About this position
ECU Dean, Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences
About the Opportunity
East Carolina University (ECU) seeks an accomplished and collaborative academic leader to serve as the next Dean of the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences.
The next Dean will build upon the College's strengths, champion the enduring value of a liberal arts and sciences education, and advance ECU's mission of student success, public service, and regional transformation. This leadership opportunity offers the chance to inspire discovery, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and shape the future of Harriot College.
To learn more about this leadership opportunity, including the position's responsibilities, qualifications, and strategic priorities, please click https://www.northcarolina.edu/wp-content/uploads/ecu-dean-thcas-leadership-profile-14.pdf to review the full Leadership Profile.
About the University
Be a Pirate!
Founded in 1907, East Carolina University (ECU) is a nationally recognized public research university located in Greenville, North Carolina. As one of the largest universities in the state and a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina System, ECU serves more than 27,000 students and is committed to student success, public service, and regional transformation.
Classified as an R1 research university, ECU is recognized among the nation's leading research institutions for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and impactful scholarship. The University's longstanding commitment to community engagement is further reflected in its Carnegie Community Engagement Classification and designation as a Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose institution.
Located in the heart of eastern North Carolina, Greenville offers a welcoming college-town atmosphere and serves as a regional hub for education, healthcare, business, and culture.
About the Team
As East Carolina University's largest academic unit, the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences brings together the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics across 15 academic departments and more than 40 degree programs.
Multidisciplinary by nature and interdisciplinary by design, the College advances academic excellence, innovative research, and meaningful community engagement while preparing students to address complex challenges and make lasting contributions to their communities.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences. The Dean provides strategic leadership for the College's academic programs, research initiatives, and administrative operations while advancing academic excellence, collaboration, and the College's long-term success.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic direction for the College, including long-range planning, academic program development, and implementation of University priorities.
- Oversee the College's departments, programs, clinics, and centers, including the development and evaluation of academic leadership.
- Champion excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, and service while supporting faculty and student success.
- Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and advance research programs across the College and University.
- Develop strategies to support student enrollment, retention, and graduation.
- Oversee budget development and resource allocation to advance the College's academic priorities.
- Lead fundraising and resource development efforts, cultivating relationships with alumni, donors, and community partners.
- Promote shared governance and strengthen relationships across the University and broader community.
Minimum Education, Experience, and Qualifications
- A distinguished record of excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, along with demonstrated academic leadership and experience advancing research initiatives.
- An earned terminal degree in a discipline represented within the College and qualifications for appointment with permanent tenure at the rank of Professor.
- A demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship, with the ability to foster collaboration across the University and regional community.
- A proven record of leadership effectiveness, including experience in strategic planning, budgetary and personnel management, administrative processes, and academic policy.
- Demonstrated experience in fundraising and the recruitment and retention of faculty and staff.
Qualifying degrees must be earned from appropriately accredited institutions and conferred by the time of hire.
Preferred Education, Experience, and Qualifications
- Experience administering Ph.D. programs is preferred.
Special Instructions
Applicants should submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae (CV) through the online application system. A list of professional references may also be submitted but is not required. Applications received by January 11, 2027, will be given priority consideration, although confidential review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open until filled.
Candidate materials will be maintained in confidence throughout the search process. Finalists invited to participate in campus interviews may be asked to waive confidentiality to facilitate engagement with the broader University community. References will not be contacted without the candidate's prior knowledge and consent. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The position includes a comprehensive benefits package in accordance with UNC System policies and procedures.
Contact Information
East Carolina University has retained the UNC System Office Executive Search Services team to support this recruitment. Confidential inquiries and nominations may be directed to the Executive Search team at executivesearch@northcarolina.edu.
Nondiscrimination Statement
East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees. ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability.
Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.
To apply, please visit: https://northcarolina.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/6/home/requisition/771?c=northcarolina
Location and commute
Greenville, NC .
Plan your route with Google Maps. Travel times and transportation options vary; confirm the work location with the employer before commuting.
How to apply
Review the vacancy and complete the application on the employer or recruitment partner’s website. Requisition ID: WJ-3271011503.