Dean, College of Science and Engineering
Seattle University
Seattle University, in partnership with Korn Ferry, invites nominations and expressions of interest for the position of Dean, College of Science and Engineering.
Guided by its Jesuit, Catholic mission, Seattle University is deeply committed to academic excellence and innovation for the common good. Located in the heart of Seattle—one of the nation’s most dynamic technology and innovation hubs—the College of Science and Engineering serves as the University’s computing and STEM hub. CSE is home to more than 1,300 students across 14 undergraduate majors, four graduate degrees, and multiple pre-professional programs. Faculty deliver a hands-on, student-centered education that integrates classroom learning with research, internships, and real-world applications. Housed in a state-of-the-art STEM facility, the College provides a collaborative environment where students engage directly with faculty mentors, pursue interdisciplinary research, and prepare to become ethical leaders in science, technology, and engineering.
At this pivotal time, Seattle University seeks a strategic and visionary leader to serve as the next Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, building on the College’s academic strengths, enhancing its impact, and elevating its reputation. Reporting to the Provost, the Dean oversees the comprehensive academic and administrative mission of the College, including a $15 million operating budget, a leadership team of associate and assistant deans, and eight academic departments. The Dean will strengthen CSE’s role as the University’s computing and STEM hub, deepen interdisciplinary partnerships across campus, and expand external collaborations with Seattle’s thriving industries in technology, health sciences, biotechnology, and engineering. The Dean will also play a vital role in advancing student success, supporting faculty excellence, and harnessing the College’s mission-driven values of inclusion, justice, and innovation for institutional and societal impact.
The ideal candidate is an inclusive, transformative leader with the vision to shape the future of STEM education, enhance the College’s areas of distinction, and pioneer innovative programs that prepare graduates to contribute meaningfully in their fields and communities. The successful candidate will hold and have a demonstrated record of successful teaching and scholarship sufficient to warrant a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Professor. A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, commitment to diversity and equity, and experience mentoring faculty, staff, and students will be essential. They will also bring significant leadership experience in higher education, with a track record of academic and operational excellence, strategic planning, fiscal management, fundraising, and partnership development.
Korn Ferry is assisting Seattle University with this rare opportunity to lead a mission-driven STEM college at a nationally recognized university in one of the world’s great innovation cities. Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of interest. To ensure full consideration, inquiries, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to SU-CSEDean@kornferry.com. Please also reach out if you would like to see a comprehensive position profile.
In support of its pursuit of academic and scholarly excellence, Seattle University is committed to creating a diverse community of students, faculty and staff that is dedicated to the fundamental principles of equal opportunity and treatment in education and employment regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, national origin, political ideology, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The university encourages applications from, and nominations of, individuals whose differing backgrounds, beliefs, ideas, and life experiences will further enrich the diversity of its educational community.
