The University of Kansas (KU) seeks an accomplished, collaborative, entrepreneurial, and inclusive leader to serve as the next Dean of the School of Business.
Established in July 1924, the KU School of Business is experiencing remarkable success as it commemorates its centennial during the 2024–25 academic year. The School is an AACSB-accredited public business school located on the beautiful and historic Mt. Oread-Lawrence campus of the University of Kansas (KU), the state’s flagship university, an R1 institution, and a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). The School ranks 41st among public business schools (2025) and the online MBA program ranks 7th among public online MBA programs by U.S. News & World Report (2024). With an enrollment of 3,699 undergraduate and 705 graduate students, the School of Business is the second largest unit on the Lawrence campus, representing over 15% of the student credit hours generated. Following on the heels of a successful strategic plan that targeted efforts to growing faculty, increasing enrollment, and raising the School’s research profile, the School is ready to welcome a new Dean to craft and implement a vision for its future.
The Dean reports to and will work closely with the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost to promote excellence in research and education. At KU Lawrence our vision is to build an exceptional learning community that values access, belonging, respect, and success and through which members demonstrate a spirit of teamwork and collaboration within the School, its areas and centers, and across the University. The Dean is expected to lead efforts to raise visibility, attract philanthropic resources, and engage both internal and external partners in ensuring the School’s success.
Candidates must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree from an accredited institution in a discipline represented in the school or a closely related field, and have a record of scholarly research, teaching, or professional attainment that merits appointment as full professor with tenure. Additional industry experience is strongly preferred.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile, which can be found at WittKieffer.com.
WittKieffer is assisting the University of Kansas in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by February 7, 2025. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Lucy Leske, Jeff Compher, or Natalie Song at KUDeanBusiness@wittkieffer.com
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.
