Dean of the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Position Description:
The College of Charleston invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. This is an exceptional opportunity for the next dean to shape the future of scientific education, scholarship and community engagement in the region. Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Dr. Suzanne Austin, the new dean will be joining a group of talented and engaged colleagues in the School and throughout the college who are eager to collaborate in new and innovative ways to advance the School as well as the success of its alumni.
Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. Situated in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, the College is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, its rich history, and its vibrant campus life. The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (SNES), created in 2024, offers 11 major and 7 minor undergraduate programs across the departments of Biology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Geology & Environmental Sciences and Physics & Astronomy. The school’s graduate programs in marine biology and environmental and sustainability studies have been carefully selected to complement the undergraduate programs in areas of significant national strength and to meet the intellectual, professional and economic needs of the region and the state.
Candidates should hold an earned doctorate in a discipline within the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences and bring a distinguished record of teaching and scholarship suitable for tenure at the professor level. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proven collaborative leadership in higher education, including experience with faculty evaluation, academic program oversight, and budget management. They should possess a deep and wide-ranging understanding of how colleges and universities operate, along with a clear grasp of the challenges facing higher education today and transformational ideas for addressing them. A strong appreciation for the role of a comprehensive public university in the 21st century, and the strategic vision to keep SNES and its programs relevant, is essential. Equally important is a compelling record of supporting respect for individuals in all their diversity and responding sensitively to the needs of faculty, students, and staff.
The Dean of the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Search Committee will begin the review of applications immediately and will continue to work until an appointment is made. To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by January 19, 2026, and must include:
- A letter of interest addressing the strategic objectives and qualifications identified in the profile;
- A current curriculum vitae; and
- The contact information (email and phone) for five professional references, including their relationship to the candidate. References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the candidate.
EEO Statement:
The College of Charleston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of sex, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please visit eop.cofc.edu.
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