Dean, College of Professional Programs

College Overview

Eastern Washington University (EWU) seeks an experienced, collaborative, and inclusive leader to serve as the next Dean of the College of Professional Programs. The College of Professional Programs (CPP) offers transformational learning experiences that empower and prepare students for successful careers in their chosen professions. Established in 2021 following a reorganization of academic units, CPP houses the schools of Business and Professional Accounting, Education, Psychology, and Social Work;

an Interdisciplinary Studies program; EWU's Libraries; and three centers and institutes. Approximately 4,000 students are enrolled across CPP's 33 graduate programs, 27 certificate programs, 28 majors, and 23 minors, supported by 115 faculty and 62 staff. The college offers the majority of the university's growing online program portfolio, and more EWU students are enrolled in CPP programs than in another college.

Following a period characterized by significant organizational change and senior leadership transitions, the college is primed for a dean to hone a distinctive, unifying vision and strategy for CPP, building on the individual strengths of its schools to elevate the college and EWU as a whole. The next dean will have exciting opportunities to champion academic excellence and innovation aligned with workforce needs, strengthening CPP as a community partner and positioning Eastern as an anchor institution in the region.

Eastern Washington University is a regional, comprehensive public university and one of six state‑funded four‑year institutions of higher education in Washington. EWU supports the economic and cultural life of the Pacific Northwest through its large alumni base and the expertise of its faculty, staff, and students. In 2025, the Carnegie Foundation reclassified EWU as a Research College or University (RCU), an acknowledgment of Eastern's research productivity.

The university enrolls approximately 10,000 students, nearly 40% of whom are in the College of Professional Programs. EWU offers bachelor's and master's degrees in more than 90 fields of study as well as applied doctorates in physical therapy and educational leadership, providing accessible pathways to career success and personal development to students of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. EWU is the only university in the region to earn Carnegie's Higher Access, Higher Earnings designation as an Opportunity College and University, which reflects the broad access Eastern offers students and their comparative earning potential in the regional job market.

Colleges of Distinction has recognized EWU for its commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow, and succeed.

To be considered, dean candidates must have a terminal degree in a discipline within the College of Professional Programs or in a closely related field; a minimum of three years of successful experience in leadership positions; and a record of accomplishment that merits appointment as a tenured associate professor or professor in the college.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include a CV, letter of interest, and statement in response to EWU's mission (see below). For priority consideration, application materials should be submitted by October 1, 2026. Please direct all applications through the Witt Kieffer Candidate Portal. Confidential nominations and inquiries can be directed to Philip Tang and Julia Bradley.

Eastern Washington University's mission is to provide an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning experience, driving the pursuit of knowledge with affordable academic excellence. EWU is committed to serving first‑generation, Pell‑eligible students. Applicants are asked to provide a statement articulating how they would contribute to EWU's mission.

The compensation range for this position is $190,000 to $240,000. On top of salary, EWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, life and disability insurance, and retirement. In…