Ohio University (OHIO) invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the Russ College of Engineering and Technology (the Russ College). As the College’s chief academic and administrative officer, the Dean will serve as a visible champion for the College, an advocate within the University, and an effective ambassador to alumni, industry, government, and community partners.
The Russ College of Engineering and Technology has a proud history of preparing engineers and technologists to create meaningful impact across Ohio and beyond. The College serves more than 2,300 students, including 1,956 undergraduate, 258 master’s, and 90 doctoral students, through a broad portfolio of programs spanning aviation, chemical and biomolecular engineering, civil and environmental engineering, electrical engineering and computer science, engineering technology and management, industrial and systems engineering, and mechanical engineering. Building on this strong foundation in education, research, and workforce development, the next Dean will work closely with internal and external constituents to shape and implement a compelling vision for the College’s future. Key priorities will include strengthening academic programs and developing new educational offerings that respond to evolving student and workforce needs; advancing high-impact and externally funded research; fostering interdisciplinary partnerships; and securing the human, financial, and philanthropic resources necessary to support continued growth and innovation. The Dean will also align the College’s priorities with the University’s Dynamic Strategy, ensuring that the Russ College remains responsive to the needs of Appalachian Ohio and the state’s emerging industries.
The College seeks a visible, approachable, and transparent leader who builds upon a culture of collaboration and shared purpose, engages the community through active listening and shared governance, and fosters an environment where faculty, staff, and students continue to thrive. The successful candidate should possess an earned doctorate in an appropriate discipline, qualifications for appointment as a tenured full professor within the College, and a demonstrated record of effective academic leadership. The next Dean will combine strategic vision with disciplined execution, advocate for the College with authenticity, cultivate enduring relationships, and inspire the Russ College community around shared aspirations for excellence, impact, and long-term success.
As the oldest public university in the state, Ohio University has long been a regional and state leader in preparing students for successful careers. OHIO’s total enrollment is over 30,000 students across the state and online, including almost 1,000 international students from 102 countries. Approximately 20,000 students are studying at the residential campus in Athens, a quintessential college town nestled deep in the Appalachian foothills of beautiful Southeast Ohio. The University achieved R1 status in 2022, and the Russ College has been a significant participant in the continued advancement of OHIO’s research efforts.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile and a CV or resume. WittKieffer is assisting Ohio University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by January 13, 2027. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Ryan Crawford, Lauren Bruce-Stets, and Tyler Workman at Ohio-RCETDean@wittkieffer.com.
Ohio University is committed to promoting and supporting a workplace and educational environment where healthy and respectful conduct is the cultural norm. In support of this commitment, Ohio University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, ethnicity, national ancestry, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, military service, or veteran status, mental or physical disability, or genetic information. Ohio University’s Equal Employment and Educational Opportunity Policy (40.001) and Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct Policy (03.004) detail prohibited conduct.
University Equity and Civil Rights Compliance (ECRC) supports this purpose by monitoring the educational environment and workplace to stop, remediate, and prevent discrimination on the basis of protected status. We make policy recommendations, offer training, and provide avenues for resolving grievances based on protected status.
Should any member of the campus community experience discrimination or harassment based on a protected class status, including sexual harassment, other sexual misconduct, or retaliation due to a protected disclosure or activity, they are asked to contact the Director of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance and Title IX Coordinator. Further, reports may also be submitted for violations of the University’s policy on freedom of expression.
