Dean, College Of Engineering

Dean Of The Norm Asbjornson College Of Engineering

Montana State University invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for the position of Dean of the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering. The Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering (NACOE) at Montana State University is home to more than 3,350 students and a vibrant community of faculty and staff dedicated to advancing engineering education, research, and innovation. The college offers a broad range of accredited undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for successful, high-impact careers in fields that drive the nation's economy, including mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, industrial, computer, environmental and biological engineering, as well as computer science and construction management. NACOE graduates are highly sought after by employers across the state, region, and nation. Nearly all graduates secure employment or pursue advanced degrees within months of graduation, reflecting the college's strong reputation and close partnerships with industry leaders, government agencies, and national laboratories.

The college's advisory boards, internship programs, and world-renowned research centers ensure that its academic programs remain closely aligned with the needs of today's engineering and technology workforce. The college is housed in some of the most advanced engineering and research facilities in the Rocky Mountain region, including the recently completed Norm Asbjornson Hall, which integrates classrooms, design studios, research laboratories, and collaborative learning spaces. The college also offers access to cutting-edge tools and instrumentation through additional facilities such as Barnard Hall, the Advanced Manufacturing Lab, and numerous core facilities.

Research within the college addresses critical challenges in cybersecurity, energy, water, infrastructure, materials, data science, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable systems. Faculty are recognized nationally and internationally for their research productivity and success in securing competitive funding from federal agencies, foundations, and private industry. In fiscal year 2023, the college's research expenditures exceeded $24 million, demonstrating its significant role in Montana State University's status as a Carnegie-designated institution of "Very High Research Activity."

The Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering seeks a strong and visionary leader who will collaborate with faculty, students, staff, and senior university leadership in addressing the opportunities and challenges facing the college and will lead the college toward the following strategic priorities:

• Providing effective management, administration, and leadership for the college
• Fostering a culture of continuous improvement
• Advocating for interdisciplinary collaborations
• Ensuring positive accreditation outcomes
• Improving student retention and growing enrollment with an emphasis on student success
• Representing the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering
• Securing external funds in support of the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering
• Nurturing, celebrating, and supporting the primary responsibilities of faculty in the areas of teaching, research, and scholarship
• Contributing to the University's mission
• Building a bright future for the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills:

• An earned doctorate from an accredited institution
• An exemplary record of research/scholarship activities, teaching, and service to university and broader communities
• Qualification for tenure within an academic unit in the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering at the rank of full professor

The successful candidate will demonstrate integrity of the highest order, an intellectual curiosity and self-confidence balanced with humility, authenticity of character, and a strong work ethic. In seeking its next dean, the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering will give preference to candidates who demonstrate leadership skills, experience in effective strategic planning and assessment, experience in dealing with multiple constituencies—internally and externally, an understanding of research and the opportunities for research/scholarship within a broadly diverse college environment, a record of developing external resources through fundraising, grants, and contracts, a record of positive staff and personnel relations and interactions, a creative and approachable manner that kindles the innovative spirit of others, evidence of leading transformational change, demonstrated accomplishments in innovative partnerships, a strong team player in terms of university governance, demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at the university, state, and national levels, and demonstrated ability/success in fundraising.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship. Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law. In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.