Dean of Engineering & Polymer Science — Visionary Leader

CSA Search; Akron (OH); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Akron invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer, providing strategic leadership for teaching, research, recruitment, outreach, and service.

The successful candidate will be a respected scholar and leader with a track record of administrative leadership, fundraising, and the ability to foster collaboration across disciplines and external

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in engineering, polymer science, materials science, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Senior faculty appointment or equivalent leadership experience.
• Demonstrated administrative and managerial experience with budget oversight.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for the academic, research, and strategic direction of the College.
• Collaborate with enrollment management and academic affairs to recruit and retain students.
• Advocate for undergraduate and graduate education across the college.
• Expand externally funded research and manage grants, contracts, and sponsored programs.
• Lead faculty and staff development and foster a transparent, collaborative culture.
• Oversee the college’s budget, facilities, and infrastructure.
• Advance fundraising, development, and alumni engagement.
• Maintain industrial, governmental, and international partnerships.
• Represent and brand the college as a media-ready spokesperson.
• Demonstrate crisis management and transparent decision-making.
• Engage with the college’s history, culture, and mission while guiding change.

Skills

Leadership experience

Scholarly achievement

Administrative/managerial experience

Budget oversight

Education

Ph.D. in engineering or related field

Job description

Dean, College of Engineering and Polymer Science

CSA is pleased to partner with the University of Akron on the search for their next Dean of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science.

The University of Akron invites nominations and applications for the position ofDean of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. For this is a senior leadership opportunity, the College seeks a visionary academic leader – an accomplished scholar, collaborator, and forward thinker – who is eager to build upon the College’s rich history while advancing a growth-minded vision rooted in innovation and impact.

About the College

The College of Engineering and Polymer Science comprises eight academic units housed across ten buildings, with approximately 130 faculty, three associate/assistant deans, and 50 staff/contract professionals serving over 330 graduate students and 2,700 undergraduate students. With a significant research mission, the College maintains $15 million in externally funded research expenditures annually.

The College is internationally recognized for its leadership in polymer science, polymer engineering, and has active research, undergraduate and graduate programs that span the breadth and depth of a comprehensive college, including Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, among others.

The College is home to the 5tholdest Co-Operative Education and Placement program in the US, with almost all B.S. engineering graduates participating in multiple, paid co-op positions during their degree program at nearly 1000 companies (locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally). This long-standing and deep integration between the College and industry has resulted in industrially funded research that far exceeds most engineering colleges in the US.

About the University

The University of Akron is one of Ohio’s most influential public urban research universities. With a R2 Carnegie research activity designation, scientists at the University conduct high-quality research in focused areas of excellence, contributing to the vitality of the local economy, and providing a workforce highly trained in diverse disciplines.

UA offers over 15,000 students a wide variety of in-demand associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degree programs with a career-focused emphasis. As a STEM-intensive institution, UA has strong connections with industries such as polymers, tires, manufacturing, advanced materials, and engineering. UA brings together a diverse group of learners — full-time, part-time and online students, veterans, and adults returning to the classroom — enrolled across five degree-granting colleges and schools, including the Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering and Polymer Science, the College of Health & Human Sciences, the College of Business, and the School of Law as well as non-degree-granting entities including the School of Graduate Studies, the Williams Honors College, and a branch campus (Wayne College).

Position Summary

The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science and provides strategic leadership for teaching, research, recruitment, outreach, and service. The Dean reports to the Provost and works collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, university leadership, alumni, industry partners, and external stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be a respected scholar and leader in engineering, polymer science, or a closely related field, with demonstrated ability to manage complexity, foster collaboration, and advance excellence in both undergraduate and graduate education.

Key Responsibilities

The Dean will:

• Providevisionary leadershipfor the academic, research, and strategic direction of the College
• Collaborate with enrollment management and academic affairs to cultivate and supportstudent recruitmentandretention
• Serve as astrong advocate for undergraduate education, graduate education, and the full educational career ladder
• Support and expandexternally funded research, with a solid understanding of grants, contracts, and sponsored programs
• Leadfaculty and staff development, fostering a collegial, transparent, and collaborative culture
• Oversee the College’sbudget, facilities, and infrastructure, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources
• Advancefundraising, development, and alumni engagement, in partnership with the University and external stakeholders
• Maintain and strengthenindustrial, governmental, and international partnershipsthat enhance research, education, and workforce development
• Effectivelyrepresent and brand the College, serving as a visible, media‑ready spokesperson when appropriate
• Demonstrate strongcrisis management skillsand the ability to make informed, timely, and sometimes difficult decisions
• Promote open communication,honesty, transparency, and trustacross the College community spanning from undergraduate students to senior leaders
• Engage deeply with the College’shistory, culture, and missionwhile remaining open to change, innovation, and dialogue

Required Qualifications and Attributes

The successful candidate will bring a combination of academic distinction, leadership experience, and personal qualities, including:

• APh.D. in engineering, polymer science, materials science, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, physics, or a closely related discipline
• A record ofscholarly achievement and research leadershipconsistent with appointment as a senior faculty member
• A sustainedrecord of successful administrative and managerial experience
• Proven experience withbudget oversight, facilities management, enrollment growth, laboratory safety, and personnel leadership

Desired Qualifications and Attributes

Furthermore, preferred qualifications include:

• Demonstratedadministrative leadership experience, such as department chair, associate dean, center director, or comparable role in academia, government, or industry
• A strong record offundraising or development activity, including engagement with donors, industry, or funding agencies
• Commitment toethical leadership, honesty, transparency, and sound governance
• Ability towork effectively across disciplinesand with broad internal and external constituencies
• Excellentinterpersonal and communication skills; a genuine “people person” who values collaboration and consensus‑building
• An open,approachable leadership stylethat encourages conversation, innovation, and continuous improvement

Application Process

The University ofAkronand the Search Advisory Committee invite inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Dean, College of Engineering and Polymer Science. Interested, qualified individuals, who wish to be considered as candidates by the Search Advisory Committee, on a confidential basis, should provide a copy of their curriculum vitae along with a bullet-point summary of key accomplishments in each leadership role held. A letter of interest is welcomed but not required.

The University ofAkronhas retained Charles Kaler and Kirk Schulz of CSA Search & Consulting to assist with this dean search. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications should be sent via email to:

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution.
View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.