Dean, School of Journalism

Position Overview

The University of Kansas seeks a collaborative, dynamic, forward‑looking, research and community‑oriented leader to serve as the next Dean of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Applications, inquiries, and nominations are invited.

Since the first journalism class was offered at the University of Kansas in 1891, the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications (JMC) continues its long legacy of excellence in leading the way in student‑centered teaching that prepares students for today’s careers in media, digital marketing, advertising, and public relations. Located on the historic and picturesque Lawrence campus of the University of Kansas (KU) – the state’s flagship university, a research‑intensive (R1) institution, and a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) – the JMC is a nationally recognized leader in journalism and strategic communications education.

The JMC has more than 14,500 graduates in the United States and dozens of countries around the world. The School is ranked as the #1 Journalism School in Kansas, #4 Most Popular Journalism School in the U.S., and #13 Best Journalism School for a bachelor’s degree by College Factual.

Undergraduates can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communications with concentrations in Multimedia Journalism;
Digital Marketing Communications;
Advertising; and Public Relations;
Media Arts & Production; or Sports Media & Society. Graduate offerings include an online master’s in digital and integrated marketing communications and a Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communications, emphasizing research, innovation, and professional readiness across the evolving media landscape.

The Dean of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications reports to and collaborates closely with the Chief Academic Officer/Provost and Executive Vice‑Chancellor of the Lawrence and Edwards campuses to advance excellence in education, research, and professional practice. The Dean will lead with a commitment to collaboration across the school's academic areas as well as with partners across the University and beyond.

Key priorities include engaging faculty and staff in advancing the goals of Jayhawks Rising (the strategic plan for KU Lawrence and Edwards) and spearheading the school's fundraising efforts as part of the University’s next campaign.

The Dean will exemplify a lifelong commitment to learning, scholarship, and service, while inspiring and supporting the professional growth of others. The Dean must be committed to leading a culture that values the school's professional, scholarly, and academic dimensions.

The next Dean must be a strong advocate for building public trust in the media by leading outreach initiatives that engage communities, while ensuring students are prepared to uphold transparency, ethical standards, and innovative practices demonstrating the media’s essential role in society. A vibrant research culture is essential to advancing knowledge, informing practice, and elevating the school's national and global reputation.

They must deeply value and actively practice shared governance, serving as a visible and accessible presence within the school, across campus, and in engagement with community and industry partners. They will be expected to foster and maintain a collaborative and collegial culture that supports the school’s academic mission and community.

The successful candidate will hold an earned terminal degree in a relevant field, with a distinguished record of teaching, research, and achievement warranting a tenured appointment at the rank of full professor in the school.

The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, responsible for providing forward‑looking, collaborative, and consistent leadership to ensure the School’s continued success. The Dean reports to the Chief Academic Officer/Provost and Executive Vice‑Chancellor for KU Lawrence and Edwards campuses. KU’s team of academic leaders embraces…