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Oklahoma City University (OCU), a vibrant, private, non-profit institution with a long affiliation with the United Methodist Church and a history of innovation in higher education, invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the Meinders School of Business (Dean). This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a well-established, AACSB-accredited school and to lead a strong team of educators dedicated to student success and community impact.

Located in the heart of the historic Uptown 23rd District of Oklahoma City, OCU has been educating students since 1904 with a commitment to liberal arts, academic rigor, and community engagement. The Meinders School of Business reflects these values, preparing students to become ethical and effective leaders in an evolving global economy.

The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the Meinders School of Business. Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean leads the School in strategic planning, curriculum innovation, faculty development, and student success, while ensuring continued excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. The Dean also plays a key role in maintaining AACSB accreditation and shaping the School’s contribution to OCU’s Five-Year Strategic Plan.

The Opportunity

This position offers the chance to build on the legacy of a school made possible by entrepreneur and philanthropist Herman Meinders, whose $50+ million in lifetime support laid the foundation for the School’s nationally recognized programs and world-class facilities. The Meinders School of Business is housed in a three-story, state-of-the-art building featuring executive classrooms, collaborative workspaces, advanced technology labs, and the 264-seat Kerr-McGee Auditorium.

With 22 academic programs (including eight undergraduate majors, 14 graduate programs, and professional certificates), the School equips students to lead in fields like data analytics, finance, leadership, and entrepreneurship. A hallmark of the School is its student-centered philosophy, characterized by small classes, engaged faculty, and strong connections to Oklahoma City’s thriving business community.

Leadership Agenda and Qualifications

The next Dean will lead the Meinders School of Business to its next level of excellence, through strategic approaches to enrollment, engaging faculty in innovative approaches to business education, and partnership with business communities. The Dean will bring energy and visibility to the distinctive programs of the School and seek fresh approaches to preparing students for successful careers.

In addition to collaborating with the Provost and other deans on achieving the six shared goals of the OCU Five-Year Strategic Plan, these are the specific leadership agenda priorities for the next Dean of the Meinders School of Business:

• Lead successful fundraising and external engagement to generate human, financial, physical, and technological resources that support the work of the Meinders School of Business.
• Provide steady, strategic leadership for the programs and people in the Meinders School of Business by engaging faculty in developing a shared vision for creative approaches to innovative academic programs and working together to implement these approaches.
• Model ways to ensure that the School’s business programs are current, relevant, and offered in the locations, times, and modalities sought by students and professionals.
• Oversee recruitment and retention of faculty, and work with the University to address issues related to faculty compensation.
• Expand, engage, and strengthen the network of alumni who are now working in a variety of industries.

The position profile for this search includes many details about the characteristics and skills expected in the next Dean. Prospective candidates are encouraged to read that profile carefully and to be especially aware of these required qualifications:

• Degree: An earned doctorate from an accredited institution in a discipline associated with the university.
• Academic Accomplishment: A record of teaching, scholarship, and service appropriate for a faculty appointment with tenure.
• Administrative Experience: A successful record of academic administrative experience (managing budgets, personnel, curriculum, hiring and evaluation of faculty).
• Inclusive Excellence: A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Fundraising/Partnership Experience: A successful record of work with individual donors, partner organizations, and business/industries to secure and steward support for initiatives in the Meinders School of Business.
• Accreditation and Assessment: Demonstrated understanding of standards, assessments, and processes for accreditation.

Oklahoma City is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation—offering a low cost of living, a strong job market, and an exceptional quality of life. Home to major industries in energy, aviation, healthcare, and tech, OKC blends Midwestern warmth with metropolitan energy and entrepreneurial spirit. From professional sports and outdoor recreation to a rich cultural scene and deep Native American heritage, the city offers a dynamic setting in which to live and lead.

Further details about Oklahoma City University, the position requirements, the leadership agenda for the next Dean, and the application process are provided in the full profile linked at the top of this page.

Applications, Nominations, and Inquiries

Academic Search Senior Consultants Dr. Ginny Horvath and Dr. Dan DiBiasio are assisting Oklahoma City University in this search. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be held in strict confidence. To learn more about this opportunity, discuss your qualifications and interest, or schedule a call with either Senior Consultant, potential applicants are welcome to email OCUDeanMSB@academicsearch.org.

Applications should include a detailed cover letter addressing how you meet the specific qualifications and expectations outlined in the full profile, a current curriculum vitae, and a list of five professional references with full contact information and a note indicating the nature of the working relationships with each. No references will be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate.

Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest may be submitted electronically, and in confidence, to: OCUDeanMSB@academicsearch.org.

Although the position remains open until filled, for full consideration by the Search Committee, candidates should submit their application materials by September 23, 2025. Finalists for the position are expected to participate in on-campus interviews that will include a public presentation. The search timeline includes plans for screening and interviews in late Fall 2025, with an expected start date for the new Dean of the Meinders School of Business in early 2026.

Oklahoma City University is committed to diversity and equal opportunity in education and employment. We do not discriminate based on sex, race, age, ancestry, color, disability, genetic history, national origin, marital or medical status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, parenting, veteran status, or perceived characteristics.