Dean, School of Journalism Job at Inside Higher Ed in Lawrence

Position Overview

The University of Kansas seeks a collaborative, dynamic, forward‑looking, research and community‑oriented leader to serve as the next Dean, School of Journalism of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications (JMC). Applications, inquiries, and nominations are invited. Since the first journalism class was offered in 1891, JMC has continued its long legacy of excellence in student‑centered teaching that prepares students for today’s careers in media, digital marketing, advertising, and public relations. Located on the historic, picturesque Lawrence campus, the JMC is a nationally recognized leader in journalism and strategic communications education. The school is ranked as the #1 Journalism School in Kansas, #4 Most Popular Journalism School in the U.S., and #13 Best Journalism School for a bachelor’s degree by College Factual. Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communications with concentrations in Multimedia Journalism, Digital Marketing Communications, Advertising, Public Relations, Media Arts & Production, and Sports Media & Society. Graduate programs include an online master’s in digital and integrated marketing communications and a Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communications, emphasizing research, innovation, and professional readiness across the evolving media landscape.

Responsibilities

The Dean will report to and collaborate closely with the Chief Academic Officer/Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor of the Lawrence and Edwards campuses. He or she will lead with a commitment to collaboration across the school’s academic areas and with partners throughout the University and beyond. Key priorities include engaging faculty and staff in advancing the goals of Jayhawks Rising, the strategic plan for KU Lawrence and Edwards, and spearheading the school’s fundraising efforts as part of the University’s next campaign. The Dean will exemplify a lifelong commitment to learning, scholarship, and service, inspiring and supporting the professional growth of others. He or she must cultivate a culture valuing the school’s professional, scholarly, and academic dimensions, advocate for building public trust in media, lead outreach initiatives that engage communities, and ensure students uphold transparency, ethical standards, and innovative practices. The Dean will deepen the research culture, foster shared governance, serve as a visible, accessible presence within the school, across campus, and with community and industry partners, and maintain a collaborative, collegial culture supporting the school’s academic mission and community. The Dean will oversee the school’s budget and resources, ensure compliance with university policies and professional accrediting standards, and serve as the chief advocate for external relations, advancement, and fundraising, securing private and philanthropic support to sustain excellence in research, teaching, and experiential learning.

Required Qualifications

• Earned terminal degree in a relevant field with a distinguished record of teaching, research, and achievements warranting a tenured appointment at the rank of full professor in the school.
• Accomplished, visionary, and collaborative leader with experience in academic leadership, strategic planning, and fundraising.
• Strategic clarity, emotional intelligence, and deep respect for the school’s legacy of ethical storytelling and public service, combined with creativity and courage to drive innovation in a rapidly evolving field.

Additional Candidate Instructions

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile. WittKieffer is assisting the University of Kansas in this search. Candidate materials should be received by February 6, 2026.

Applications, Nominations and Inquiries

Jessica Herrington and Bree Liddell
KUDeanJMC@wittkieffer.com

Salary Range

Commensurate with experience

Application Review Begins

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Anticipated Start Date

Tuesday, August 18, 2026