University of Missouri-Kansas City Hiring for Dean, School of Graduate Studies, UMKC at Kansas City, MO  Full Time

UMKC’s School of Graduate Studies

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), a prominent public urban research institution and the largest comprehensive university in the Kansas City metropolitan area, is actively seeking a visionary and strategic leader to serve as the DEAN OF GRADUATE STUDIES. In this position, the successful candidate will contribute to advancing UMKC’s graduate programs, and the School of Graduate Studies.

UMKC is uniquely recognized by the State of Missouri as one of the four public research and doctoral-level institutions within the University of Missouri System. UMKC researchers are actively addressing some of society’s most pressing issues, spanning advancements in cancer treatment, studies on the impact of sound in operating rooms, countermeasures against drone attacks, and investigations into how viruses evade detection by host cells. Central to the success of the incoming leader is the imperative to leverage UMKC’s impressive momentum in graduate education and research, supported by both the campus and the Kansas City community. We anticipate achieving recognition as a Carnegie Research I institution in the forthcoming 2025 Carnegie research designation, unlocking additional opportunities to advance the University’s overarching mission.

In Summary, UMKC is in search of a dynamic, strategic, and forward-thinking Dean of Graduate Studies to lead the school into the next era.
UMKC offers more than 60 graduate and professional degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels, including graduate certificates in a range of fields.
* 33% Graduate Student representation among total campus enrollment
* 11 Schools offering graduate programs.

The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies plays a critical role in building a strategic vision for graduate education and its intersection with research and creativity across campus. Reporting to Provost Dr. Jennifer Lundgren, the Dean will spearhead the creation of a comprehensive graduate education infrastructure that complements the resources available at individual academic units. If you are ready to empower UMKC’s Graduate Studies to new heights of innovation, impact, and inclusivity, UMKC is eager to welcome you into this transformative role. Your legacy awaits, as you steer the course towards a future of excellence.

UMKC seeks a dynamic, innovative, empathic and visionary leader for the School of Graduate Studies who will focus on:
1. Leadership & Vision: Serve as the driving force behind the School of Graduate Studies, collaborating with various stakeholders from both within the campus and the broader community. The objective is to establish a tone of excellence, set clear priorities and cultivate a visionary landscape for graduate education that permeates the entire campus.
2. Excellence: Ensure that every graduate program maintains the highest standards in curricular development, research and professional growth for our students. The aim is to provide an exceptional educational experience.
3. Fostering Collaboration: Promote collaboration among diverse departments and units across the university, working towards shared objectives such as graduate student success and career outcomes, campus-wide research expansion, and active community engagement.
4. Strategic Enrollment Management: Partner with University leadership and academic unit admissions teams to enhance strategic enrollment management of our graduate programs.
5. Financial Stewardship: Exercise fiscal responsibility and effective resource allocation, particularly in context of graduate student support.
6. Infrastructure: Build campus-wide graduate education infrastructure that is synergistic with individual unit infrastructure and resources.
This multifaceted role is instrumental in advancing the goals and excellence of graduate education at UMKC, sharing its future trajectory, and ensuring its alignment with the broader academic mission and community engagement. In pursuit of these objectives, the Dean’s responsibilities include:
* Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate closely with the Provost, Vice Provosts, and Deans of academic units to ensure the holistic success of graduate education campus-wide.
* Enrollment Growth: Strategically expand graduate enrollment while concurrently enhancing the infrastructure supporting graduate education.
* Process Improvement: Streamline operational procedures for advising, thesis/dissertation evaluation, and degree conferral processes to enhance efficiency.
* Doctoral Education Alignment: Partner with the Vice Chancellor for Research and academic unit Deans to align doctoral education with university-wide research growth goals.
* Accreditation: Lead and ensure the graduate programs meet and maintain the standards set by accrediting bodies, contributing to the overall quality and credibility of the institution
* Needs Analysis: Continuously assess the needs of graduate students, faculty, and the surrounding community to better position UMKC for sustained success.
* Professional Development: Work with faculty and industry partners to identify and provide opportunities for graduate students to enhance their professional skills. This could involve internships, research projects, or collaborations with industry that contribute to successful post-graduation outcomes
* Community Engagement: Cultivate valuable community partnerships that enhance the quality of graduate education and its relevance.
* Awards and Policies: Facilitate the decision-making process related to Graduate School awards, implement School of Graduate Studies policies, and review exceptions to these policies.
* Student Success and Support: The Dean plays a role in implementing initiatives to support student success. This may include providing resources for academic advising, mentorship programs, and other support services that contribute to positive graduate outcomes: Provide guidance to graduate students and mediate disputes between students and faculty.
* Doctoral Faculty: Administer the standard procedures for conferring doctoral faculty status.
* Graduate Council: Chair monthly meetings of the Graduate Council, fostering collaboration and driving initiatives.
* Event Oversight: Provide oversight of graduate student events, collaborating with School of Graduate Studies staff, International Affairs, and other Student Organizations to ensure their successful execution.

• A terminal degree in relevant area and rank of professor or eligibility for rank of professor at UMKC.
• Experience in academic administration as a Department Chair, Associate Dean, Dean, or similar academic leadership roles.

Additionally, candidates should possess some of the following capabilities and/or characteristics

* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated commitment to promoting shared governance and transparency.

* Impactful leadership experience in higher education with progressive levels of responsibility and an understanding of the difference between leadership and management.

* Evidence of collaborative and strategic decision-making that forms and expands our student-centered mission and support for research.

* Experience in graduate student recruitment and student success initiatives

* Demonstrated evidence of financial acumen capable of managing the financial aspects of the college, including grant acquisition and resource allocation.

* Accomplishments in an active research program, including publishing and/or performance, and grant funding

* Experience in the accreditation process for a university of college including program assessment, documentation and reporting, quality improvement, faculty qualifications, continuous monitoring, and strategic planning.

* Leadership skills that promote collaboration on achieving common goals, that balance empathy and accountability, and that emphasize impartiality as well as integrity, confidentiality, and tact

* The ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in academia and the community

* A track-record of professionalism, scholarly impact, ethical conduct, inclusivity, and cultural competence.

* Understanding of and commitment to the mission, vision and values of a public urban research university and a willingness to play an active role in the life of the university and community

Our University of Missouri System Executive Search Team is leading the national search, all inquiries, nominations, and applications, should be directed in confidence to:

Kelly Oliver

or apply to this posting

We anticipate the appointment will be made in Spring 2024. Application deadline is January 22, 2024

Candidates should include a cover letter outlining leadership qualifications and how their experience fits within the role. Later in the search process, additional information may be sought from interested candidates, along with names and contact information for at least 5 references. Candidates will be notified before references are contacted.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit or call Human Resources at 816-235-1621.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.