Working/Functional Title

Dean of the Honors College

Position Summary

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Academic & Programmatic Leadership

• Oversee the assessment, and development of honors curriculum and programming.
• Promote high-impact experiences such as undergraduate research, education abroad, and community engaged learning.
• Foster and support innovation and excellence in undergraduate education.

Strategic Planning & Collaboration

• Develop and execute a strategic vision aligned with institutional priorities and national honors education trends.
• Collaborate with deans, department chairs, and faculty across MSU to create academic experiences and cocurricular
  experiences for HC students.
• Support inclusive excellence and the full participation of all lived experiences and perspectives, within the college
  and across the university.

Advancement

• Strengthen connections with HC alums, donors, and external stakeholders.
• Lead innovative fundraising efforts, including naming opportunities and strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with advancement and development teams to expand financial support for students and programs.

Student Success & Engagement

• Champion student achievement, well-being, and community engagement.
• Lead academic advising, mentoring, and student support programs.
• Cultivate a culture that supports the whole student.

Budget & Resource Management

• Provide oversight for the College’s budget and financial operations.
• Secure and manage funding to support scholarships, experiential learning, and college programming.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate

Minimum Requirements

Professional Qualifications

• A terminal degree 
• Current tenured appointment at the rank of associate or full professor at Michigan State University.
• Demonstrated academic leadership experience and success in roles that support student engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, or faculty development.
• A strong record of teaching, research, and service consistent with the expectations of a tenured faculty member.

Desired Qualifications

Key Characteristics, Competencies, and Experience

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Innovative Thinker – Able to generate new ideas, challenge norms, and find novel solutions to emerging challenges.
• Ethical and Transparent – Operates with integrity, openness, and a commitment to accountability.
• Bridge Builder – Skilled at cultivating relationships and building trust across departments, colleges, and
  constituencies.
• Academic Bridge-Builder – Understands the value of collaboration across the sciences, arts and humanities and
  supports integrative learning.
• Student-Centered – Demonstrates compassion and care for students as whole individuals.
• Engaged and Approachable – Engaged and visible in the student and faculty community; committed to listening
  and responsiveness.
• Innovative and Adaptive – Willing to think “outside the box” and pursue bold initiatives that align with student and
  university needs.

Required Application Materials

Nominations and applications are encouraged from tenured faculty at Michigan State University. Interested candidates should confidentially submit a curriculum vitae, and a letter of interest (Adobe PDF files preferred). Materials should represent qualifications relative to the opportunities and challenges described in this document. In your letter of interest, please describe how your experience related to the key responsibilities outlined in the candidate profile. Share your vision for the Honors College and specifically, discuss how you would foster an inclusive, student-centered environment that supports academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning, and engagement.

For fullest consideration, materials should be received as soon as possible and preferably by July 25, 2025.

Professional references will be requested from finalists selected for further consideration.

Special Instructions

The Office for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs (FASA) will be assisting with this search. For questions about the position, please contact Kathy Charles, MHRLR, Sr. Director, Faculty of Academic Staff Affairs at lewlessk@msu.edu.

Website

https://honorscollege.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.