University of Akron – Dean, College of Engineering and Polymer Science

Dean, College of Engineering and Polymer Science

CSA is pleased to partner with the University of Akron on the search for their next Dean of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science.

The University of Akron invites nominations and applications for the position of
Dean of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science
. For this is a senior leadership opportunity, the College seeks a visionary academic leader – an accomplished scholar, collaborator, and forward thinker – who is eager to build upon the College’s rich history while advancing a growth-minded vision rooted in innovation and impact.

The College of Engineering and Polymer Science comprises eight academic units housed across ten buildings, with approximately 130 faculty, three associate/assistant deans, and 50 staff/contract professionals serving over 330 graduate students and 2,700 undergraduate students. With a significant research mission, the College maintains $15 million in externally funded research expenditures annually.

The College is internationally recognized for its leadership in polymer science, polymer engineering, and has active research, undergraduate and graduate programs that span the breadth and depth of a comprehensive college, including Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, among others.

The College is home to the 5tholdest Co-Operative Education and Placement program in the US, with almost all B.S. engineering graduates participating in multiple, paid co-op positions during their degree program at nearly 1000 companies (locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally). This long-standing and deep integration between the College and industry has resulted in industrially funded research that far exceeds most engineering colleges in the US.

The University of Akron is one of Ohio’s most influential public urban research universities. With a R2 Carnegie research activity designation, scientists at the University conduct high-quality research in focused areas of excellence, contributing to the vitality of the local economy, and providing a workforce highly trained in diverse disciplines.

UA offers over 15,000 students a wide variety of in-demand associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degree programs with a career-focused emphasis. As a STEM-intensive institution, UA has strong connections with industries such as polymers, tires, manufacturing, advanced materials, and engineering. UA brings together a diverse group of learners — full-time, part-time and online students, veterans, and adults returning to the classroom — enrolled across five degree-granting colleges and schools, including the Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering and Polymer Science, the College of Health & Human Sciences, the College of Business, and the School of Law as well as non-degree-granting entities including the School of Graduate Studies, the Williams Honors College, and a branch campus (Wayne College).

The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science and provides strategic leadership for teaching, research, recruitment, outreach, and service. The Dean reports to the Provost and works collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, university leadership, alumni, industry partners, and external stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be a respected scholar and leader in engineering, polymer science, or a closely related field, with demonstrated ability to manage complexity, foster collaboration, and advance excellence in both undergraduate and…