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Overview

Transylvania University seeks an accomplished and dynamic academic leader to serve as its next Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the University (EVPAA/Dean). The EVPAA/Dean will play a key role in leading the faculty and community in concert with the University’s new strategic plan, as well as providing vision and direction for enhancing student success, academic programs, and curricular innovation. Transylvania University is a top-tier, independent, residential liberal arts college in Lexington, Kentucky – the state’s second largest city with a population of over 320,000 and the regional hub for entertainment, sports, the arts, and many other attractions. Founded in 1780, Transylvania University enjoys a long and distinguished history and is ranked in the top 15 percent of the nation’s four-year colleges by The Princeton Review. The University awards the Bachelor of Arts degree in 49 majors, the enrollment is approximately 1,000, the student/faculty ratio is 11 to 1, and 97 percent of the faculty hold a Ph.D. or terminal degree. The University’s overall endowment is $292 million.

Position Description

The EVPAA/Dean reports to the President, is a member of the executive cabinet, holds an appointment of a tenured full professor in his or her academic field, and is responsible for enriching and expanding the academic programs while engaging with the faculty and stakeholders to foster an integrative learning environment. The EVPAA/Dean oversees the University’s four academic divisions (fine arts, humanities, natural sciences and mathematics, and social sciences), library, writing center, career development, registrar, academic development, first-year experience, and study abroad. The successful candidate will be an accomplished scholar, educator, and administrator, with a terminal degree, and qualifications commensurate with a tenured professor at Transylvania University. The successful candidate will manifest strong commitments to liberal arts education and innovation. Candidates should also possess: a commitment to shared governance and collegial problem solving; excellent leadership, management, and communication skills; a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and creatively with faculty to promote the goals of the university; a proven record of appointing, developing, and mentoring faculty; an ability to be an articulate and persuasive interpreter of the University’s mission and curriculum to its varied constituencies; prior successful experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and assessment; an ability to collaborate effectively with other university leaders, especially cabinet members; an understanding of resource development and partnership with the advancement office; an ability to craft creative, pragmatic solutions that will advance the institution.

More information about Transylvania University and the EVPAA/Dean search is available at the link above.

How to Apply

Applications should consist of a substantial letter of interest, a CV, and a list of five professional references with full contact information with annotation indicating the nature of your working relationship with each. No references will be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate and only after initial interviews when only a few candidates move forward. Please address the cover letter to the Members of the Search Committee. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted electronically, and in confidence, to: TransylvaniaEVPAA@academicsearch.org

The position is open until filled but only applications received by Tuesday, September 9, 2025, can be assured full consideration. The University is being assisted by Academic Search. The appointment start date will be contingent upon the selected candidate’s availability, preferably on January 1, 2026, but no later than July 1, 2026. Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting consultants Chris Butler at Chris.Butler@academicsearch.org and Ann Hasselmo at Ann.Hasselmo@academicsearch.org.

Further information about Transylvania University and its rich, 245-year history is available at www.transy.edu.

Transylvania University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of the university community. In support of this goal, we seek qualified candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We encourage all who are interested to apply.