Dean School of Business

Overview

Linfield University invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the School of Business. The successful candidate will have a solid history in researching, developing, and implementing new market‑relevant academic programs in business education. A successful record in growing business student enrollment and Net Tuition Revenue (NTR), particularly on the graduate side, is also necessary. The dean will play a pivotal role in cultivating external partnerships with business leaders, alumni, and regional stakeholders to strengthen the institution’s influence and to generate opportunities for collaboration, philanthropy, and growth.

The successful candidate will also serve as an advocate for the Business School’s faculty, students, and programs, while considering the overall needs of the University.

Home to over 1,700 students, Linfield University offers 54 undergraduate majors and 5 graduate programs. Linfield, affiliated with the Baptist Church, sits on 189 picturesque acres just outside of historic downtown McMinnville, Oregon. The University operates a second campus in Portland. It will be a goal for the new dean to expand business programming to this campus. The School of Business at Linfield University specifically has built a reputation for academic excellence, earning repeated recognition as a College of Distinction for its strong teaching, experiential learning opportunities, and career preparation.

In recent years, the school has expanded its graduate offerings with forward‑looking programs such as the Master of Science in Business, with tracks in Design and Innovation and Sport Leadership, and the groundbreaking Master’s in Wine Business Leadership—the first of its kind at a private liberal arts university in the United States.

Linfield University has been led by President Dr. Mark Blegen since 2025. President Blegen’s experience with innovation, growth, and collaboration gives him a strong foundation for growing Linfield’s profile, expanding opportunities for faculty and students alike, and connecting a classical liberal arts education with cutting‑edge, practical experiences.

• Earned doctorate in a business discipline.
• Minimum of five years of University teaching experience with a record of teaching, scholarship, and service.
• Minimum of three years of higher education administration experience as a Dean, Associate Dean, Division Head, Department Chair, or similar position that includes supervision of direct reports, and evidence of strong management and innovative leadership.
• Experience with successful accreditation efforts.
• Proven success in developing and expanding academic programs in support of increased enrollment and NTR.
• Demonstrated experience building positive relations with the business community and alumni, including successful fundraising experience.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include as separate documents a CV or resume, a detailed letter of interest addressing the candidate’s professional experiences given the expectations of the position and a list of three professional references with contact information and a brief description explaining the working relationship of each (references will not be contacted until the semi‑finalist stage of the search).  

Dean of the School of Business | Linfield University - Blue Rock Human Capital.

Review of applicants begins immediately. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by March 30, 2026
.