Dean College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies; CLSPS

Dean of the College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies (CLSPS)

Butte, Montana

Montana Technological University (Montana Tech), Montana’s Special Focus Institution for science, engineering, and technology, invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies (CLSPS). Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, the Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative leader of one of Montana Tech’s most diverse and strategically important colleges.

This is a compelling opportunity for an experienced, forward‑looking academic leader to shape the future of liberal studies, sciences, health, data, and professional programs within a distinctive, applied‑learning university. The Dean will join Montana Tech at a moment of momentum and transition, working in close partnership with Chancellor Johnny Mac Lean and the senior leadership team to advance the University’s mission, strategic plan, and culture of innovation.

Montana Tech’s purpose is to rise to meet America’s emerging needs by preparing the next generation of STEM leaders. Founded in 1900 as the Montana State School of Mines, Montana Technological University has evolved into a nationally recognized STEM‑focused institution grounded in hands‑on, experiential education and strong industry alignment. Montana Tech is one of only a few institutions nationally designated as a Special Focus university, with a mission centered on workforce‑aligned education, applied research, and student success.

Montana Tech serves approximately 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students across four academic units: the Lance College of Mines and Engineering; the College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies;
Highlands College; and the Graduate School. The University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and is consistently ranked among the nation’s top institutions for value, salary outcomes, and career placement.

Under the leadership of Chancellor Johnny Mac Lean, Montana Tech is focused on strengthening its distinctive identity, expanding interdisciplinary and applied programs, deepening partnerships with industry and communities, and ensuring that access, affordability, and student success remain central to institutional decision‑making.

The College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies plays a central role in Montana Tech’s mission by providing the scientific, analytical, professional, and humanistic foundations that support student success across the University. The College houses programs in the biological and physical sciences, mathematics, data science, business, health and nursing, education, interdisciplinary studies, and the liberal studies core that undergirds all Montana Tech degrees.

CLSPS is distinguished by its integration of rigorous academic preparation with applied learning, pre‑professional pathways, undergraduate research, and workforce‑aligned curricula. Graduates of the College pursue careers in healthcare, data and analytics, business and industry, education, and public service, as well as advanced study in highly competitive graduate and professional programs.

The Dean of CLSPS will be a key partner in advancing Montana Tech’s strategic plan, Deliberately Distinct:
Positioning Montana Tech for the Future, with particular emphasis on:

• Student Success – advancing access, persistence, completion, and career readiness through high‑impact educational practices and evidence‑informed decision‑making.
• Programs of Distinction – strengthening and growing distinctive, high‑demand programs; supporting interdisciplinary and applied learning initiatives; and aligning curricula with regional, state, and national workforce needs.
• A Healthy and Vibrant Campus Ecosystem – fostering a collegial, inclusive academic culture that values shared governance, professional development, and continuous improvement.

Working closely with the Provost, fellow deans, faculty leaders, and external…