News and Announcements

Applications Open for Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Posted: 2026-07-20 06:44:57   Expiration: 2026-08-03 06:44:57

North Dakota State University is seeking an Interim Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, its largest and most comprehensive college, to lead the College's academic programs, faculty and staff, budget, and daily operations until a permanent dean is named. Applications should be submitted to Ann Fredrickson as three separate PDFs (cover letter, CV or resume, and a list of three references) and received by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, for full consideration.

Interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

Position Overview

North Dakota State University (NDSU) seeks an Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the largest and most comprehensive college at the university. The College spans the natural and mathematical sciences, the fine and performing arts, the humanities, the social sciences, professional design programs, and the School of Education. Its departments teach a substantial share of every NDSU student’s education, sustain nationally competitive research and creative work, and connect the university to communities across North Dakota.

Reporting to the Provost and serving as a member of the Deans Council, the selected candidate will serve as dean in the interim until a permanent dean is named. In this role, the Interim Dean leads the College and is responsible for its academic programs, faculty and staff, budget, and day-to-day operations, sustaining its strengths, supporting its people, and providing stable, effective leadership. The Interim Dean is eligible to apply for the permanent Dean position.

Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

  • Lead the College of Arts and Sciences in alignment with NDSU’s land-grant mission and strategic priorities
  • Maintain department and college-level Promotion, Tenure, and Evaluation (PTE) processes, providing guidance on policy interpretation, consistency across departments, and mentoring structures that support faculty advancement
  • Support shared governance by facilitating inclusive decision-making and engaging faculty and staff in planning, policy, and resource allocation
  • Remain accessible and responsive to faculty and staff, hearing and validating their concerns, promoting wellbeing, and fostering a culture of respect and responsiveness
  • Represent the College in university-wide initiatives, committees, and task forces, advocating for the needs and priorities of Arts and Sciences
  • Maintain external relationships with donors, alumni, and industry partners to enhance resources, visibility, and opportunities for students and faculty
  • Fulfill duties assigned by the Provost, including participation in university leadership activities and implementation of institutional priorities

Leadership and Communication

  • Foster transparency in decision-making and budget processes by clearly communicating rationale, seeking input, and documenting outcomes
  • Model and maintain ethical standards and a culture of integrity across the College
  • Champion department and unit needs and involve leaders in key decisions, ensuring that diverse perspectives inform college-wide initiatives
  • Maintain regular college meetings and modes of connection such as Q&A sessions, open forums, and targeted outreach

Academic and Administrative Oversight

  • Balance support for teaching and research across departments, recognizing disciplinary differences and promoting excellence in both
  • Manage the incentive-based budget model and communicate fund allocation methods in a clear and equitable manner
  • Oversee enrollment strategies, course scheduling, and equitable workload distribution (e.g., a 2/2 teaching standard), consistent with Faculty Senate guidelines, to support student success and faculty sustainability

Strategic Planning and Visioning

  • Sustain the College’s strategic direction, keeping departmental goals aligned with university priorities, workforce trends, and societal needs
  • Support ongoing interdisciplinary initiatives and cross-college collaborations that advance innovation and impact
  • Monitor progress toward goals and adjust based on data, feedback, and emerging opportunities

Faculty Development and Support

  • Support faculty success through onboarding, mentoring, leadership development, and recognition initiatives
  • Encourage professional growth by promoting access to teaching and research resources, travel funding, and grant support
  • Collaborate with departments to identify faculty needs and develop responsive programs that enhance retention and morale

Student Success and Engagement

  • Champion initiatives that improve student retention, learning outcomes, and career readiness across all disciplines
  • Support inclusive curricula, experiential learning opportunities, and advising models that meet diverse student needs
  • Engage with student organizations and leaders to understand their experiences and incorporate their voices into college planning

Required Qualifications

  • An appointment as a tenured full professor in an academic department at NDSU
  • An earned terminal degree from an accredited institution
  • A demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership, integrity, and an inclusive, respectful working and learning environment
  • Demonstrated commitment to shared governance and to inclusive, transparent decision-making
  • Experience working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and academic leadership across diverse disciplines
  • Record of successful mentoring and development of faculty, staff, and students

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience providing academic administrative leadership, such as service as a chair, director, or dean
  • Familiarity with NDSU operations, PTE processes, and the university’s incentive-based budget model
  • Demonstrated ability to build collaboration and trust across differing units or disciplines
  • Record of excellence in fiscal, human, and resource management
  • Working knowledge of accreditation processes across a range of disciplines

Application Process

Applicants should send the documents below (three separate PDFs) and only these documents to ann.fredrickson@ndsu.edu. For full consideration, applications should be received by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026.

  • A detailed cover letter, not to exceed three pages, addressed to the search committee, expressing your interest in this interim position and addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications outlined in this profile.
  • A current curriculum vitae or resume that includes relevant responsibilities and accomplishments.
  • A list of 3 professional references, including their names, titles, organizations, phone numbers, and email addresses.

Timeline

  • Application Deadline (for full consideration): Friday, July 31, 2026
  • Notification of Finalists for Interviews: Aug. 10, 2026
  • Finalist Interviews: Aug. 17 to 21
  • Candidate Feedback Due: Aug. 26
  • Anticipated Start Date: Fall 2026
  • Appointment Duration: Until a permanent Dean is appointed

Questions or Nominations

Questions or nominations may be directed to any member of the search committee:

  • Alan Kallmeyer, College of Engineering, (search committee chair)
  • Carrie Anne Platt, VP for Faculty Affairs, (ex-officio)
  • Meghan Duda, School of Design, Architecture & Art
  • Justin Benna, School of Education
  • Kjersten Nelson, Political Science and Public Policy
  • Erik Hobbie, Physics
  • Ben Balas, Psychology
  • Amy Gore, English

-- Academic Affairs: Haley Hamel