Auburn University seeks a forward-looking, collaborative leader to serve as the next dean of Harbert College of Business. With the college’s strategic plan – https://harbert.auburn.edu/about/strategic-plan.html – entering its final years and the university currently shaping https://auburn.edu/academic/provost/strategic-planning/, the dean will join at an opportune time to engage faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other partners in setting forth goals and a plan to help the college “be recognized nationally as one of the elite public business schools in the country.”

The Harbert College of Business is the largest of twelve colleges at Auburn University with more than 6,500 students, 133 faculty, 96 staff, an annual operating budget of $138 million, and a $125 million endowment. The college is a nationally ranked hub of undergraduate, graduate, and continuing business education that is inspiring the next generation of business leaders. Its world-class faculty deliver academic rigor in the classroom and its scholarship advances thought leadership and best practice in business. The college has a strong connection to business practice through nine centers and institutes, sponsored research, and outreach. Alumni, friends, and corporate partners actively engage with faculty and students to integrate business theory with practical experience and instill the level of professional proficiency and personal integrity demanded by employers around the globe.

Auburn University is one of the nation’s premier public land-grant institutions, and in 2023, it was ranked #93 nationally by U.S. News and World Report. Auburn, an R1 research university, maintains high levels of research activity and high standards for teaching excellence, offering bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees in the arts and sciences, agriculture, engineering, and the professions. Its 2023-24 enrollment of 33,015 students includes 26,874 undergraduates and 6,141 graduate and professional students. The university is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, positive work environment, student engagement, and beautiful campus.

The next dean must have a demonstrated record of strategic leadership in higher education and the skills required to oversee a large, complex college. The successful candidate must possess a terminal degree and academic credentials that merit appointment with tenure at the rank of professor in one of the college’s departments.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile available at https://www.wittkieffer.com/position/25047-dean-harbert-college-of-business/ and a CV or resume.

Witt Kieffer is assisting Auburn University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by January 17, 2024. Application materials should be submitted using Witt Kieffer’s https://apptrkr.com/4716547.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Ryan Crawford and Natalie Song at Auburn-HCOBDean@wittkieffer.com.

Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability Employer and committed to building an inclusive and diverse community.