Search for the Next Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences

Purdue Provost Patrick Wolfe and Vice President for Health Affairs Eric Barker have announced the launch of a national search for the next dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences.


Purdue seeks nominations and applications for the next Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS). The College has embarked on a significant mission to strengthen its scholarly impact, bringing together faculty across the health sciences and human sciences to advance top-flight research. A key pillar of Purdue's most recently declared strategic initiative to advance One Health, the College is well positioned to build on cross-campus strengths across the broad health and life sciences.

The College's next Dean will help drive opportunities to partner across the full spectrum of health and life sciences strengths at Purdue, from basic science to clinical and translational research. These areas span leading Purdue departments, centers, institutes, and programs in cancer research; inflammation, immunology, infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance, mental health and wellbeing, neuroscience, musculoskeletal research; chemistry and drug discovery; pharmacy; engineering; and computer science and artificial intelligence, among many others. Drawing on other declared university priorities-- Purdue Computes, Purdue's new presence in Indianapolis, and a reinvigorated Daniels School of Business--will enable HHS to support and develop leading academic programs, collaborative research opportunities, and clinical engagement both across and beyond Purdue.

The College comprises nine units and over 250 faculty spanning Health and Kinesiology, Health Sciences, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Human Development and Family Sciences, Nursing, Nutrition Science, Psychological Sciences, Public Health and Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Its Extension service delivers educational programs, applied research, and resources to all 92 Indiana counties, with a focus on issues related to food, family, money, and health.

As chief academic and administrative officer of the College, the Dean’s primary role is to provide exceptional scientific vision and leadership and to significantly strengthen the College's academic excellence. Reporting to the Office of the Provost through the Vice President for Health Affairs, the Dean joins with the College’s department heads, faculty, and other deans to ensure that learning and research activities of the highest levels of excellence flourish. Fundraising to support the many programs, faculty, and facility needs of the College is an important responsibility of the Dean.

The successful candidate for the position of Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences will be a proven scientific leader with the ability to speak the language of different disciplines, integrate across fields to synergize research, engage multiple communities, and stimulate learning to capitalize on the scholarly potential of the College.

Essential Qualifications:

  • Have a preeminent scientific record appropriate for a tenured full professorship within at least one of the College's departments/schools with demonstrated excellence commensurate with the caliber of scholars the College expects to attract to Purdue, including an earned doctorate in a related discipline from an accredited school or program. Regardless of academic specialty, applicants should have a strong understanding of and appreciation for Health and Human Sciences
  • Be an excellent administrator with a proven record of providing scientific vision and leadership and the ability to set priorities, allocate resources, and achieve specific goals
  • Be an exceptional communicator
  • Have a deep commitment to undergraduate, professional, and graduate education
  • Be an effective fundraiser who can secure flexible support for the College
  • Have substantial experience with the national research funding environment
  • Be able to connect with all the constituencies served by the University and be able to articulate the goals of the College and University

Application Process:

Confidential review of applications will begin on October 15, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries and materials will be treated in the strictest confidence until the final stage of the search, when campus visits occur.

Candidates should submit the following:

  • A cover letter outlining interest in the position and detailing relevant qualifications;
  • A statement detailing leadership philosophy and experiences;
  • A current curriculum vitae;
  • Contact information for at least five professional references.

Nominations and questions regarding the position or the application process may be directed to hhsdeansearch@purdue.edu

A background check is required for employment in this position.

View official Purdue job listing.

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.


About Purdue University:

Purdue University, a top public research institution, offers higher education at its highest proven value. Committed to affordability, the University has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels. Committed to student success, Purdue is changing the student experience with greater focus on faculty-student interaction and creative use of technology. Committed to pursuing scientific discoveries, Purdue has streamlined pathways for faculty and student innovators who have a vision for moving the world forward. For more information, see www.purdue.edu.

In accordance with Purdue policies, all persons have equal access to Purdue University’s educational programs, services and activities, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or status as a veteran. See Purdue's Nondiscrimination Policy Statement. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance at vpec@purdue.edu or 765-494-5830.


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