Dean of the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences

Who We Are

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking a Dean of the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences to join our team! UCCS offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment that fosters innovation, growth, and the holistic development of its students. The work location for this position is on-site. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery--a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

Salary Range $170,000 - $240,000 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications.

At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.

• Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.

• Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.

• Further Your Education: Avail nine waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.

• Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.

• Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get the complete picture!

• CU Advantage

Summary

The Dean of the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences (LAS) serves as the college's chief academic and administrative officer, providing strategic leadership, oversight, and vision. Reporting to the Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Dean leads academic excellence, research innovation, faculty development, and student success efforts.

The College of LAS is the largest college at UCCS, offering various undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, military sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. The College is committed to liberal arts education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and fostering critical inquiry. The College of Letters, Arts & Sciences positions students for success in their professional and personal lives through innovative and collaborative teaching, scholarship, and connections with the community and the broader world. LAS affirms and accepts the ideal purposes and traditional goals of all great universities: the creation, interpretation, dissemination, and application of knowledge. The college strives to maintain these goals while formulating and delivering innovative and creative programs. The Dean is vital in advancing the College's mission by supporting faculty scholarship and creative work, promoting teaching excellence, and fostering student success.

The College of LAS provides collaborative programs that enrich the community, promote the creation of a vibrant and creative cultural life, strengthen and sustain a productive and responsible economic sector, facilitate the solution of community and regional problems, increase the safety, health, and welfare of individuals and groups, sustain scientific and technological innovation, and enhance the understanding and practice of civic duty and responsibility. In support of these, the Dean is responsible for budget oversight, faculty recruitment, external partnerships, and fundraising. Additionally, the Dean works closely with campus leadership, alumni, industry leaders, and community organizations to enhance the College's regional, national, and global impact.

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Administration

• • Establish and implement a shared college vision and strategic plan aligned with UCCS' academic mission and institutional goals.

  • Foster a welcoming, collaborative academic culture promoting interdisciplinary learning and research.

  • Oversee budget planning, fiscal management, and resource allocation for the College.

  • Serve as the College's primary advocate and representative within the university and external constituencies.

  • Collaborate effectively with the Deans' Council and university leadership to advance college and campus goals

  • Promote innovative program development, curricular improvements, and student learning initiatives.

  • Advocate for the essential value of a liberal arts and sciences education at regional, national, and global levels.

  • Manage College staff performance and foster a collegial, resilient work environment.

Academic Excellence & Faculty Development

• • Lead faculty in advancing teaching, research, creative work, and service excellence.

  • Oversee faculty recruitment, retention, tenure, annual review, and promotion processes.

  • Support faculty mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities.

  • Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.

  • Advance the College's research and creative works engagement, mission, and funding across disciplines and in support of the campus's R2 designation

  • Ensure outstanding undergraduate and graduate programs and a high-quality teaching environment by supporting innovative pedagogy and curriculum.

Student Success & Community Engagement

• • Champion student-centered initiatives that enhance retention, graduation rates, and career readiness.

  • Expand undergraduate and graduate research opportunities, internships, and experiential learning.

  • Foster a collaborative, welcoming, and supportive student environment.

  • Strengthen relationships with local and national organizations, businesses, and academic institutions.

  • Serve as a key liaison for community engagement and public outreach initiatives.

Fundraising & External Partnerships

• • Lead fundraising efforts to secure external grants, philanthropic gifts, and corporate partnerships.

  • Engage with alumni, donors, and industry leaders to support College initiatives.

  • Develop public-private partnerships that enhance student opportunities and faculty research.

  • Support funding and oversight of centers and research and community entities.

Accreditation, Compliance, & Shared Governance

• • Ensure compliance with university policies, accreditation standards, and state regulations.

  • Promote shared governance and collaborative decision-making with chairs, directors, faculty, and staff.

  • Maintain transparent and fair policies for faculty, staff, and students.

  • Support academic program reviews and institutional accreditation processes.

  • Promote an environment of open communication.

  • Ability to manage across teams and governing units and facilitate effective problem-solving.

Tentative Search Timeline

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by: March 4, 2025.

• Potential interview dates: March 10, 2025- March 21, 2025.

• Potential start date: July 1, 2025.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire:

• Terminal degree in a field represented within the College (Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences or Mathematics).
  • More information here: LAS Academics
• Qualification for the rank of full professor with tenure, in accordance with the relevant department's promotion and tenure expectations.
  • More information here: Tenure & Promotion at UCCS
• Demonstrated academic and organizational leadership, with a history of successfully obtaining resources and managing finances.
• Proven leader in liberal-arts and sciences education and research, with an established record of supporting faculty, administration, and student success.
• Ability to manage a large budget, develop successful policies, and advocate for liberal arts and sciences initiatives at institutional and national levels.
• Experience leading interdisciplinary research initiatives and fostering collaborations across disciplines.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, securing external funding, and engaging alumni and philanthropic donors.
• Commitment to advancing research, creative works, and scholarly contributions across wide-ranging academic fields.
• Transparent communicator, fostering shared governance, faculty engagement, and strategic institutional growth.

UCCS is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.