Open Searches

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) invites inquiries, applications, and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS). The University seeks 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.

Founded in 1902, FHSU is a forward-thinking public Midwest university enrolling more than 13,000 students: including 3,500+ on the Hays campus, 3,000 through its China partnership program, and over 6,000 online. More than 400 faculty and 500 professional staff 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 CAHSS comprises five departments and schools—Communication Studies, Law, and Political Science; the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology; English and Modern Languages; History and Philosophy; and the School of Visual and Performing Arts—together with the Associate and Bachelor of General Studies and the Master of Liberal Studies.

The successful candidate will be a strong, empathetic team member who sees the faculty and staff and is curious about their work; advocates for faculty and staff; demonstrates accountability and transparency; and balances quantitative data with human-centered judgment to inform decisions and measure success. The Dean is a member of 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. The appointee will ideally take office by July 2027.

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 FHSUDeanCAHSS@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 Monday, November 9, 2026. Nominations are not required, but leaders who know of outstanding candidates are welcome to submit confidential nominations to FortHaysDeanCAHSS@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.