Dean Of College Of Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (stem) - Eastern Washington University

Dean Of The College Of Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics

Eastern Washington University (EWU) is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as Dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CSTEM). This is a tremendous opportunity to shape the curriculum of the future and drive innovation in STEM education across two state-of-the-art campuses in Cheney and Spokane, WA. The Dean will guide CSTEM's strong foundation in applied learning, undergraduate research, and community partnerships while developing a forward-looking vision that aligns with EWU's mission of access, innovation, and impact. EWU is entering an exciting period of transformation under a new, forward-thinking Provost who values creativity, collaboration, and bold ideas. The new Dean will join a collegial and supportive team of deans eager to partner in advancing academic excellence, applied learning, and interdisciplinary initiatives across the university. Learn more and apply today!

At Eastern Washington University, transformation is more than a goal—it's a mission. EWU is a vibrant, student-centered university committed to access, innovation, and impact. Rooted in the Inland Northwest, EWU empowers students, faculty, and communities to thrive through learning, discovery, and engagement.

CSTEM is home to diverse programs across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. The college emphasizes applied learning, undergraduate research, and industry partnerships, offering students meaningful experiences that prepare them for professional success. The college is home to the Forensic Chemistry Lab, and the Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) program and it maintains a strong relationship with the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, among other community and research partners. The college's programs reside at both the main campus in Cheney, WA and the Catalyst Building in Spokane.

The Cheney campus houses the newly constructed Interdisciplinary Science Building (ISC) with classrooms designed for hands-on learning and spaces for faculty research. The Catalyst Building, located in downtown Spokane, houses programs in Cybersecurity, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, and Design, with spaces designed for collaboration, applied learning, and industry partnerships.

The Dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (CSTEM) will be a dynamic and visionary leader guiding a college known for its high-profile programs, accomplished alumni, and strong tradition of undergraduate research and polytechnic learning. This is an opportunity to lead a community that values hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and applied innovation that prepares students to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.

The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of CSTEM, reporting directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and as a member of the President's Cabinet. This leader will advance academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines.

The Dean will champion an inclusive, collaborative culture while aligning CSTEM's vision with EWU's mission to provide an equitable and transformative educational experience. They will guide strategic initiatives that foster faculty and staff development, student success, and institutional sustainability.

Develop and articulate a distinctive and unifying strategy and vision for the college. Working collaboratively across constituencies, the dean will help shape a cohesive, compelling, and unifying identity for CSTEM. The identity and vision will include strong advocacy for STEM disciplines as essential components of an EWU education. At the same time, the dean will help develop strategies to ensure the success of each department and program within the college, leveraging their respective strengths and reflecting their unique mission, goals, and vision.

Champion academic excellence and faculty success. The dean will ensure the excellence of academic programs across the college, exploring opportunities to improve existing programs of study and develop new and innovative programs that meet the needs of a changing society. The dean will carry out the academic mission of the college in support of the academic goals within the university's strategic plan and facilitate collaboration with department chairs, program directors, staff, and community leaders. The dean will be an effective advocate for faculty, prioritizing resources and strengthening policies and procedures that allow all faculty to succeed and will ensure compliance with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreements and university policies and ensure employee and administrative compliance with these provisions.

Ensure innovative educational experiences and champion student success. The dean will champion the university's commitment to an equitable, student-centered learning environment that eliminates barriers to success and degree completion. The dean will prioritize opportunities to strengthen experiential learning and enhance student success and will collaborate with the Division of Student Affairs to support the professional development of students and ensure academic integrity and enhance the quality of the academic programs of the college. The dean will lead recruitment, retention, and advising initiatives and will promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the student population and foster a vibrant culture of student-faculty scholarship.

Advocate for and support the college's staff. The dean will identify and support professional development needs of staff and develop long-range professional development plans and will work to reduce barriers for staff and provide them with the support, care, and resources for professional development opportunities to enable the success of all departments and programs across the college.

Steward existing resources and generate new resources through fundraising. The dean will prioritize fundraising and work creatively to identify new sources of revenue, including through strategic enrollment management. The dean will develop a plan for strategic resource allocation to ensure the college's financial health and sustainability, working with departments and programs to develop and manage budgets that reflect their respective needs, goals, and scale. The dean will manage the fiscal and human resources of the college in compliance with federal, state and University laws, regulations, union contracts and policies taking appropriate actions in a timely manner.

Enhance administrative and operational excellence. The dean will strengthen the framework of policies and procedures, ensuring consistent and equitable processes across the college. Working in collaboration with the departments and programs, the dean will implement an administrative leadership structure and approach that prioritizes efficiency, accountability, and institutional effectiveness. The dean will meet goals and expectations as established by the president and provost, provide effective and efficient leadership to the college and university, work collaboratively with other deans in advancing the university's academic program with active participation in the Academic Affairs Council, and work effectively with other constituencies in the university.

Advocate for the college and provide institutional stewardship. The dean must be an effective advocate for the individual departments and programs, as well as for the college as a whole both within the university and externally. The dean will build and maintain strong relationships with external constituents, including community and industry partners and other academic institutions. The dean will develop strategies and opportunities for donor cultivation, enhance community and alumni engagement and resource development, and establish a presence in the community representing the events and activities of the College and participate in both university and college fundraising activities.

Build community and advance an institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The dean will cultivate an inclusive community and an environment of trust and transparency where all faculty, staff, and students are respected, supported, and empowered. The dean will model an authentic commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and the important role these core values play in all college activities and pursuits and will recruit, retain and evaluate a diverse and highly qualified faculty and support staff.

Leadership and Vision: Develop and articulate a clear, unifying vision for CSTEM that honors the college's history of teaching excellence and its role as the leading educational center for Eastern Washington, while advancing its future in scientific discovery and technological innovation through collaboration, transparency, and innovation.

Cultural Stewardship: Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collegial environment grounded in open communication and servant leadership.

Advocacy and Resource Development: Serve as a strong advocate for CSTEM within the university and externally. Promote transparent budgeting, equitable resource allocation, and accountability. Lead efforts in fundraising, donor relations, and strategic partnerships with industry, community, and educational institutions.

Academic Excellence: Champion hands-on undergraduate research, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Support the creation and enhancement of graduate programs and faculty-led innovation.

Student Success: Advance recruitment, retention, and student engagement through applied learning and career pathways. Promote collaboration with Student Affairs and community partners to ensure a holistic, student-centered experience.

Faculty and Staff Development: Empower and support faculty and staff through professional development, mentorship, and recognition programs. Encourage shared governance and active consultation with department chairs in decision-making.

Operational Leadership: Coordinate effectively across CSTEM's multiple locations, including the Catalyst Building, ensuring communication, cohesion, and shared identity among programs. Strengthen administrative operations for efficiency, accountability, and inclusion.

Inclusive Excellence: Model and promote inclusive excellence, expanding opportunities for historically underrepresented populations and ensuring that the college's policies and practices reflect EWU's commitment to equity, access, and belonging.

Minimum Requirements:

Terminal degree (PhD, ScD, DSc, DS, DEng, DCS) in a STEM Discipline.

Minimum of three (3) years of leadership experience in academic administration that prioritizes innovation and adaptability.

Fiscal management at a four (4)-year institution managing complex budgets with transparency and accountability.

Distinguished academic record of teaching, research and service meriting appointment as a tenured full professor in a department or program