Dean, College of Engineering

Overview

Michigan State University (MSU) seeks a visionary, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as the next Dean of its College of Engineering (COE). Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest are invited.

MSU is a premier land‑grant and top research university, a member of the AAU and the Big Ten Academic Alliance, recognized for academic excellence, impactful research, and global outreach. The university serves a community of more than 51,000 students, 5,600 faculty and staff, and a network of more than half a million alumni who are loyal supporters.

With a rich history dating back to 1888, the COE is one of the oldest and most sought‑after engineering programs, educating thousands of students with a world‑class academic team and a focus on solving complex transdisciplinary problems and driving economic development locally and globally.

• Serve as the Dean, the chief academic officer and executive of the college, reporting to the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.
• Provide leadership for all college matters, including academic programs, personnel, budgets, alumni engagement, fundraising, and industry relations.
• Collaborate closely with the eighteen deans across MSU on joint programs and initiatives to advance University priorities.
• Shape and execute a bold, forward‑looking vision aligned with MSU 2030:
  Excellence and Global Impact; advance priorities in interdisciplinary collaboration, research prominence, student success, and global reputation.
• Lead transformative initiatives such as strengthening the college’s research profile toward the university’s goals, modernizing curricula, and fostering innovation in teaching and learning.
• Leverage the Engineering and Digital Innovation Center (EDI Center) as a catalyst for interdisciplinary research, industry partnerships, and experiential learning.
• Play a critical role in fundraising and external engagement, contributing to MSU’s campaign and building partnerships with alumni, industry, and donors.
• Provide strategic leadership during the implementation of a new budget model in FY27–FY28, ensuring resources align with mission‑critical priorities and enrollment strategies.
• Build a collaborative, inclusive environment that supports faculty, students, and staff, and serves as a compelling public face of the college.

• Doctoral degree and a record of excellence in teaching and research suitable for a tenured appointment at the rank of professor.
• Proven academic leadership experience and a collaborative approach to setting and achieving strategic goals.
• Strong financial acumen, commitment to shared governance, and ability to engage faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and industry partners.
• Fostering an inclusive environment where all are valued, advancing student success, and supporting world‑class research and teaching.
• Ability to articulate a clear vision, build external relationships, and work collaboratively across MSU to advance institutional priorities.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest that addresses the themes outlined in the leadership profile and how your experience aligns with COE s core values.

Witt Kieffer is assisting MSU in this search. For fullest consideration, materials should be received by March 9, 2026. Nominations, inquiries, and applications can be directed to Jessica Herrington, Suzanne Teer, and Natalie Song at MSUEn

As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission. The University will conduct a professional misconduct review of individuals seeking employment in Academic Management and Executive Management searches. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, or protected veteran status.