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The University of Houston-Downtown seeks a new Dean of the College of Sciences and Technology. The ideal candidate will serve as the chief academic and administrative officer of the college and provide strategic, operational, and visionary leadership in advancing the mission and priorities of the University of Houston-Downtown. The expected start date is January 4, 2027.

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is a comprehensive public urban university serving more than 13,000 students and is one of three distinct institutions within the University of Houston System. Founded in 1974, UHD serves a diverse student population and is recognized for its commitment to access, academic quality, and socioeconomic mobility. The university offers a broad portfolio of undergraduate and graduate programs and delivers instruction through flexible modalities designed to serve traditional students, transfer students, working adults, and place-bound learners. Located in the heart of downtown Houston, UHD is positioned to cultivate strong community partnerships and to prepare graduates to contribute meaningfully to the social, intellectual, cultural, and economic vitality of the region.  Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), UHD offers one of the lowest public university tuition rates in Houston and ranks No.27 among Top Performers on Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report (2023-24).

The College of Sciences and Technology (CST) prepares students for technical and scientific careers across a range of STEM disciplines. Through rigorous academic programming, faculty scholarship, undergraduate research, and workforce-aligned degree offerings, the college plays a central role in advancing discovery, talent development, and regional economic opportunity.

The College is home to three departments: Computer Science and Engineering Technology, Mathematics and Statistics, and Natural Sciences.  Academic programs emphasize high-quality instruction, innovation, and student engagement in undergraduate research and contribute to addressing workforce needs in STEM by graduating skilled professionals.

Reporting to the provost, the Dean of the College of Sciences and Technology is responsible for academic planning and program quality, student success, resource stewardship, and productive engagement with internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will demonstrate a distinguished record of leadership, sound judgment, collaboration, and innovation, along with a strong commitment to supporting faculty and advancing student success, including the retention and timely completion of STEM degree programs.

The Dean of the College of Sciences and Technology serves as liaison between faculty, staff, students, and department and other unit leaders in the college. The Dean provides strategic vision for the college, ensuring that academic standards are maintained, students are supported throughout their program of study, and that faculty, staff, and students comply with university policies and procedures.

The successful candidate will have an earned doctorate from an accredited institution in a STEM field and a minimum of seven (7) years of related job experience, including at least five (5) years’ experience in the role of a formal academic leader (e.g., department chair, institute or center director, associate dean, or dean) at an accredited college or university.

For a full list of opportunities and priorities, and required and preferred qualifications, please visit the institutional profile linked above.

Applications, Nominations, and Inquiries

Academic Search is partnering with the University of Houston-Downtown in this search. Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting Maria Thompson, Managing Director: Maria.thompson@academicsearch.org

Nominations and inquiries can be sent to UHDCSTDean@academicsearch.org. Although nominations are not required to be considered for this position, leaders who know of outstanding candidates are welcome to submit confidential nominations to the email address above. Be sure to include the nominee’s name, position, employer, and email address.  Academic Search will notify people of their nomination, provide details about the position, and encourage them to apply.

To apply, candidates should submit:

• A detailed cover letter, addressed to the search committee, expressing their interest in this position and addressing how they meet the specific qualifications and expectations outlined in this profile.
• A current curriculum vitae that includes relevant responsibilities and accomplishments.
• A list of five professional references, including their names, titles, organizations, phone numbers, and email addresses; indicate the perspective on your work that each reference could provide. References will not be contacted until later in the search process and only with the candidate’s permission.

Application documents may be submitted at: https://www.academicsearch.org/UHDCSTDeanApply

For full consideration by the Search Committee, candidates should submit their application materials by September 1, 2026. The salary range for the position is $175,000 to $200,000.