Boise State University
Dean of the College of Engineering
Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Boise State University in its search for Dean, College of Engineering.
For full consideration, please apply by September 4th.
The College of Engineering is the largest and top-ranked engineering college in Idaho with more than 3,000 students, 95 faculty and 65 staff. The College of Engineering is a leading intermountain west college known for its exceptional academic programs, innovative research opportunities and commitment to student success.
Established just over 25 years ago, the College of Engineering is the home of seven departments - civil engineering, computer science, construction management, electrical and computer engineering, Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering, mechanical and biomedical engineering, and organizational performance and workplace learning; and two programs - cyber operations and resilience (CORe) and Engineering Plus. The College of Engineering offers a dynamic learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive community of diverse world-class faculty, staff and students. Whether it’s designing sustainable infrastructure, developing cutting-edge technologies, or solving complex world challenges, students are engaged in real-world projects, internships and research endeavors at every level.
The College has experienced tremendous growth in the last 25 years through enrollment, research activity, and influence in the community. Research activity of faculty has tripled since 2017 ($6M in FY17 and $18M in FY23). The next Dean has the opportunity to continue this growth, backed by vibrant and strong industry support through a dedicated Industry Advisory Board – committed to advancing the college and partnering with its leadership.
In particular, Boise State joins a premier group of universities defining the future of the semiconductor industry and preparing the leaders and workforce necessary to advance the state, nation and world. An array of new semiconductor initiatives are being implemented in conjunction with the Idaho Workforce Development Council at Boise State with the opportunity for the new dean to expand growth and resources within this new semiconductor ecosystem. Micron, a key partner of Boise State, is constructing a state-of-the-art 600,000 square foot fabrication facility by Micron here in Boise, to complement its Research and Development facility using a massive investment appropriated to advance U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and workforce development through the CHIPS and Science Act.
Boise State University’s commitment to innovation and its leadership in technology and engineering have been internationally recognized. The next Dean must have a growth mentality and future-oriented outlook for the acquisition and allocation of resources to address strategic goals that position the college for continued growth and success, to meet workforce needs and establish a trajectory to be a premier engineering college.
The Dean plays a key role in providing leadership and support to faculty with the aim of continuing to improve the opportunities for external funding within the College of Engineering. New initiatives include a new Ph.D. in Engineering program (started Fall 2024), several fundraising opportunities for remodeling student labs, and the excitement around the launch of the University’s capital campaign, Unbridled, to support student scholarships and endowed chairs.
Reporting directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean serves as the chief academic and executive officer of the college. Two Associate Deans, the Director of the Micron Student Success Center and six staff directly report to the Dean. The Senior Development Director is shared with Advancement.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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Doctorate or terminal degree in one of the disciplines in the college or a closely related field.
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A distinguished record of achievement in the areas of research, teaching, and service with evidence of professional distinction that merits appointment at the rank of tenured, full professor within the College.
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3-5 years of administrative/leadership experience in higher education overseeing operations of sufficient complexity to prepare the candidate to be successful as Dean of the College of Engineering.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Proven ability to be collaborative and engaged in faculty governance, academic leadership, administrative leadership (e.g., conducting evaluations and supervising faculty and staff) and developing faculty/staff leadership.
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Experience in overseeing and managing large and complex budgets while navigating university fiscal structures and processes.
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Proven ability to effectively make and execute decisions, lead strategic planning and implementation, and to use data to evaluate strategic progress.
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Strong listening skills, keen intellectual curiosity, bold vision for the future of education, robust interpersonal skills, strong analytical abilities, and transparent communication.
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Demonstrated effectiveness as an innovation leader.
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Experience leading and supporting initiatives that promote a rich learning environment, fair access, and student well-being at a university/college.
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Experience in effectively advocating for students, faculty and staff.
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An ability for developing a diverse array of community and professional partnerships.
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Demonstrated success in alumni relations, external fundraising and philanthropy.
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Demonstrated success in fostering productive relationships and collaborating with industry partners.
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Deep understanding and ability to grow and support extramurally funded research within the college and university.
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An ability to lead efforts in strategic enrollment management across diverse academic disciplines.
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Commitment to serving a diverse population in the State of Idaho and closing equity gaps in educational attainment and student success.
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An ability to create collaborative relationships across diverse academic disciplines and among the Deans of the other academic colleges.
About the College of Engineering
Driven by the College’s mission: with an unshakeable focus on learning, we empower all to think critically and solve the world’s complex problems, the college has seen remarkable growth and success since it began in 1997. The I3 values of the college, inclusion, integrity, and innovation are prevalent throughout its departments and programs. The College of Engineering strategic plan falls within the university’s five pillars of the Blueprint for Success.
In 1997, the College of Technology was divided into the Larry G. Selland College of Applied Technology and the College of Engineering, giving birth to the university’s first engineering program. The program housed baccalaureate programs in construction management, instructional and performance technology, civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.
In just two short years, the civil, electrical, and mechanical programs were accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and the first two engineering buildings were established behind gifts from Micron Technology, the Harry W. Morrison Foundation, and many other generous donors.
Since 2005, the College of Engineering’s enrollment of engineering, construction management, and computer science majors has increased nearly 60%, making it the largest in the state of Idaho. Over 80% of the undergraduate students in the college hold internships or work in research in one of our 57 laboratories before graduating, preparing them for success day one in any graduate program or industry job. These graduates continue to help drive economic growth in Idaho as over 70% stay in Idaho after graduation.
The faculty in the college participate in five interdisciplinary PhD programs: Materials Science and Engineering, Computing, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Engineering. OPWL is an online MS program and CM awards BS degrees only. All engineering programs and CS have masters programs as well. The new School of Computing sits in the College of Engineering.
