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Dean, School of Engineering and Computer Science
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Position Number: 2405861
Location: Waco, TX
Position Type: Deans - Engineering

Dean, School of Engineering and Computer Science
Baylor University
Waco, Texas

Baylor University seeks an ambitious leader to serve as Dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS). This is an opportunity to build a growing school that will contribute to the University's goal of becoming a preeminent Christian research university. Chartered in 1845, Baylor fulfills its mission "to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community." Baylor's research expenditures have been growing at an average rate of 28% over the last three years, and annual research dollars awarded to the university have been growing at even faster rate over this time. The intermediate goal of Baylor being classified among the nation's elite research institutions is within reach, and under the leadership of the new Dean, ECS will play a critical role in Baylor's success in reaching and maintaining Research 1 (R1) status. Baylor seeks a Dean who combines respected scholarship and academic achievements with strategic leadership ability, outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, collaborative and creative energy, entrepreneurial ambition, passion for the fields of engineering and computer science, and vision for the role of ECS within a 21^st century Christian research university.

ECS was established in 1995 as one of Baylor's 12 schools and colleges. The School's 60 full-time faculty are housed in three departments – Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), and Computer Science (CSI). All ECS programs are accredited by ABET; the most recent ABET accreditation was reaffirmed in 2019 with the next review to occur in 2025. With state-of-the-art research facilities, excellent faculty, an average class size of 23, and a focused approach to undergraduate success and leadership development, Baylor's ECS program offers all of the advantages of a large-scale research institution with the personal attention students need to succeed. The School offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science, Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Informatics (with majors in Bioinformatics and Data Science), Computing, a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Computer Science; master's degrees in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering; and three Ph.D. degrees – in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science – along with a variety of joint master's and master's programs. ECS enrolls nearly 1,000 undergraduate students, a small number of master's students, and 68 Ph.D. students.

Reporting to the Provost, the Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of ECS. The Dean is accountable for the quality of the School's academic programs and faculty, and for aligning the priorities of the School with those of the University, enabling the School and University to flourish. The Dean will be an advocate for ECS disciplines and programs, employees and students, and for the development of an overarching vision that will pull these components into an integrated whole. The Dean is expected to provide visionary leadership to align with the Four Pillars and Five Academic Strategic Initiatives articulated in Illuminate, the university's academic strategic plan (see https://illuminate.web.baylor.edu/). The Dean is expected to recruit and retain excellent faculty and staff, enhance undergraduates' educational experience, strengthen graduate programs – with particular emphasis on doctoral programs – and elevate research activity in pursuit of Baylor's stated goals to join the ranks of elite research universities nationwide.

The University seeks an outstanding leader who demonstrates impeccable personal and professional integrity, strength of character, and ethical qualities of the highest order. Other qualifications include demonstrated Christian faith and commitment to advancing the academic enterprise and mission of Baylor through strategic faculty, staff, and student recruitment, retention, recognition, and development; a strong record of distinguished leadership, (in higher education, this would include successful leadership at the Chair, Director, Dean, or equivalent leadership level); an earned doctorate or appropriate terminal degree with academic qualifications that merit appointment as a tenured full professor in an academic discipline represented within the School; a commitment to research as the foundation for learning, teaching, and practical application; demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, fiscal management, and the ability to lead, facilitate, and delegate with effectiveness; enthusiasm and ability to contribute actively to substantial development and fundraising efforts; commitment to diversity, along with an understanding of how to advance a culture that promotes inclusion and welcomes and encourages dialogue across lines of difference.

Screening will begin in early fall and continue until an appointment is made. Nominations, inquiries, and applications (including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and names of five references) should be directed electronically to BaylorECSDean@divsearch.com

Kim M. Morrisson, Ph.D., Managing Director or Pete Gillin, Managing Director
Nancy Helfman, Vice President and Senior Associate
Diversified Search
One Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street, Suite 3300, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Baylor University is a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, Baylor is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, marital status, pregnancy status, military service, genetic information, and disability. As a religious educational institution, Baylor is lawfully permitted to consider an applicant's religion as a selection criterion. Baylor encourages women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply.