Dean of the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering

The University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside or UCR) seeks a strategic leader and accomplished scholar to serve as the next Dean of the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE). BCOE is at an important moment in its evolution, with strong momentum in enrollment growth, research activity, and regional engagement. As UCR continues its rapid ascent as a national leader among universities in both research excellence and social mobility, BCOE is well positioned to expand its impact in engineering education, interdisciplinary discovery, and innovation.

Operating as one of ten campuses in the University of California system, the world’s leading public research system, UCR is a premier R1 research university and member of the Association of American Universities. UCR is proud to be a national leader for social mobility and student success, and is regularly ranked number one in the nation for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report.

Located on nearly 1,200 acres in Southern California’s Inland Empire, UCR has more than 1,200 faculty—including two Nobel laureates and 15 National Academy members—serving over 27,000 students and 160,000 alumni. Its unique and diverse student body includes 49.4% first‑generation undergraduates and 48.2% Pell Grant recipients, which is more than nearly every other university in the country.

The Bourns College of Engineering enrolls more than 4,000 undergraduate and 900 graduate students across ten departments and programs. Its faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their research and commitment to student success. BCOE’s research enterprise spans critical areas such as clean energy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, air quality, and human health, and is strengthened by interdisciplinary centers and partnerships.

Consistent with UCR’s mission, the College plays a central role in broadening participation in engineering and preparing a highly diverse student body to lead in an increasingly complex world.

To ensure the continued success of the College, the Dean will lead BCOE in addressing the following opportunities and challenges (outlined in greater detail in the full leadership profile):

Position BCOE for its next phase of impact and distinction

Lead the College’s administrative and financial strategy

Support faculty and staff to elevate a world‑class research, teaching, and service enterprise

Collaborate across campus to advance interdisciplinary research

Advance student success and inclusive excellence in engineering education

Develop philanthropic and strategic partnerships to increase the College’s visibility

Lead with collaboration, transparency, and commitment to shared governance

UC Riverside has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this search.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, and referrals should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website:

All applications must be submitted through AP RECRUIT and should include, as separate documents, a CV and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this position profile. For best consideration, apply by September 4, 2026. Electronic submission of materials is required.

The successful candidate must have an excellent history of academic accomplishment and administrative experience. They will possess a clear vision for the future of engineering research and education, a proven record of achieving community and philanthropic support, an understanding and appreciation of shared governance, a demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence and student success, and the ability to work effectively with various industry and other external stakeholders associated with the College.

While no candidate will possess all the ideal qualifications, the successful candidate will bring many of the following experiences, knowledge, and abilities important to the role:

An earned doctorate with a distinguished record of research, teaching, and scholarly activities appropriate for appointment as a full professor;

A record of and commitment to advancing…