Dean College of Liberal Arts

Dean, College of Liberal Arts
University of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, Massachusetts

The University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston) invites applications for the position of Dean, College of Liberal Arts (CLA). This is an exceptional opportunity for someone who will be a relentless advocate for the CLA and who is passionate about ensuring that students understand that a liberal arts education opens doors to diverse opportunities.

The University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston) is a recognized model of excellence for urban public research universities. One of the five campuses of the UMass system, and a designated Minority Serving Institution, UMass Boston is a research university with a teaching soul. It combines a rigorous focus on the generation of knowledge that characterizes a major research university with a dedication to teaching that places its top scholars in undergraduate and graduate classrooms where a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio fosters easy student-faculty interaction. As the only public research university in the city, UMass Boston aims to be a university that “stands with the city” and provides students regardless of their backgrounds or socio-economic status with opportunities “equal to the best.” UMass Boston offers its diverse student population both an intimate learning environment and the rich experience of a great American city. The University maintains a strong commitment to all aspects of diversity and inclusion, including anti-racist and health-promoting initiatives.

The College of Liberal Arts offers students the opportunity to study a variety of disciplines and interdisciplinary fields in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Fine Arts. More than 5,000 students are currently working toward undergraduate degrees in the 27 majors offered by the college’s 21 departments. At the graduate level, the College of Liberal Arts currently offers eight master’s programs, three PhD programs, and an MFA in Creative Writing. Faculty in the college produce research at the cutting edge of their disciplines, as well as participate in 15 university research centers and institutes that bring research and creative achievements to audiences that span local communities to the global society. The College of Liberal Arts has an annual budget of $77 million.

Reporting to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Dean will be responsible for the strategic, programmatic, and financial operations of the College. In collaboration with CLA leadership and faculty, the Dean will shape the College’s future and articulate a compelling vision for the liberal arts that will inspire engagement and financial support from external audiences. Internally, the Dean will encourage collaboration and continuous improvement, with a focus on undergraduate and graduate student success and support of faculty in research, scholarship and creative activity. Additionally, the Dean will encourage and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment. The Dean will be visible and accessible to all faculty, staff, and students in the College of Liberal Arts.

The successful candidate will have an earned doctorate from an accredited institution, in an academic discipline within the College of Liberal Arts, a record of distinguished research/scholarship and teaching that would support appointment as a tenured full professor and experience in an administrative leadership position in the academy. Additional professional qualifications and personal characteristics are outlined in the full position description, which can be reviewed here.

Screening will begin in January 2025 and continue until an appointment is made. Applications materials (including CV and a cover letter) should be submitted using DSG’s candidate portal . Nominations and inquiries should be directed electronically to:

TaJuan Wilson , EdD, Managing Director
Anne Koellhoffer , Managing Associate
Christine Falcone , Senior Search Associate

The University of Massachusetts Boston is an equal opportunity employer and, in compliance with federal and state laws and university policy, is committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or other protected class status. Individuals from traditionally underrepresented populations are encouraged to apply.

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