Western University invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for the position of Dean, Faculty of Arts & Humanities, with an anticipated appointment effective summer 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a Faculty rooted in excellence and to strengthen the foundation for its sustained success and long-term impact.
Founded in 1878, Western University is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities and ranks among the top 1% of universities worldwide. In 2023, Western earned the prestigious QS 5 Stars Plus rating—one of only 20 institutions globally to receive this distinction. Western has ranked third in Canada, 14th in the world in the Times Higher Education 2025 Impact Rankings, which assess universities around the world for their work to reach the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. As a top research-intensive university, together with its Affiliated University Colleges, Western serves as a hub for more than 500 international research collaborations. Western’s vibrant academic community consists of approximately 42,000 students, with 7,000 pursuing graduate-level programs. The university’s international student population comprises around 3,000 undergraduates and 2,000 graduate students from 130 countries. Western has more than 1,500 full-time faculty, 2,500 full-time administrative staff and more than 360,000 alumni around the globe. Guided by its strategic plan, Towards Western at 150, the university continues to strengthen its national and international reputation through academic excellence, research leadership and community engagement. Western’s fundraising campaigns remain a vital source of strength, with each campaign exceeding the success of the last.
The Faculty of Arts & Humanities is one of Western’s foundational pillars, driving inquiry into the ideas, cultures and creative expressions that shape human experience. With close to $800,000 in external research funding annually, the Faculty of Arts & Humanities is home to 882 undergraduate students, 372 graduate students, 129 faculty members, and 37 staff members. Its teaching and research span the vital elements of human experience — language, literature, art, film, visual culture, the world of ideas and self-understanding. As times change, contexts shift and the world seems to become ever more challenging, the Arts and Humanities are needed as never before: to frame that experience of change, and help to make sense of it. The Faculty brings together Classical Studies, English and Writing Studies, French Studies, Languages and Cultures, Philosophy, Visual Arts, and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies. Through these departments, students explore compelling ideas and develop core skills in critical thinking, analysis, communication, and creative expression across a range of media. The Faculty of Arts & Humanities equips students with a deep understanding of the richness and complexity of humanity, and provides a broad slate of research opportunities, engaging experiential learning, and community service opportunities. Faculty members are award-winning and internationally recognized scholars who span a range of disciplines. The great range and impact of their work demonstrate how the Arts and Humanities make a dynamic contribution to human knowledge.
The Dean is the chief academic officer of the Faculty and a member of the University’s senior leadership team. Reporting to the Provost & Vice-President (Academic), the Dean is responsible for advancing the Faculty’s strategic vision; ensuring the academic quality and integrity of its programs and operations; strengthening its research profile; and championing outreach and fundraising efforts.
The ideal candidate will have a record of scholarly achievement to be appointed to the rank of Professor. They will have significant proven administrative and leadership experience earned in a complex environment as demonstrated through the development of collaborative internal and external relationships, experience with, or an interest in, fundraising, applied experience and deep theoretical knowledge in their field, as well as sound fiscal management abilities.
Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, persons with any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process by contacting WesternFAH@lavernesmith.com. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and Permanent Residents will be given priority.
The consultants will begin the review of candidates immediately, with committee consultation later in the summer. The search will continue until the position is successfully filled. Applications should include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names (not letters) of three references (who will not be contacted without the consent of the candidate), and should be submitted in confidence to the University’s executive search consultants:
Laverne Smith & Associates Inc.
WesternFAH@lavernesmith.com
Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Chonnonton Nations, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) whom the university recognizes as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.
