For best consideration, complete applications should be received before January 30, 2026.

Complete information is available in the Search Profile.

The University of North Dakota is seeking candidates for the position of Dean of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS). Reporting directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean will provide visionary leadership for graduate education at North Dakota’s flagship university. This role offers an opportunity to advance UND’s mission of excellence in research, scholarship and graduate student success in alignment with UND’s strategic plan. The anticipated starting date of the new dean will be July 1, 2026, or as soon as reasonable thereafter.

THE OPPORTUNITY & EXPECTATIONS

The Dean serves as the chief administrator over the School of Graduate Studies. Under the direction of the Provost and in partnership with the members of the Deans’ Council, the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies provides strategic leadership for shaping, growing, promoting, and administering initiatives that enhance the excellence of graduate programming and the graduate student experience at the university. The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies works with campus leadership and the University Senate to support strategic graduate program development and initiatives designed to provide innovative and dynamic graduate student support structures across the units of the institution. The Dean will provide leadership and facilitate an environment for accomplishing strategic goals, as well as aligning the functioning of the School of Graduate Studies with UND’s broader academic identity and strategic planning.

Among the leadership and administrative functions of the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies are the following core responsibilities:

• Providing vision and leadership for the School of Graduate Studies in alignment with the University’s strategic plan and the leadership vision and objectives of the Office of the Provost.
• Partnering to grow enrollment in UND graduate programming, enhance the impact and reputation of UND’s graduate programs across the region and nationally, and grow the reputation of the university as a leading flagship research institution both nationally and globally.
• Serving as the chief administrator for the School of Graduate Studies and directing the operations of the unit.
• Representing the School of Graduate Studies on North Dakota University System (NDUS) initiatives and ensure compliance with NDUS reporting requirements.
• Supporting the growth of the research profile of the university through graduate programming, student and post-doc support, resource development, and advocacy.
• Collaborating on the development of a strategic array of interdisciplinary programs and innovative curriculum that will enhance graduate recruitment, enrollment, and persistence at the university, and will prepare graduates for career opportunities across both public and private industry, enterprise, and higher education.
• Overseeing policies and procedures related to graduate education at the University of North Dakota and ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations and requirements.
• Successfully leading and supporting graduate program assessment and accreditation initiatives.
• Providing visible advocacy to develop and advance resources for graduate education, including fundraising activities and stewarding an involved donor network for the School.
• Overseeing the development and administration of innovative and dynamic student support services that recognize the unique needs of online and on-campus students, fostering a culture of engagement, belonging, and responsiveness for graduate students at the university.
• Providing strategic oversight of the Gershman Graduate Center, ensuring its mission and initiatives remain aligned with institutional priorities and strategy.
• Administering policy and procedure related to Graduate Faculty Status among the professoriate of the university. Providing mentoring and professional training opportunities for graduate faculty.
• Administering processes and policies on campus related to the creation and awarding of graduate assistantships and fellowships and awards.
• Cultivating internship, externship, and research opportunities for graduate students at the university.
• Leading, directing, or participating in any/all shared governance processes and/or committees as they intersect directly with graduate studies at the institution.

THE PREFERRED CANDIDATE

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A terminal degree in an academic field related to the disciplines within the School of Graduate Studies.
• At least five years of administrative and leadership experience within a higher education, or closely related, setting. At least three of those years should be at the level of Department Chair, Vice Provost, Assistant or Associate Dean, Associate VP, or the equivalent.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Necessary experience and credentials to be eligible to serve as a member of the Graduate Faculty at the University of North Dakota.
• Experience in graduate education as a faculty member, including teaching graduate classes, mentoring graduate students, and serving on dissertation and/or thesis committees or a discipline-specific equivalent.
• A record of accomplishment in higher education teaching, service, and research that would enable the candidate to hold the position of full professor in a department serving the School of Graduate Studies.
• Commitment to innovative teaching and program development across modalities and degree levels.
• A record of leading innovative and entrepreneurial efforts.
• Demonstrated leadership in fostering community and belonging and addressing the needs of underserved and underrepresented students.
• Experience in positively impacting student recruitment, enrollment, and retention.
• Demonstrated commitment to shared governance and faculty and staff development, and experience with, or a commitment to, team-based leadership and collaborative problem solving.
• Experience in recruitment, retention, supervision and mentorship of high-quality and diverse faculty and staff; administration of the promotion and tenure process; and staff development with a significant emphasis on succession and workforce planning.
• Experience working collaboratively with senior university leadership, state organizations, and/or legislative governing bodies.
• Commitment to establishing and growing internal and external partnerships.
• Experience with fundraising and/or engagement with external constituencies.
• An understanding of higher education finance, budgeting and resource allocation, as well as a record of responsible management of resources.

CORE COMPETENCIES & CHARACTERISTICS

The ideal Dean of the School of Graduate Studies should:

• Articulate a strategic, innovative, future-oriented vision, responsive to the needs of North Dakota, as well as the region.
• Foster strong collaborations within the university and with external partners, including commerce and industry.
• Actively engage with North Dakotans, be present across campuses, and establish relationships within various communities—urban, rural, and indigenous.
• Effectively communicate the School’s achievements and needs to all stakeholders; advocate for its programs before policymakers; and maximize the tools of marketing, including social media.
• Demonstrate respect for the various disciplines, STEM and non-STEM; identify opportunities for new programs across modalities and interdisciplinary approaches; and align innovations with the demands of the market and the needs of students.
• Relying on a personal record of scholarly success, uphold high academic standards and inspire consistent policies and outcomes across all programs.
• Be an active listener with responsive and timely follow-up and follow-through skills.
• Prioritize strong support, fair treatment, and mentorship for graduate students.
• Demonstrate capacity to secure financial resources to support research for faculty and students within the programs.
• While pursuing clearly articulated strategy, strive for balance in allocating resources across programs and among graduate students.
• Lead with kindness, compassion, organization, and integrity.

THE GREATER GRAND FORKS COMMUNITY

UND is part of a welcoming college community of more than 70,000 residents, including Grand Forks, its sister city of East Grand Forks, Minnesota, and the nearby Grand Forks Air Force Base. Grand Forks consistently earns national recognition as one of the best places to live in North Dakota.

With the cost of living nearly 10% below the national average, excellent public schools and short commutes, Grand Forks offers an outstanding quality of life. The community is known for its safety, friendliness and strong partnership with UND, a relationship honored with the International Town & Gown Association’s Larry Abernathy Award.

Many cite the people as their favorite thing about the college town, but there’s plenty to see and do. Grand Forks offers a vibrant mix of culture and recreation:

• The Greenway provides 2,200 acres of trails and natural space along the Red River.
• Year-round recreation includes biking, golf, skiing and ice hockey, with easy access to lakes and state parks across North Dakota and Minnesota.
• Arts and entertainment thrive through the Empire Arts Center, Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center, symphony, galleries and nationally known concert venues like the Ralph Engelstad Arena and Alerus Center.

Located just under five hours from Minneapolis/St. Paul and two hours from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Grand Forks offers small-town accessibility with metropolitan connections.