Dean of the School of Business and Professional Studies

Truman State University—Missouri’s only public liberal arts and sciences university—seeks a strategic and innovative administrative professional to serve as the next Dean of the School of Business and Professional Studies (Dean). The new Dean will be a confident leader with a positive attitude, strong communication skills, and a collaborative spirit.

Founded in 1867 in Kirksville, Missouri, Truman State University (Truman; the University) has evolved through several name changes, each reflecting a new institutional mission. In 1985, when the passage of Missouri House Bill 196 changed the University’s mission from an open-enrollment, regional, multipurpose university to Missouri’s only statewide public liberal arts and sciences institution, the University’s name was Northeast Missouri State University. In 1996, the name of the University was changed to Truman State University to reflect that mission.

A vibrant community of teacher-scholars engaged with an academically talented student body, Truman is a residential university providing its approximately 3,900 students with a distinctive blend of liberal arts and sciences and professional programs. Truman is nationally recognized for the quality of educational opportunities it offers and the pathways it has developed from college to career. The institution is committed to a strong focus on high-impact learning experiences, and more than one-third of Truman’s undergraduates go on to pursue graduate education. Truman is consistently ranked among the nation’s best colleges. For 29 consecutive years, U.S. News and World Report has recognized Truman as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest Region.

Located in Kirksville, Missouri, Truman plays a vital role in the thriving regional center of northeast Missouri. The campus spreads across 180 acres and is recognized as a Tree Campus USA School. As a nationally recognized public liberal arts and sciences university, Truman is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC). Across an expansive academic portfolio that includes the liberal arts and sciences and professional studies, Truman offers 51 undergraduate majors and 74 undergraduate minors. Truman also offers 13 master’s degree programs and two graduate certificates. Outside the classroom, the Truman Bulldogs compete at the NCAA Division II level in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Truman offers 16 Division II sports teams, as well as eSports and intramural athletics.

For more information about Truman State University, please visit www.truman.edu.

Reporting to the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the Dean serves as an integral partner in Truman’s Deans’ Council, provides leadership for the School, and works with other deans, department chairs, faculty, and staff to achieve the goals of the School and the University. The recently reorganized School of Business and Professional Studies is committed to preparing students to effectively serve as professionals in their communities and fields by providing an exceptional education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, emphasizing civic engagement, interdisciplinarity, and experiential and applied learning opportunities. The School consists of approximately 70 faculty, 1,100 undergraduates, and 240 graduate students. Undergraduate degrees are offered in accounting, business administration, communication disorders, economics, exercise science, nursing, and psychology. Masters-level graduate degrees are offered in accounting, applied behavior analysis, communication disorders, counseling, and education. Programs in the school are accredited by AACSB, AAQEP, ASHA, CAA, CACREP, CCNE, Missouri DESE, and MSBN. The School also supports Truman’s Army ROTC program, a Regional Professional Development Center (a state-funded program providing services to the K-12 schools in Northeast Missouri), an outpatient Speech and Hearing Clinic, and an interprofessional autism center.

The successful candidate will have significant academic and administrative experience, be committed to the liberal arts and sciences and public higher education, and have the capacity to develop and lead a strategic vision for the School. This effective leader will provide strong management, program administration, and have a strong understanding of external accreditation processes. The ability to successfully secure external grants, work with external constituencies, manage financial resources, and build stakeholder relationships is needed. A terminal degree in one of the school disciplines is also required. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and include a base salary and a competitive benefits package.

To make a nomination, provide a referral, or for additional information, please use the contact information below. While applications and nominations will be accepted until a successful candidate has been appointed, interested individuals are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible for full consideration as review of submitted materials will begin immediately. The start date is negotiable.

To apply, please submit a resume and/or vita, and cover letter, to: TrumanDeanBPS@buffkinbaker.com. Or apply through the Buffkin/Baker website.

Ken Carrick, Partner

980.296.5401

Truman State University is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring, promotion, or any other employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Missouri law. We are committed to fair and equal treatment in all aspects of employment. Inquiries about these policies may be directed to the Institutional Compliance Officer, 660-785-4354, and titleix@truman.edu.

Truman is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.