Dean of the College of Architecture, Design and the Arts

The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) seeks an exceptional leader to serve as Dean of the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts.

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 31,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation. Through its 15 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. In 2019, UIC expects to create its 16th college by acquiring Chicago’s John Marshall Law School. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. This fall, UIC enrollment reached 31,683 students making it the fourth year of record-breaking enrollment for the university. UIC currently has the strongest enrollment momentum in Illinois.

The UIC College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts houses a celebrated, diverse and interdisciplinary community of architects, designers, visual artists, theatre artists, musicians, historians, critics, and curators. Through the College’s rigorous academic programs, students pursue intellectual and artistic experimentation, critical thinking, problem solving, and the expression of imagination. Award-winning faculty, collaborators, and cultural innovators provide students with an unparalleled education enriched by direct access to Chicago’s wealth of cultural institutions. The College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts houses four academic schools (Architecture, Art & Art History, Design, and Theatre & Music, each led by a School Director), as well as the historic Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, Gallery 400, and in collaboration with other colleges and units, the UIC Innovation Center. The College is currently in a period of growth and expansion, including the recent addition of programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels. The next Dean will be charged with supporting the growth of the four academic schools, and advancing the capital campaign for the realization of a new, state-of-the-art building for the performing arts on campus, following the University’s expected selection this fall of three internationally recognized design firms to compete for the project.

Candidates for Dean of the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts must have an outstanding record of creative, scholarly, professional, and/or educational achievement, meriting appointment as a tenured full professor in one of the Schools of the College. In addition, it is important that candidates have a history of successful leadership in an academic, professional and/or cultural institution; a demonstrated commitment to diversity, student access and support, advancing faculty excellence, and shared faculty governance; and notable success in fundraising and otherwise leveraging external resources. Equally important is the ability to deploy resources strategically, successfully engage the external community, and enhance the college’s visibility outside the university. The new Dean will recognize and support the individual identities and orientations of each unit, while articulating a shared public vision for the future of the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts within and beyond the university.

Evaluation of applications and nominations will begin immediately. For fullest consideration, please complete an electronic application, including a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for a minimum of three references by November 5, 2018, addressed to Search Committee Chair, Dr. Michael Pagano, Dean of the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs.

Please direct nominations and questions or concerns regarding the search and/or application process to fabid2@uic.edu. Confidentiality will be observed in the academic search process.

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The University of Illinois conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.