Open Searches

Fairmont State University, a public comprehensive university in vibrant North Central West Virginia, invites inquiries, applications, and nominations for Dean of the College of Business and Aviation (COBA). The new Dean is expected to take office in July 2027. The position is a full-time, 12-month administrative appointment with tenure-track faculty rank eligibility in year three. The anticipated salary is $150,000 – $175,000.

Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of the College and an intellectual leader for both the College and the University, fostering excellence in teaching, research, and service. The role carries full responsibility for the academic leadership, strategic planning, and budgetary and administrative management of the College’s educational, academic support, and ancillary programs.

Founded as a normal school in 1865, Fairmont State University is a comprehensive, student-centered, state-supported institution offering 56 certificates and degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. On a hilltop campus in Fairmont, West Virginia, the University combines the opportunities of a large public university with the personal attention of a smaller private institution.

The College of Business and Aviation prepares students for in-demand careers in accounting, aviation, healthcare administration, business administration, information systems management, and strategic leadership. It pairs the personal attention of a small school with the technology and opportunities of a larger institution, and its faculty are as accomplished in the business and aviation worlds as they are in the classroom. The next Dean inherits distinctive programs, committed faculty, and strong industry relationships at a moment when the University has set a clear strategic direction.

Academic Search is partnering with Fairmont State University on this search, led by Dr. Pam Balch, Senior Consultant. For more information about the position, institution, College, leadership agenda, qualifications, and online application instructions, please review the position profile on the Academic Search website:  

https://www.academicsearch.org/open-searches-public/.

All inquiries, applications, and nominations will be held in confidence. Candidates who would like to learn more may send a CV to FairmontStateDeanCOBA@academicsearch.org to schedule a confidential conversation.

Please note the required qualifications:

• Education: An earned doctorate and professional background in a relevant discipline within the College.
• Experience: Progressively responsible academic leadership experience, preferably at the level of department chair or higher.
• Academic record: A distinguished record of teaching, scholarship, and service that merits a tenured appointment at the rank of associate or full professor.
• Accreditation: Demonstrated experience with collegiate business school accreditation processes (ACBSP, AACSB).

Although the position is open until filled, candidates are encouraged to submit all materials by Sunday, November 8, 2026, for full consideration. Leaders who know outstanding candidates are encouraged to submit confidential nominations by sending the nominee’s full name, current position, institution or organization, and email address to FairmontStateDeanCOBA@academicsearch.org.

Fairmont State University does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of race, color, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression/association, national origin, age, height, weight, religion, creed, genetic information, disability, or veteran’s status, as identified and defined by law in employment, admissions, and educational programs and activities. Minorities/Women/Veterans/those with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Fairmont State University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because such employee or applicant has inquired about, discussed, or disclosed the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.