School of Engineering to welcome dean candidates to Lawrence campus

LAWRENCE — Four candidates will hold public presentations in consideration of becoming the next dean of the School of Engineering at the University of Kansas. The university is seeking a collaborative and entrepreneurial leader who is committed to student success, faculty and staff achievement.

Dean candidates will describe their vision for the School of Engineering under their leadership.

“We are excited by the caliber and expertise of these finalists,” said Arash Mafi, executive dean of the KU College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and co-chair of the search committee. “Each candidate’s skill set and knowledge would benefit the School of Engineering, the university and the community.”

The public presentations are scheduled for the following dates and locations:

• Candidate 1: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Oct. 23, Beren Petroleum Conference Center/Slawson Hall G192
• Candidate 2: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Oct. 25, Woodruff Auditorium at the Kansas Union
• Candidate 3: 1:30–2:30 p.m. Oct. 31, Beren Petroleum Conference Center/Slawson Hall G192
• Candidate 4: 9:30–10:30 am. Nov. 2, Burge Union Forum A

The presentations also will be livestreamed through links available on the Provost’s Office website. Members of the KU community are encouraged to attend each candidate’s public presentation and provide feedback to the search committee. The name of each candidate will be announced approximately two business days before their respective campus visit.

Jennifer Roberts, vice provost for Academic Affairs and Graduate Studies, serves as co-chair of the search committee.

“The search committee reviewed a number of excellent candidates,” Roberts said. “We are pleased to invite the finalists to campus so they can meet the KU community and share their vision for the School of Engineering.”

The dean, acting as the chief academic and administrative officer of the School of Engineering, is responsible for providing imaginative, dynamic and transformational leadership to ensure the school’s long-term success. Responsibilities include securing partnerships to advance the school’s mission; ensuring the school attracts and retains talented students, faculty and staff; and overseeing the school’s approximately $34 million budget.

The KU School of Engineering, an ABET-accredited public engineering school, was founded in 1891 and is the oldest engineering school in the state. It emphasizes interdisciplinary research, encouraging engineers and computer scientists from different disciplines to work together to provide innovative solutions to challenges around the world.

WittKieffer, an executive search firm specializing in higher education, aided with the search process and development of a robust and diverse candidate pool.

More information about the search can be found online.