and a commitment to academic excellence, CLA prepares students to thrive in diverse careers and contribute meaningfully to society. An essential part of a Purdue education, the College prepares graduates for meaningful careers and inspired leadership.
The College leverages Purdue’s STEM strengths to propel graduates toward new advances in liberal arts disciplines and enhances Purdue’s renowned STEM education by pushing all Purdue students intellectually and challenging them to be independent thinkers who drive decision making as bold, visionary leaders.
POSITION SPECIFICATION
Purdue University seeks nominations and applications for its Justin S. Morrill Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, a key leadership role on campus that is more critical than ever before to the University’s future. Purdue is a STEM-forward university, with over 75% of its undergraduates studying for STEM degrees, meaning that the liberal arts play a uniquely crucial and differentiated role in strengthening Purdue’s scholarly excellence as a comprehensive research university. Known for its longstanding commitments to freedom of expression, academic freedom and institutional neutrality—the “home and sponsor of critics,” in the words of Chicago’s Kalven Report, the intellectual setting at Purdue provides unique and unparalleled opportunities for the right candidate.
Working in conjunction with University leadership, the new Dean will have the opportunity to develop and implement a strategic vision for the College, which spans diverse disciplines and programs across the liberal arts and social sciences. Reporting to Purdue’s provost, and working closely with his/her counterpart in the natural sciences as well as other key deans on campus, the Justin S. Morrill Dean serves as the chief academic officer for the College of Liberal Arts and is responsible for its strategic, programmatic, and financial operations in their entirety. Representing the College effectively and championing its values to a wide range of constituencies and stakeholders—external as well as internal—will be a key aspect of the role.
Purdue seeks candidates with the vision, experience base and integrity to be highly successful in a complex higher education setting, along with a track record that will make them suitable for appointment, either as tenured faculty or professional faculty, at the rank of full professor within one of the College’s home disciplines.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates should submit the following materials via the DSG | Storbeck Talent Profile, https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/22294.
• A cover letter outlining interest in the position, detailing relevant qualifications, and a statement detailing leadership philosophy and experiences.
• A current curriculum vitae.
Nominations and inquiries should be sent to: [email protected].