Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University (Grand Valley) invites applications, expressions of interest, and nominations of candidates in its search for the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS).

Grand Valley State University is a strong and vibrant public university with a clear, deeply held, unwavering commitment to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community. Grand Valley combines the expansive opportunities of a large university, including a wide array of programs, services, and spaces, with the close-knit, supportive atmosphere of a small liberal arts college. This unique blend offers students the best of both worlds: extensive resources and personal attention. Grand Valley was founded in 1960 and has continued a trajectory of growth to become a comprehensive university with over 19,000 undergraduates, over 3,000 graduate students, and over 148,000 alumni. Grand Valley boasts over 1,200 full- and part-time faculty members and close to 1,300 staff members. With its focus on liberal education and student success, Grand Valley has attracted students from every county in Michigan, 50 states, and 77 countries.

At over 10,000 students, CLAS is Grand Valley's largest and most complex academic unit. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences plays a central role in delivering the university’s general education program and is distinguished by a commitment to student success, faculty excellence, and community engagement. The next dean will champion the CLAS Voyage, the college’s transformative experiential learning initiative as a cornerstone of student success, advocate for the value and resources of liberal education, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration across GVSU’s colleges to advance innovative teaching and applied research that prepare students for a changing world. The dean reports to the provost and is the college's chief administrative, academic, and budgetary officer. The next dean will oversee a large team of 18 within the dean’s office and will manage a budget of $107M. The dean serves as a role model of integrity and professionalism for the college’s faculty of teacher-scholars and is accessible to both undergraduate and graduate students. The dean collaborates closely with the other deans as well as others across the university, the region, the nation, and the world to coordinate academic programs, interdisciplinary initiatives, and applied research.

The ideal candidate will hold an earned doctorate in one of the areas of study housed in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and will have achieved a distinguished record of teaching, scholarly, and professional achievement sufficient for appointment as a Full Professor. In addition, the individual must possess significant administrative experience and a record of significant and progressive leadership experience appropriate to this role.

The search committee will begin accepting nominations and reviewing applications immediately and through Fall 2025. Requested application materials include a letter of interest and curriculum vitae; although applications will be welcomed until the dean is selected, for best consideration, all candidates should submit materials as soon as possible, to https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/22543

For more information about Grand Valley State University, please visit www.gvsu.edu and the search website: https://apptrkr.com/6620418.

Grand Valley is assisted in this search by DSG Storbeck. For additional information, please contact:

R. Thomas Fitch, Managing Director

Amanda Bennett, Managing Associate

DSG Storbeck

This is a full-time position that will be performed on-site in Michigan. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Here is a link to more information on GVSU’s benefits: https://www.gvsu.edu/hro/benefits/benefits-overview-40.htm

Individuals from all backgrounds, including from underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates must be able to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and community members with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.