Dean Interdisciplinary Schools

Position Summary

Old Dominion University seeks a transformational leader to serve as its inaugural Dean of the Interdisciplinary Schools. Old Dominion University (ODU), located in Norfolk, is Virginia's entrepreneurial-minded public doctoral R1 university. It serves approximately 24,000 students with its rigorous academics, energetic residential community, and robust initiatives that contribute $2.6 billion annually to Virginia's economy. ODU serves as a leader in complex discoveries, scholarship, and problem-solving, positively impacting local, regional, and national areas of expertise.

The diverse student body includes approximately 54% students of color, and nearly 800 international students from 90 countries. ODU's commitment to both campus and online learning has led to national recognition for ensuring access to higher education and providing students with the opportunity for social mobility. Located near 15 military installations, ODU reflects the community's tradition of service; 25% of its student body are veterans or military-affiliated, with 4.5% of those on active duty.

• Advocate for and manage Old Dominion's collaborative and cross‑cutting schools, including the School of Cybersecurity, School of Data Science, and School of Supply Chain, Logistics & Maritime Operations.
• Focus on academic rigor, strategic partnerships, interdisciplinary initiatives, enrollment growth, and civic engagement.
• Develop a clear vision for the schools that aligns with Old Dominion's mission and goals, and implement decisions that support curriculum development, innovation, and marketing.
• Recruit and develop strong, dynamic faculty for the schools.

The Dean will be an experienced, student-centered, engaging, communicative, courageous, and proven leader who embraces forward-thinking strategies to anticipate and advance innovation in teaching, research, and service. The ideal candidate will have experience managing complex budgets, specifically integrating budget decisions into strategic planning. They will also have experience supporting faculty research and development needs at an R1 university. The Dean must be a proven collaborator with direct experience promoting excellence in education, as well as the networking, financial, and entrepreneurial skills required to work successfully with a wide range of individuals and constituencies across the University and beyond.

The ability to collaborate with the Faculty Senate and faculty constituent groups, as well as across administrative/divisional units, is essential. The Dean must value tradition while also having a record of innovation. The Dean will have earned a terminal degree in a recognized university discipline and possess demonstrated scholarly achievements commensurate with a tenured appointment at the rank of full professor.

Witt Kieffer is assisting Old Dominion University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials to include a CV and Letter of Interest as separate documents should be received by February 20, 2026. Please visit the Witt Kieffer website for the search or contact the team, Charlene Aguilar, Robin Mamlet, and Sandra Chu at ODU‑Dean Interdiscip
.

It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or genetic information.

Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.