Dean School of Natural and Environmental Sciences

Dean of the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences

The College of Charleston invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. This is an exceptional opportunity for the next dean to shape the future of scientific education, scholarship, and community engagement in the region. Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Dr. Suzanne Austin, the dean will join a group of talented colleagues eager to collaborate in new and innovative ways to advance the School and the success of its alumni.

Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. Situated in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, the College is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, its rich history, and its vibrant campus life. The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (SNES), created in 2024, offers 11 major and 7 minor undergraduate programs across the departments of Biology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Geology & Environmental Sciences and Physics & Astronomy.

The school’s graduate programs in marine biology and environmental and sustainability studies complement the undergraduate programs and meet regional needs.

Candidates should hold an earned doctorate in a discipline within the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences and bring a distinguished record of teaching and scholarship suitable for tenure at the professor level. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proven collaborative leadership in higher education, including experience with faculty evaluation, academic program oversight, and budget management. They should possess a deep and wide‑ranging understanding of how colleges and universities operate, along with a clear grasp of the challenges facing higher education today and transformational ideas for addressing them.

A strong appreciation for the role of a comprehensive public university in the 21st century and the strategic vision to keep SNES and its programs relevant are essential. Equally important is a compelling record of supporting respect for individuals in all their diversity and responding sensitively to the needs of faculty, students, and staff.

To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by January 19, 2026, and must include:

• A letter of interest addressing the strategic objectives and qualifications identified in the profile;
• A current curriculum vitae;
• The contact information (email and phone) for five professional references, including their relationship to the candidate. References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the candidate.

Application materials should be submitted through the AGB Search portal system: College of Charleston, Dean.

Please direct nominations and expressions of interest or any questions regarding the application process to: .

The College of Charleston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of sex, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please visit eop.cofc.edu.

Refer to the application portal for required documents.