Vice President Academic Affairs​/Dean

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean

The Illinois College of Optometry (ICO), one of the nation's premier institutions of optometric education and the oldest continuously operating college of optometry in the United States, invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean.

Reporting to the President and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the Dean provides visionary leadership for the College's academic programs and works collaboratively with faculty, students, staff, alumni, the Board of Trustees, and clinical leaders to advance ICO’s mission and strategic priorities.

The next Dean will guide ICO through a period of opportunity and transformation, building upon the College's strong foundation while positioning the institution for continued success in an evolving healthcare and higher education environment.

Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean Position Announcement

Founded in 1872, ICO is a private, not-for-profit institution dedicated to preparing future optometric leaders through rigorous academic instruction, clinical excellence, scholarship, and community engagement. Through its integrated clinical enterprise, the Illinois Eye Institute (IEI), ICO provides exceptional clinical training opportunities while serving a diverse patient population and advancing the profession of optometry.

• OD degree preferred;
  PhD or equivalent terminal degree with significant experience and demonstrated success in optometric education.
• Significant leadership experience in higher education, healthcare, or an academic health professions environment.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and resource management.
• Strong understanding of accreditation and academic quality assurance.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills.
• Distinguished record of academic and professional achievement.

• Experience with in optometric education or academic health professions education.
• Experience leading clinical education programs or healthcare delivery systems.
• Experience supporting faculty development, shared governance, and organizational change.
• Experience with fundraising, alumni engagement, and external partnerships.
• Previous experience as a Dean, Associate Dean, Department Chair, or comparable executive leader.