Open Searches

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) invites inquiries, applications, and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences (CHBS). The successful candidate will be an administrative leader, collaborator, visionary, communicator, and successful teacher-scholar who respects the culture and history of this student-centered institution and who understands great teaching and advising, the role of research in student learning, and the value of professional service. The Dean will work with the Provost and Academic Affairs team to advance both the College and the University in alignment with the Academic Affairs Priorities and University Strategic Plan.

The next Dean will advocate for faculty and staff, demonstrate accountability, and balance quantitative data with human-centered judgment to inform decisions and measure success. The Dean serves on the Academic Council and Strategy Teams, the President’s Cabinet, the Senior Leadership Team, and other university-level administrative and planning groups. The appointment is a 12-month academic administrative position reporting to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs. FHSU offers a competitive benefit package. The earliest start date is January 2027, with flexibility to begin as late as July 1, 2027.

Founded in 1902, FHSU is a forward-thinking Midwest university enrolling more than 15,500 students: 4,500+ on the Hays campus, 4,000 through its China partnership program, and over 7,000 online. More than 400 faculty and 500 professional staff members support certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s programs, as well as the Doctor of Nursing Practice, across 31 departments in five colleges and the Graduate School.

The College of Health and Behavioral Sciences is dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of individuals and communities through innovative education, research, and service. Its programs cultivate a diverse, inclusive learning environment that fosters academic excellence, ethical leadership, and professional growth. Serving more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the College offers degree programs in allied health, communication sciences and disorders, health and human performance, nursing, psychology and social work. Programs are delivered on campus, online, and through international partnerships. The CHBS is also home to the Herndon Speech Language Clinic, Psychology Testing Clinic, and the Senior Companion/Foster Grandparents Program.

Academic Search is partnering with Fort Hays State University on this search, which is led by Dr. Cynthia Patterson, Managing Director. All inquiries, applications, and nominations will be held in confidence. For more information about the position, institution, qualifications and online application process, please review the full position profile on the Academic Search website: https://www.academicsearch.org/open-searches-public/. Candidates are welcome to send a CV to FHSUDeanCHBS@academicsearch.org to schedule a confidential conversation. Please do not send application materials by email.

For full consideration by the Search Committee, candidates should submit all application materials by Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Nominations are not required, but leaders who know of outstanding candidates are welcome to submit confidential nominations to FHSUDeanCHBS@academicsearch.org. Please include the nominee’s full name, position, institution or organization, and email address.

FHSU is committed to providing equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, employment, services, and activities in compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws. FHSU prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression), age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its programs, activities, admissions, or employment.