University of the Pacific
University of the Pacific is a nationally ranked comprehensive university and California’s first chartered institution of higher learning. Established in 1851, Pacific has approximately 6,300 students and nine schools and colleges across three campuses in northern California.
The majority of students and the NCAA Division 1 athletics program are based on the Stockton Campus, often cited as one of the nation’s most beautiful college campuses. The Sacramento Campus in California’s state capital is home to the McGeorge School of Law and the new School of Health Sciences. Additional graduate programs and the renowned Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry are based on the downtown San Francisco Campus.
Pacific takes pride in providing the highly personalized and caring educational, social and residential environments of a small college combined with the choices and opportunities of a major comprehensive university.
About the Position
Pacific is seeking a flexible, forward-thinking change agent to join the university’s momentous trajectory. Under the leadership of President Christopher Callahan, appointed July 1, 2020, Pacific has the ambitious goal of becoming the best student-centered comprehensive university in the nation within a decade. His focus includes the personalized learning that is a hallmark of Pacific, expanded real-life learning opportunities coupled with service to communities, accelerating the pace of innovation and becoming a model for diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education. To accelerate the university’s upward trajectory, President Callahan appointed several new leaders in the areas of enrollment strategy; diversity, equity and inclusion; student life; development and alumni relations; the School of Engineering and Computer Science; and the Eberhardt School of Business.
Now Pacific seeks its next leader, a forward-thinking and dynamic dean for College of the Pacific (COP). President Callahan, Provost Maria Pallavicini and the College of the Pacific community invite inquiries from and nominations of candidates who are distinguished academics and visionary leaders invested in the liberal arts.
Position Summary
The dean is the chief academic and administrative officer for College of the Pacific to whom Pacific delegates significant responsibility, autonomy and accountability for the college’s future. The dean is responsible for the academic leadership of the college, engagement with its communities and financial success (inclusive of resources dedicated to enrollment management, faculty/staff and facilities). The dean stewards innovative scholarship and creative activities, provides strategic vision and operational leadership, and promotes synergies within the college, university community and externally.
Looking forward, the dean will lead the college’s efforts to advance the liberal arts and support a bold strategy for the future that is aligned with Pacific’s mission, vision and goals, particularly around growing enrollment, strengthening student success and advancing social justice, equity and inclusion.
Qualifications
The successful candidate must value collaboration, transparency and creative scholarship, and embrace Pacific’s mission to provide a superior, student-centered learning experience integrating liberal arts and professional education. The candidate’s commitment to social justice is clarion, and they must be dedicated to preparing individuals for achievement and leadership in their careers and as citizens.
The successful candidate will also possess:
- a PhD or equivalent terminal degree from an accredited institution and an outstanding record of scholarly achievement commensurate with appointment as full professor in one of the departments in the college;
- a record of successful administrative and leadership experience at a college or university;
- experience as a seasoned, decisive leader and diplomat with strong organizational and consensus-building skills, integrity and the ability to inspire and lead faculty with diverse interests;
- a record of designing and executing strategies and tactics designed to yield newly admitted students and retain current students;
- a record of success in recruiting and retaining talented and diverse faculty; a champion of faculty eager to excel in teaching, research and creative activities;
- a history of providing students with a high-quality educational experience and a clear record of accomplishment in student success;
- a data-driven and empathetic leadership style that employs appropriate facts to inform decision making;
- refined fiscal management experience, both in establishing and implementing budgets along with a record in balancing resources with responsibilities within and across the institution.
Prospectus
Applications and Inquiries
University of the Pacific is currently accepting applications for this position. Applicants will be required to provide a cover letter and current resume, as well as provide contact information for three professional references with their online application.
Applications and letters of nomination should be submitted to:
Alberto Pimentel, Managing Partner
Will Gates, Partner
Email: apsearch@spaexec.com
Refer to code “Pacific-DeanCOP” in subject line
SP&A Executive Search
6512 Painter Avenue
Whittier, CA 90601
AA/EEO Statement
University of the Pacific is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity. In compliance with applicable law and its own policy, Pacific is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff and does not discriminate in its hiring of faculty and staff, or in the provision of its employment benefits to its faculty and staff on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, sex/gender, marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, or mental or physical disability. The university will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with a disability.
