Dean Mary Couts Burnett Library

Overview

Mary Couts Burnett Library Dean

Texas Christian University

Texas Christian University invites applications and nominations for the next Dean of the Mary Couts Burnett Library.

Texas Christian University is a world-class, values-centered private university located in Fort Worth, Texas. TCU is a top 100-ranked National University as classified by US News and World Report and has a Carnegie Classification of R2:
Doctoral Universities - High Research Activity. The Princeton Review named TCU as the #2 best-run university in the country, and TCU was the only school in Texas to receive an A+ financial rating by Forbes and was named #8 overall for financial health. TCU has an endowment of over $2.7 billion and serves a diverse student body of over 12,000 students with nine colleges and schools.

More than 11,100 undergraduate and over 1,800 graduate students work with a full-time faculty of over 750. The new Dean joins during a period of enrollment growth and the initiation of a new strategic plan, positioning the library for creativity, innovation, and aspirational thinking toward raising the academic, community engagement, and research profile of TCU.

TCU seeks an outstanding leader to serve as its next Dean of the Mary Couts Burnett Library. Reporting to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and serving as the chief administrative and academic officer of the Library, the Dean will build upon an established and successful library enterprise, leading its next phase of growth and development. The Dean will provide strategic vision and operational leadership to the Library's services and programs, set priorities, and guide the Library toward goals of enhancing and promoting research, community engaged scholarship, and excellence in undergraduate, graduate, and professional education with a diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders.

The Dean is the Library's chief advocate and steward, promoting goals and achievements, leading development and fundraising activities, and speaking for the Library’s mission of excellence in scholarship and service. The Dean will advance scholarly activities of the faculty, foster interdisciplinary opportunities and external collaborations, inspire the Library's staff, and promote professionalism and care. As a recognized leader in the field, the Dean will be the Library's public voice, promoting innovative ideas and strengthening partnerships within TCU, nationally, and internationally.

The Dean will have opportunities to capitalize on investments in facilities and equipment and to develop partnerships to enhance library services and new opportunities. The successful candidate will be a collegial and nationally recognized leader prepared to advance the service-centered and adaptive legacy of the Library and to support a range of innovation. More information about the Mary Couts Burnett Library can be found online at the library website: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..edu

TCU has retained the services of Dr. Josh Ward at the executive search firm Korn Ferry. Applicants should submit an up-to-date and detailed curriculum vitae, as well as a letter of interest (2-4 pages) describing why you are interested in becoming the next Dean of the Mary Couts Burnett Library at TCU, why you would be successful based on your professional and/or lived experience, and why now is a good time for you to consider this opportunity.

For priority consideration, please submit all inquiries, nominations, and application materials by February 27, 2026. Your CV and letter of interest (in separate PDFs) should be sent via e-mail directly to:

Josh Ward, PhD
Senior Client Partner
Korn Ferry

Texas Christian University values Integrity, Engagement, Community, and Excellence in the workplace. TCU treats applicants and employees with fairness and respect. TCU hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications and their commitment to making a positive impact on our student-centered community. TCU is an equal opportunity employer and follows all applicable employment laws. TCU fairly considers all qualified individuals, ensuring we are a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.

TCU Annual Security Report & Fire Safety Report Notice of Availability: TCU is committed to safeguarding the campus community. The Annual Security Report and Fire Safety Report are available on the TCU Police Department website at the following URL:  A paper copy can be obtained by contacting the TCU Police Department at  or via email at police.