Open Searches

Ashland University is pleased to announce the search for the next dean of the Richard E. And Sandra J. Dauch College of Business and Economics, an appointment that ideally will begin on July 1, 2026.  The new dean will collaborate with an excellent faculty, staff, leadership team, and Board of Trustees, all eager to set a bold and distinguishing agenda for the College. Accredited by both the AACSB and ACBSP within a university that is passionately attentive to teaching students “How to Think, Not What to Think,” Dauch College offers an associate degree, 15 majors leading to a bachelor’s degree, an MBA, and two MS degree programs.

The next dean will be expected to:

• Lead a curricular examination, first, to understand area workforce needs and the College’s position in the market today and for the future; and, second, to assess the College’s responsiveness to the rapidly changing world of business and technology and to ensure that students are well prepared with the skills and mindset to enter the workforce and adapt to constant change.
• Serve the region surrounding the University by building partnerships with businesses and nonprofit organizations. With Dauch College’s talented faculty, opportunities abound to serve the workforce through graduate and certificate programs, executive education, and short-term educational offerings. Partnerships will also be expected to benefit Ashland’s students through increased internships and employment opportunities, as well as bringing seasoned professionals to campus to share knowledge and expertise.
• Build relationships with alumni, parents, friends, and community partners to raise funds to support the College and its faculty and students. Funding for program development, scholarships and internship support for students, and faculty development will be a key priority for the dean.
• Grow graduate enrollment with successes achieved through the means outlined above, among other strategies.
• Advance the interests of the University and effectively collaborate on the Academic Council, while also being an effective advocate for the College.

Preferably, candidates will possess a terminal degree. Demonstrated experience with graduate education, accreditation, work in business or industry, and working with faculty or teaching in a university setting are expectations. Candidates from outside academia should exhibit a strong understanding of higher education and shared governance.

PROCESS OF APPLICATION AND NOMINATION 

The search committee for Ashland’s next dean is being assisted by Academic Search. To apply, applicants should visit the following link: https://www.academicsearch.org/AshlandDeanApply. Applications should consist of a substantive cover letter addressing the qualifications and expectations listed above and a curriculum vitae, both submitted as PDFs. A list of professional references will be required later in the process. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; those received by 4 pm ET on April 11, 2026 can be assured full consideration. Nominations and expressions of interest can be submitted in confidence to AshlandDean@academicsearch.org.

Confidential conversations about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting Senior Consultant Sharon Herzberger through the AshlandDean@academicsearch.org link.

Ashland University is a private university, founded and guided by the tenets of The Brethren Church. The University promotes the principles of respect for one another, compassion for all, and a life lived in peace with justice. These principles extend to the University’s employment philosophy and practices. Harassment, in any form, will not be tolerated. All personnel-related activities, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age (over 40), sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, genetic information, military service, veteran status or any other status protected by laws applicable to the University.

While students, faculty, staff and members of the Board of Trustees represent many religious, non-religious and ideological backgrounds, the University reserves the right to seek, hire and promote individuals who support its Core Values. This includes affirming Christian values as a core element of the university’s institutional identity, emphasizing faith in God, moral integrity and respect for the diversity of values and faith of each person in a community of learning.

Employment with the University will require a criminal background check.