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Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS). Reporting to Dr. Matthew Makley, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer. The Dean provides strategic, operational, fiscal, and external leadership for a diverse portfolio of health profession disciplines, including nursing, social work, human services, counseling, nutrition, speech-language-hearing sciences, exercise and sport sciences, and criminal justice.

As Colorado’s third largest and most diverse public university, MSU Denver makes higher education accessible and transformational. MSU Denver is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and a leader in social mobility. The Roadrunner Promise provides full tuition and fee support for 30% of the student population. Serving as the state’s top transfer destination, the university features an average student age of 25 and delivers robust support programs to cultivate community changemakers.

CHHS aligns with MSU Denver’s public urban mission by preparing students to improve the health, safety, and quality of life in Colorado communities. The College enrolls 4,528 students—nearly one-quarter of the university’s total enrollment—across eight academic departments. It offers 17 undergraduate majors, six graduate programs, and 16 certificates.

A critical opportunity for the incoming Dean is the development of the Gina and Frank Day Health Institute, a signature hub connecting ten academic departments across two colleges. Scheduled to open in fall 2027, the Institute’s new five-story, 70,000-square-foot Tower on the Auraria Campus will feature advanced simulation, clinical education, and interprofessional training spaces.

The Dean will be expected to focus on these leadership priorities:

• Articulate a clear strategic vision for the College.
• Grow enrollment to meet regional healthcare workforce demands.
• Close equity gaps and strengthen student success metrics.
• Deepen external partnerships with healthcare systems, public agencies, and donors.
• Support faculty, staff, and shared governance while managing financial sustainability.
• Model the university’s CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence.

Required Qualifications

• An earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution in a discipline housed within or closely related to CHHS.
• A record of scholarship, teaching, and service qualifying for appointment as a tenured full professor.
• Minimum of five years of academic leadership experience in higher education (e.g., Dean, Associate Dean, Department Chair, or Director).
• Proven experience managing complex operations, budgets, personnel, and academic programs.
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting diverse and historically underrepresented student populations.

The anticipated hiring range for this full-time administrative position is $200,000 – $230,000. MSU Denver offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, and life insurance; 13 paid holidays, paid time off, and specialized leaves (such as a 6-week parental leave); and undergraduate tuition benefits and university discounts.

Academic Search is assisting MSU Denver with this national search, led by Senior Consultant Dr. Ginny Horvath. Confidential conversations and nominations can be directed to MSUDenverDeanCHHS@academicsearch.org. For full consideration, candidates must submit application materials by October 5, 2026, via the Academic Search Application Portal. Applications must include three separate PDF documents:

1. A detailed cover letter addressing the qualifications and position expectations.
2. A current resume or curriculum vitae.
3. A list of five professional references (contacted only with prior candidate permission).

The preferred start date is January 1, 2027, with the new Dean expected to begin no later than the start of the fall 2027 semester. For more details about the institution, visit msudenver.edu.

The complete CHHS profile may be found at https://www.academicsearch.org/MSUDenverDeanCHHS.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of 57.8% first-generation students and 57.9% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.

MSU Denver is committed to creating and fostering a work environment and culture of belonging; we are proud of the work our employee affinity groups contribute to our culture. For more information on our employee affinity groups please visit this link.