Dean, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions

Arizona State University invites applications and nominations for the next Dean of the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions (Watts College).

Arizona State University seeks a visionary, dynamic, and collaborative leader to serve as the Dean of the Watts College, with responsibility for four schools:
School of Community Resources and Development, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, School of Public Affairs, and School of Social Work; more than 30 research units, and numerous undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Current student enrollment in the Watts College is over 7,000 students and annual research expenditures are in excess of $34M for FY25.

The next Dean of Watts College will provide academic and administrative leadership for the College by facilitating enrollment growth and the success of in person and online student populations at the undergraduate and graduate levels aligned with the ASU Charter; catalyzing interdisciplinary research initiatives and partnerships; and engaging federal, state, community partners, alumni, and donors to grow resources in support of students and faculty.

The Dean of the Watts College reports to the Executive Vice President and University Provost and is a member of the Provost’s Deans Council. The successful candidate will be an academic innovator with the ability to engage faculty, students, staff, and the wider community in envisioning 21st century models of education, research and engagement.

Arizona State University is one of the nation’s preeminent public research universities, a member of the American Association of Universities (AAU), and a recognized innovator in higher education committed to excellence, access and impact.

Qualifications, desired attributes and additional information about the position, Watts College and Arizona State University will be found in the forthcoming leadership profile.

AGB Search is pleased to assist Arizona State University with this leadership search. For best consideration, applications should be submitted by March 5, 2026, to the AGB Search application portal at:
Dean, Watts College . Candidates are requested to submit the following: a curriculum vitae; a letter of interest that addresses how the candidate’s experience and qualifications connect with the required/desired qualifications and priorities as expressed in this position profile; and contact information for five references (to be contacted with candidate’s permission at a later date). The search will remain open until an appointment is made.

Nominations and expressions of interest in the Dean, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions position are encouraged. Please direct them to ASUD or to the AGB search consultants listed below: