UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS ARLINGTON

Transcription

1 UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS ARLINGTON An invitation to apply for the position of: Founding Dean, a new College bringing together the School of Architecture & School of Urban and Public Affairs University of Texas Arlington Arlington, Texas Position ID: PROV Dean THE SEARCH The University of Texas at Arlington seeks a founding Dean of a new College created by the integration of the existing School of Architecture and the School of Urban and Public Affairs. By combing the assets of two strong schools, the University seeks to extend its reputation and influence. Strong programs in design, planning and policy exist within each School, and the new College is expected to become a center for excellence in collaborative research and learning in the built environment, with particular focus on issues of metropolitan growth and change. An educational leader in the heart of the thriving North Texas region, UT Arlington nurtures minds within an environment that values excellence, ingenuity, and diversity. The founding Dean will drive a process of creating a new College, of moving a university to a higher reputational standing, and of partnering with local, national and international allies to improve the urban and built environment. S/he will have the opportunity to create a College that is a leader in sustainable urban communities encompassing the physical, human, social, economic, environmental and political dimensions. Together, through their various degree offerings, these two Schools can make a major impact in one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas, as well as across the nation and globe. The successful Dean candidate will have an established reputation in architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, public administration or public affairs. S/he will have extensive administrative experience in the academic, government, corporate or nonprofit sectors, and also be able to demonstrate a thorough and deep understanding of the issues confronting higher education today. The candidate must bring superb strategic planning and financial management skills and a track record of successful fundraising. Furthermore, the Dean must also recognize the value in collaboration across these distinct schools, recognize the disciplinary contribution each make to the whole, and value a wide array of scholarly and applied research and creative

2 Page 2 of 10 activities. The Dean will engage all constituencies of the two Schools in establishing the longterm vision for the College and in making that vision a reality. Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, has been engaged to assist with this important search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed in confidence to the firm as indicated at the end of this document. THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM The Board of Regents, the governing body for The University of Texas System, is composed of nine members who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Terms for Regents are scheduled for six years each and staggered so that three members' terms will usually expire on February 1 of odd-numbered years. In addition, the Governor appoints a Student Regent for a one-year term. In addition to the Executive Committee, regular committees of the Board include Academic Affairs, Audit, Compliance and Management Review, Facilities Planning and Construction, Finance and Planning, Health Affairs, and Technology Transfer and Research. The current chair of the Board is Paul L. Foster, who began his board service in 2007 and was elected Chair in THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON UT Arlington is part of the University of Texas System, one of the nation s largest systems of higher education, with nine academic institutions and six health institutions that educate more than 216,000 students and employ 87,000 faculty and staff. For more than 130 years, The University of Texas System has been committed to improving the lives of Texans and people all over the world through education, research and health care. Over the past two years, The University of Texas System s ground-breaking strategic plan, called the Framework for Advancing Excellence, has cemented UT as a national leader in higher education. History of UT Arlington Arlington College was established in 1895 at the urging of Edward Emmett Rankin, an Arlington civic leader, to improve the availability of quality education in the recently founded town. Over the years the campus has transformed itself many times, including as a military academy, a vocational college, and a state college as part of the Texas A&M system. The institution received its current name in 1967 by act of the state legislature making each of the UT System campuses The University of Texas at Since that time, UT Arlington has continued to grow exponentially. The University offers more than 180 bachelor s, master s, and doctoral degree programs to its approximately 33,000 students. Its ever-expanding facilities span 420 acres and include more than 100 buildings. The UT Arlington-Fort Worth Center in downtown Fort Worth offers graduate programs catering to working professionals. About 6,000 students live on the Arlington campus, and about 10,000 live within five miles of campus. The University is located in Arlington, one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation. Situated between Dallas and Fort Worth in northeast Texas, Arlington is home to more than 380,000 residents, making it the seventh-largest city in the state. Arlington grew rapidly in the

3 Page 3 of 10 postwar decades as a bedroom community for both Dallas and Fort Worth. The city embraced the model provided by Anaheim, California and combined industry, in the form of a major GM manufacturing facility, and entertainment, in the form of Six Flags Over Texas, the first of what would become a national chain of amusement parks. It is also the hometown of two professional sports teams, the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys, and has access to the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Arlington s transformation continues today as its population becomes increasingly diverse. Awards and Recognition The University is a rising star and has received considerable recognition in recent years including: The Chronicle of Higher Education 2013 Almanac lists UT Arlington as the nation s seventh fastest-growing public research institution based on enrollment between 2001 and U.S. News & World Report (2014) ranks UT Arlington fifth nationally for providing a racially and ethnically diverse campus. UT Arlington is one of six universities nationwide to be named a Next Generation University in a 2013 study published by the New America Foundation. The report cites the University s online courses and degree programs, enrollment growth, and position as an emerging research institution. Leadership A visionary leader and accomplished scholar, Dr. Vistasp M. Karbhari took office in June 2013 as the eighth president of The University of Texas at Arlington. He is committed to advancing UT Arlington s national and international profile by strengthening productivity in research, promoting excellence in teaching and extending reach and impact through service. As part of President s Karbhari s vision for the university he has moved to create synergies and crossdisciplinary initiatives that enhance the scholarly standing of the institution. Combining the strengths of these two Schools is fundamental to his vision of moving the University of Texas at Arlington into the top ranks of public universities. President Karbhari has served as principal investigator or co-principal investigator on more than $37 million in civil engineering research projects and authored or co-authored more than 460 papers in journals and conference proceedings. He came to Arlington from the University of Alabama in Huntsville where he was Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. During his tenure the university saw an increase in sponsored research expenditures, added more than a dozen academic programs that highlighted academic strengths and met the workforce needs of the community. He also successfully integrated the divisions of academic and student affairs, enhanced student life, and established a student success center that boosted retention and graduation rates. President Karbhari also helped raise significant private funds for student scholarships, faculty development, and endowed chairs. Dr. Ronald L. Elsenbaumer is currently provost and vice president for academic affairs, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, and professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington. He previously held positions as chair of chemistry and biochemistry, chair of materials science and engineering, director of the nanofabrication research

4 Page 4 of 10 and teaching center, and vice president for research and federal relations at UT Arlington. Prior to joining UT Arlington, Dr. Elsenbaumer held various positions in corporate research at Allied- Signal, Inc., Morristown, NJ, and was involved with developing new electrically conductive polymer materials for use in high energy density batteries as well as a variety of electronic applications. He has authored or co-authored more than 100 publications and has more than 35 US patents. Academics In addition to the School of Architecture and the School of Urban and Public Affairs, the Arlington Campus includes the Colleges of Business, Education and Health Professions, Engineering, Liberal Arts, Nursing, Science, Social Work, and an Honors College. UT Arlington offers 81 bachelor s degrees, 71 master s degrees, 30 doctoral degrees and one professional degree. To help first year students as they transition to college, they all participate in the First Year Experience, a one credit course and have use of University College, a program that promotes student learning and development by providing coordinated and centralized academic resources and support services that help students define their educational goals and pursue a path toward graduation. Online degree programs and courses started at UT Arlington tradition in 1998 and today the university s Distance Education program is one of the largest providers of online courses in the state. Today the University offers 700 different Web based courses, from core courses to degree and certificate programs, taught by more than 300 of UT Arlington s finest teaching faculty. Research UT Arlington has research centers in every discipline and these efforts have earned the University classification as a Research University/High Research Activity according to the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Total funding for research reached a record $77.7 million last year. Information on the University s research efforts can be found at Faculty and Staff The University is served by faculty of outstanding talent and reputation who engage students in the classroom, the studio, online and in their research and scholarship. As of fall 2013, there are approximately 1106 full-time and 592 part-time faculty members at UT Arlington. Of the fulltime faculty, almost 66% are either tenured or on the tenure track. There are an additional 862 part-time teaching assistants. One of the many assets of the campus is its 3,925 full and part-time staff. Together with its committed faculty these are the people who serve students seeking assistance. Their dedication and efforts make UT Arlington work. They are respected and valued colleagues and core members of the community. Students

5 Page 5 of 10 Guided by world-class faculty members, the University s 33,300 students represent 120 countries and pursue bachelor s, master s, and doctoral degrees in a broad range of disciplines. UT Arlington is dedicated to producing the lifelong learners and critical thinkers the region and nation demand. UT Arlington attracts a talented, diverse, and hardworking student body. The total enrollment consists of 25,678 undergraduate and 7,633 graduate students. 96 percent of the undergraduates are in-state students. 58 percent of the university s students are enrolled full-time. Students come from every state and 123 countries, resulting in one of the most diverse student groups in the nation. 25.2% of the students are Hispanic, 14% are African American, and 10% are Asian. 9% of students are international. UT Arlington received its designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education in April 2014 and recently submitted its first Title V grant application. With a growing number of campus residents, UT Arlington has become a first-choice university for students seeking a vibrant college experience. In addition to receiving a first-rate education, students participate in a robust slate of co-curricular activities that prepare them to become the next generation of leaders. With more than 300 campus organizations, about 10,000 students living on or within five miles of campus, and a constant flow of speakers, entertainers, and musicians visiting year-round, UT Arlington has an unstoppable energy. Many students put that energy to work doing service projects, contributing more than 400,000 volunteer hours last year through programs like the Big Event and other programs and events. Finances The University is in sound financial condition. The fiscal year 2014 operating fund budget is $602.6 million. Of this amount, $116.8 million are grants and contracts. The funding of the operating budget is derived from tuition (47.8%), State of Texas General Revenue (19.6%), Sponsored Contracts and Grants (19.4%), and Operations (13.2%). Annual unrestricted endowment income is about $4.5 million, annual fund gifts are about $5.1 million, and net indirect cost recovery is about $10.8 million. The campus revenues from all funding sources, including sponsored research and restricted gifts, are just over $622 million. The campus current endowment is $111 million. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE The School of Architecture was founded in 1972 and offers professionally accredited and internationally recognized degrees in Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture. It also offers a graduate-level Certificate in Property Repositioning and Turnaround. It is the only School of Architecture in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and one of eight in the state of Texas. The School is housed in a building designed by Dallas architects Pratt, Box and Henderson and completed in 1984; additional spaces for a materials lab, digital fabrication, and drawing studios are contained in adjacent buildings. The School has an annual budget of $3.14M, a total enrollment of 702 students, and an endowment of $3.5M. The four-year accredited professional Bachelor of Science in Interior Design degree and the four-year pre-professional Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree share an introductory two-

6 Page 6 of 10 year core curriculum. The final two years of each degree program promote specialization in each discipline while allowing flexibility to pursue electives in the School and University. The Master s of Architecture and Master s of Landscape Architecture programs are accredited professional degree programs that provide students with the verbal, intellectual and design skills necessary to achieve the highest level of accomplishment as professional architects and landscape architects. In 2013, the graduate program in Landscape Architecture was ranked 13 th in the nation by Design Intelligence. In 2008, the last year such rankings were issued by Design Intelligence, the graduate program in architecture was ranked second in the South for regional schools of architecture. The School of Architecture and the College of Engineering have launched an Architectural Engineering Program, which is expected to begin in the fall semester of The proposed program will educate students at the bachelor level in architectural engineering. The graduates will be prepared to apply engineering principles to the construction, planning, and design of buildings and other structures. The School was a founding member of TEX-FAB, a collaboration among Texas architecture schools that promotes digital fabrication through international workshops and competitions. The School also houses CELA (Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture) administration and website which is concerned with the content and quality of professional education in landscape architecture. CELA is an organization of virtually all the programs of higher learning in landscape architecture in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The School of Architecture is one of the lead institutions in Vision North Texas partnership which started in Vision North Texas is a partnership of private, public, and academic organizations working to increase awareness about the growth expected in North Texas and to involve people and organizations in initiatives that accommodate that growth successfully and sustainably. The partnerships three Charter Sponsors are the Urban Land Institute s North Texas District Council (ULINT), the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA); many other organizations participate as partners and sponsors. In the School of Architecture, the faculty has diverse research interests and areas of strength, which are found in the realm of drawing, design, digital fabrication, the research on urban landscape and environment, the study of urban density, and the rapidly changing urban context of Dallas-Fort Worth. Research in these areas is supported through the Digital Fabrication Consortium (established in 2012), the Center for Metropolitan Density (established in 2011), and the David Dillon Center for Texas Architecture (established in 2011). Through the Dillon Center, the School established an innovative partnership with the Dallas Morning News to support the position of a full-time architecture critic. The Center for Metropolitan Density conducts independent research on density in order to promote economically productive, operationally effective, fiscally efficient, environmentally responsible, and culturally supportive environments. The Center for Metropolitan Density fulfills its mission by conducting sponsored

7 Page 7 of 10 research, convening educational programs and presentations, initiating community partnerships projects, and consulting with industry partners. In , the School of Architecture had 14 tenured faculty, 3 tenure-track faculty, 4 clinical faculty, and 17 adjunct faculty. Recent faculty awards and recognition include: In the past two years, architecture faculty members have published 3 books and numerous articles and essays in peer-reviewed journals and proceedings. Two landscape architecture faculty members were recently named Landscape Architecture CSI Fellows for 2014.During the academic year, Urban and Public Affairs faculty published 32 peer-reviewed journal articles; five peer-reviewed book chapters, and four books. SCHOOL OF URBAN AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS The School of Urban and Public Affairs was originally established in 1967 as the Institute of Urban Studies by an act of the Texas Legislature. The Institute's legislatively mandated mission is to conduct research and provide technical assistance to Texas local governments and nonprofit agencies, and to offer education and teaching opportunities for individuals either already in or contemplating public-service careers. In 1986, after significant expansion of staff and programs, the organization that grew up around the Institute became the School of Urban and Public Affairs. The School has an annual budget of $2.3M, a total enrollment of 695, and an endowment of $800,000. The Institute of Urban Studies continues to strengthen local economies and enhance community planning for Texas cities, governments, and public agencies by providing customized planning and management services, while giving students relevant real-world experience working on a variety of projects such as economic impact studies, corridor plans and community master plans. The Arlington Urban Design Center, a community design center administered by the School of Urban and Public Affairs in partnership with the School of Architecture, employs graduate students from both schools to provide design services to the city. The Design Center was established in 2009 and continues to grow in influence. It was recognized in 2011 with the Current Planning Award from the American Planning Association Texas Chapter. The School of Urban and Public Affairs currently offers five programs of graduate-level study: the Master s in Urban Affairs and Policy, the Master s of City and Regional Planning, the Master s of Public Administration, the PhD in Urban and Public Administration and the PhD in Urban Planning and Public Policy. The School is one of just a handful in the nation to have fully accredited planning as well as public administration programs. The School also offers three minor programs for undergraduates: public administration, urban planning and the environment, and urban affairs and public policy. The School of Urban and Public Affairs is home to the only planning program accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) in the North Central Texas region, as well as the Master s in Public Administration program.

8 Page 8 of 10 In addition, the School participates in graduate, dual-degree programs with Architecture, Civil Engineering, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Education, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, Nursing, Human Resource Management and Social Work. It also cooperates with the UT Arlington Colleges of Engineering and Science in an interdisciplinary program leading to master's and doctoral degrees in environmental science and engineering. The School of Urban and Public Affairs also offers certificate programs in Public Budgeting and Financial Management, Development Review, Geographic Information Systems, and Urban, Nonprofit Management. In the School of Urban and Public Affairs, faculty have diverse research interests in urban planning, public administration and public policy, and areas of strength include governance, public and nonprofit management, economic and community development, land use planning, transportation planning and urban design. School of Urban and Public Affairs is also home to the Institute for Urban Studies, established by the Texas legislature in 1967 to provide customized planning and management services to cities and communities across Texas, while giving students relevant real-world experience. School of Urban and Public Affairs faculty are engaged in collaborative efforts across schools and colleges, such as the Transportation Research Center for Livable Communities, led by the College of the Engineering. Past sources of research funding to support faculty efforts include grants from the Texas Department of Transportation, US Department of Transportation, National Endowment of Humanities, US Department of State, and US Department of Education. In , the School of Urban and Public Affairs had 12 tenured faculty, 8 tenure-track, and 12 adjunct faculty. Recent faculty awards and recognition include: One School of Urban and Public Affairs faculty member was selected by the Urban Affairs Association as one of the initial honorees to be inducted in UAA s Service Honor Roll; selected as SUPA s nominee for the university s Distinguished Research Award, and nominated by students as a Phi Kappa Phi Recognized Professor. Another School of Urban and Public Affairs faculty member won the MIT Press Outstanding Academic Title for THE FOUNDING DEAN This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for an innovative, visionary leader to join an outstanding university and lead the effort to launch a new venture. The founding Dean, with the strong support of the President and Provost, will be tasked with creating a first-tier College, globally recognized for its leading-edge practices and its rigor in research and pedagogy. The position calls for strategic vision, superb interpersonal skills, administrative and financial acumen, and strong fundraising skills. The Dean will report to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. In particular, the founding Dean will need to engage successfully with the following specific challenges: Complete Creation and Launch of the College - This is the primary challenge for the new Dean. The founding Dean will work closely to integrate the faculties of the existing School of Architecture and the School of Urban and Public Affairs to form a stronger, unified whole. This

9 Page 9 of 10 will include an in-depth look at the strengths of both Schools to find new opportunities this alignment will provide. Increase Visibility and Recognition - President Karbhari seeks a founding Dean to assist him in one of his major priorities increasing the reputation and recognition of the University. The new Dean will be expected to elevate state, regional, and national awareness and appreciation of UT Arlington s strengths and character. The College seeks a leader who, as an articulate advocate of its mission, can effectively represent the College and the value of an UT Arlington education to potential students, their parents, alumni and potential faculty. The Dean will lead the effort to increase the recognition of the College making it the institution that academics, local and state government and other potential partners see as the go to place for excellence. The Dean will provide excellent financial stewardship and administration of the College and its staff. Included in this overarching challenge: Strategic Vision - The Dean will engage the College s communities in a vibrant conversation about the strategic vision and future direction of the new College. S/he will facilitate faculty, student, and staff participation in the formation and implementation of a unified vision and mission. Strengthen Administrative Efficacy the Dean will build new leadership at the College level to support and implement the new vision and strategies. Maintain and Strengthen the Faculty the Dean is responsible for the recruitment, retention, promotion, and tenure of outstanding faculty in the College. The Dean will work with the faculty to develop the College s recruiting plans for the approval of the Provost. The Dean is responsible for ensuring that the University s objectives with respect to the quality and diversity of the faculty are met. Development The new Dean will need to be skilled in fundraising, entrepreneurial in resource development, and innovative in the management of all resources. The Dean has primary responsibility for raising new financial resources for the College and articulating the development needs of the College in conjunction with the long-range plans of the University. The Dean works collegially with the Provost, President, and other Deans in planning university-wide funding priorities and goals, and works closely with faculty to identify resource needs and to engage them in fundraising efforts from private and public sources. A new College presents a naming opportunity that will also factor into its strategic development goals. Increase Interdisciplinary, Cross-University Collaborations The founding Dean will work across the campus with the other deans, faculty, administrators and the President to create new cross-university, interdisciplinary collaborations and enhance and strengthen existing ones. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE While no one person may possess all of the qualities listed below, the ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal characteristics:

10 Page 10 of 10 Scholarly or creative distinction, as well as a terminal degree in one of the disciplines contained within the new college, suitable for appointment at the rank of full professor; Broad leadership experience with a record of administrative success demonstrating readiness for senior academic leadership; A seasoned administrator with experience leading complex institutions and committed to administrative efficiency; An experienced budget manager who can contribute to financial stability through careful stewardship of funds; Experience in or with higher education administration; appreciation for shared governance, including experience working with a president, administrators, board of regents and faculty towards productive, meaningful outcomes; A strong record of encouraging and supporting innovation and excellence in research/creative activities, teaching, and community outreach and engagement; A commitment to student learning, success and degree completion using 21st century curricular and pedagogical best practices to prepare students for meaningful lives and engaged citizenship in a context of life-long learning; Strong communications skills, both oral and written; media/communications savvy; Demonstrated fundraising skills; a diligent relationship builder; able communicator and attentive listener skilled at establishing links between donor interests and institutional needs; Superb interpersonal skills and capacity. Tact, diplomacy, political acumen, and demonstrated ability to forge and manage relationships with diverse constituencies both public and private; A responsive and responsible leader committed to increasing transparency and trust to nurture collaboration and consensus across the College; An entrepreneurial and creative approach to work and a management style that is open, collaborative yet results-oriented; respects the capabilities and independence of staff members while holding them accountable to the highest standards; Resilience and stamina for the task at hand, personal grace in dealing with a broad spectrum of personalities, and good humor in leading the day-to-day work of the College. TO APPLY: Please send CV with cover letter, or contact, preferably by , in strict confidence to: Jane Gruenebaum or Jackie Mildner Isaacson, Miller @IMsearch.com th Street, N.W., Washington, DC Phone: (202) Fax: (202) UT Arlington is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide Equal Employment Opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, disability, or veteran's status.