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The University of Texas Permian Basin seeks applications and nominations for an academic leader for the newly created College of Arts & Humanities. The dean will help guide the college’s effort in academic and curricular development, as well as faculty and staff development, and will help build partnerships with university stakeholders and alumni. The Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities will be an experienced, visionary leader with outstanding credentials and strength in fostering excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, and community engagement.

The Permian Basin is one of the country’s fastest-growing, culturally vibrant, economically invigorated regions–full of industry, culture, and wide-open spaces. Spanning an area of 75,000 square miles, the low-lying geological formation of the Permian Basin is a stunning stretch of land with unique beauty that’s home to the big, beautiful Texas skies. It’s also home to the world’s largest petroleum field. However, it’s not only oil fueling the region’s substantial energy boom; wind and solar developments are diversifying the Permian Basin, putting it on the map as a critical energy provider for the future. West Texas is seeing an explosion in economic activity as other industries such as school education, finance, construction, healthcare, digital technology, transportation, real estate, and public sector jobs grow alongside it.

Home to over 7,500 enrolled students, UT Permian Basin benefits from the vast resources and support of the world-renowned University of Texas System yet is lean enough to foster a connected, tight-knit community while remaining financially accessible to any student. With an unwavering commitment to students, a strategic approach to designing higher education, and the resources to ensure academic success, UTPB is set to nurture the leaders who will go on to shape the future of West Texas and the nation.

One of UT Permian Basin’s most academically diverse colleges, the College of Arts & Humanities contributes to the education of virtually every student at UT Permian Basin through its core curriculum. In addition to excellent teaching, the college produces quality research and creative work.

The University of Texas Permian Basin is seeking an exceptional individual to fill this critical leadership role and continue to advance the College of Arts & Humanities in its pursuit of academic excellence and societal impact. The dean will work with faculty and University leadership to develop strategic directions for the College, including a phenomenal opportunity to implement the academic reorganization, started last academic year. In addition to strong administrative experiences, the ideal candidate will have proven success in leading faculty in developing strong teaching, research, accreditation, and community/industry outreach initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• A terminal degree in an arts, humanities, or social science discipline or related field;
• Progressive academic and administrative or professional experience with significant accomplishments appropriate to service in this role;
• Experience in building successful, productive administration-faculty relationships and shared decision-making;
• Commitment and proven track record to promote and advance undergraduate and graduate student success;
• Success building and executing a strategic and fiscally-sound academic budget
• Solid track record in meeting University mission with respect to enrollment, graduation and research

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven track record in faculty mentorship with measurable outcomes
• Varied and extensive success in securing extramural funding from state and federal agencies, private foundations, or other external sources
• Success in promoting an academic unit to community partners, leading to significant financial support
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across multi-function units to enhance student recruitment

To learn more about the University, the position responsibilities, and additional desired characteristics, visit here.

Applications should consist of a substantial letter of interest, a CV, and a list of five professional references with full contact information and a note indicating the nature of your working relationship with each. No references will be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted electronically, and in confidence, to: UTPBArtsHumanitiesDean@academicsearch.org

Review of applications will begin on Friday, July 3, 2026. The University is being assisted by Academic Search. Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting consultants Chris Butler at Chris.Butler@academicsearch.org or Anne Briggs at Anne.Briggs@academicsearch.org. Further information about The University of Texas Permian Basin can be found at https://www.utpb.edu/

UTPB EMPLOYMENT COMMITMENT

UTPB is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming and respectful. The University fosters an environment that allows members of the University community to excel in their academic and professional careers. UTPB follows all applicable state and federal laws and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.