HSS Dean Search
Position Advertisement and Profile
The position has been posted on Interfolio and can be found here:
We seek a thoughtful and collaborative academic leader with experience in administration and faculty leadership to guide the College of Humanities and Social Sciences during a significant period of identity formation. The successful candidate will develop a vision for articulating a shared mission that reflects the breadth and vitality of the humanities and social sciences at the 猎奇重口.
The inaugural Dean will demonstrate the ability to foster interdisciplinary inquiry while honoring the distinct traditions of individual disciplines, steward resources responsibly and transparently, and engage faculty in inclusive and consultative decision-making. An ability to build trust across diverse constituencies, collaborate effectively with University leadership, and engage alumni and community partners will be essential. Experience supporting shared governance, strengthening student recruitment and retention, and advancing the public-facing mission of the humanities and social sciences is highly desirable, as is a deep understanding of the College’s role within the broader mission of the University.
Search Committee Charge
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is central to the 猎奇重口’s mission, fostering critical inquiry, cultural understanding, civic engagement, and interdisciplinary scholarship. As a newly formed college, it presents a meaningful opportunity to define a shared vision and academic identity that reflects the strength and breadth of the humanities and social sciences at UM.
Search Committee
John DeBoer, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Committee Chair
Jim Chesemore, Donor, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Ramona Grey, Professor, Political Science
Bryan Cochran, Professor, Psychology
GG Weix, Professor, Anthropology
Kyle Volk, Professor, History
Heather Cahoon, Associate Professor, Native American Studies
Clint Walker, Associate Professor, World Languages and Cultures
Candace Roush, Academic Finance Officer, Dean’s Office
Maya Anderson, Undergraduate Student, Political Science + Criminology
Peter Hoag, Graduate Student, MFA Creative Writing
HSS Dean Search Timeline
Phase 1 | Gather Feedback
On December 12, 2025, the Office of the Provost invited all College of Humanities and Social Sciences faculty and staff to provide input on the upcoming dean search. Faculty and staff were encouraged to meet with Provost Lawrence on January 14 and/or complete the FY27 Dean Search Input Survey to share perspectives on the qualities, experiences, and priorities desired in the next dean, and to nominate search committee members.
Phase 2 | Review Feedback
Feedback gathered from the input sessions and surveys informed the development of the HSS Dean Position Advertisement, the Search Committee charge, and the appointment of the HSS Dean Search Committee members.
Phase 3 | Application and Interviews
The HSS Dean position was posted on February 13, 2026, and closes on March 22, 2026. The Search Committee reviews applications and interviews candidates. On-campus interviews are planned for the last week of April and the first week of May, with final recommendations to the Provost anticipated by late May. On-campus itineraries will be reviewed by the Search Committee before arrangements are made.
Phase 4 | Offer and Onboard
Following the committee’s recommendations, the Provost will extend an offer to the selected candidate, with an anticipated start date in FY27.