Success doesn’t just come from the famous Blue Turf; the innovative culture Boise State has built across the university is easily seen in the College of Engineering as well. This year alone, the college’s faculty received the 25th National Science Foundation CAREER Award, with 12 in the last five years. Two NSF Graduate Research Program fellowships, one Truman Scholar, and many more individual and group scholarly accolades were bestowed on College of Engineering students.
The College of Engineering boasts over 450,000 square feet dedicated to classrooms, research labs, innovation studios, and collaboration spaces on and off campus. Our newest building is the Micron Center for Materials Research (2020) with 90,000 square feet of laboratory and classroom space, with state-of-the-art construction to meet the stringent needs of materials characterization. The design for a new 12,000-square-foot Construction Management building is complete, and fundraising for construction is underway.
About Boise State University - Facts and Figures
Boise State University is nationally recognized for its trailblazing innovation. Often described as “Blue Turf Thinking” after our iconic football field, this mindset shapes the scrappy, creative, and boundary-breaking style of our academic enterprise. The university fosters a culture of innovation by inviting and rewarding the engagement of the whole community in our evolution and by building structures that incentivize creativity and bold new ideas.
Boise State provides an innovative, transformative, and equitable educational environment that prepares students for success and advances Idaho and the world. The university has experienced sustained growth for decades and has a keen focus on student success. A top choice for students from Idaho and across the West, Boise State has more than doubled its graduate programming in the past 15 years and has set records for the number of graduates for 10 straight years.
Boise State has a huge positive impact on the state. Home to Idaho’s largest graduate school, we also enroll more than one-third of all students in Idaho’s public higher education system and confer nearly half of all bachelor’s degrees awarded by the state’s public universities.
Boise State has risen on a stunning trajectory from a community college to a doctoral research university. It now embodies the best of both worlds—a strong focus on students and their wellbeing, alongside the transformative potential of research and its impacts on both student outcomes and on the world around us through discovery. Founded in 1932 by the Episcopal Church as Boise Junior College, it transitioned to an independent junior college in 1934. Later, it evolved to Boise College, then Boise State College and, since 1974, as Boise State University. It began awarding baccalaureate degrees in 1965 and master’s degrees in 1972. Doctoral degrees have been awarded by the university since 1997. Only seven presidents have led Boise State University during its 88-year history; Dr. Marlene Tromp is the current president.
Boise State has earned a Carnegie Classification of a High Research Activity Doctoral Universities with over 58% growth in research awards over the last five years and many of Boise State’s academic programs have achieved accreditation or approval by specialized professional organizations and agencies.
Boise State’s Mission. Boise State provides an innovative, transformative, and equitable educational environment that prepares students for success and advances Idaho and the world.
Boise State’s Vision. To be a premier student-success driven research university innovating for statewide and global impact. The trailblazing, innovative character that has always defined Boise State will help us foster student success, advance Idaho and Idahoans, and strengthen our culture of innovation and impact.
Strategic Vision. Boise State’s Blueprint for Success strategic plan provides the vision and goals for the university's next chapter.
Culture of Inclusion. A part of the university’s Blueprint for Success is the fostering of a Thriving Community. It calls upon the campus to further environments dedicated to flourishing, sense of belonging, and freedom of expression. The Dean leads faculty, staff, and students toward a thriving and varied community by supporting programming, hiring, and other structural changes attentive to the inclusion and success of all its people.
About Boise and the Area
Year after year, the city of Boise earns accolades from across the country as a wonderful place to work, play, raise a family, grow a business, and enjoy life. With a population of more than 225,000 within a surrounding metropolitan area of nearly 750,000, the capital city and its high-tech economy are driving the development of the fastest-growing state in the nation.
Boise prides itself on its homegrown culture, businesses, education and outdoor amenities. The entrepreneurial spirit that has launched and housed companies like Albertsons, the J.R. Simplot Co., Morrison-Knudsen and Micron Technology pervades today among the next generation of business pioneers.
The Boise Greenbelt runs more than 25 miles along the Boise River past downtown and the Boise State campus. From Bogus Basin Mountain Resort to a brand-new Whitewater Park, the city’s network of parks, trails and open space help ensure access to Idaho’s great outdoors will remain a key element of the Boise lifestyle.
The city is home to the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, the Treefort Music Fest, the Boise Philharmonic, the Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts, and much more. It is one of the few cities in the nation to have a full municipal department dedicated to arts and history.
Boise State has been recognized as one of the top three universities in the country for Outdoor Adventure and fly fishing – you can hook a trout in the shadow of Bronco Stadium. A walk or ride down the Greenbelt takes you across the city and through a variety of beautiful terrains.
Boise hosts two farmers’ markets downtown, and a fabulous menu of local and national restaurant options from food trucks and steak houses to unique international cuisine. We’re supportive of local business and commerce while growing a healthy mix of economic development and industry.
Families enjoy Boise’s excellent public schools – and many find comfortable homes among our diverse religious communities. Our many cultures love to share with each other: from the Jewish Deli Days to the Greek and Russian food festivals to the huge gathering of Basques from around the world every five years in Boise, the city loves to come together for special events.
To Apply
For full consideration, please apply by September 4th.
To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjy7219r
Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.
Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.
Inquiries and questions: Please send to BoiseCOENDean@acesrch.com.
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominees’ name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.
Institution’s EEO Statement
Boise State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment as provided for by federal, state, and local law. Boise State prohibits, to the extent permitted by applicable law, discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, or sexual orientation. As an affirmative action employer, the University is building a culturally diverse faculty and staff and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, qualified individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans.
