Dean, Dauch College of Business and Economics

Job Description

Ashland University seeks a creative, entrepreneurial dean who enjoys working with colleagues across the University and within the Dauch College of Business and Economics (COBE) to advance the education and success of students. Supporting the dean is a dedicated, experienced staff including an associate dean, the internship and experiential learning coordinator and operations manager, and an administrative assistant.

The next dean of COBE will be expected to:

• Lead a curricular examination for two purposes: first, to understand area workforce needs and COBE’s position in the market today and for the future; second, to assess COBE’s responsiveness to the rapidly changing world of business and technology and to ensure that students are well prepared with the skills and mindset to enter the workforce and adapt to constant change.
• Serve the region surrounding the University by building partnerships with businesses and nonprofit organizations. With COBE’s talented faculty, opportunities abound to serve the workforce through graduate and certificate programs, executive education, and short-term educational offerings. Partnerships will also be expected to benefit Ashland’s students through increased internships and employment opportunities, as well as bringing seasoned professionals to campus to share knowledge and expertise.
• Build relationships with alumni, parents, friends, and community partners to raise funds to support Dauch College of Business and Economics and its faculty and students. Funding for program development, scholarships and internship support for students, and faculty development will be a key priority for the dean.
• Grow graduate enrollment with successes achieved through the means outlined above, among other strategies.
• Advance the interests of the University and effectively collaborate on the Academic Council, while also being an effective advocate for COBE.
  

Additional details may be accessed through the search profile link:

Required Qualifications

Ashland University seeks a dean with the following qualities or experiences:

• Places student success central to all decision-making; enjoys interacting with and supporting students.
• Successive and successful leadership roles, along with financial acumen and solid experience with budget management.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills with the ability to inspire and lead others to work towards common goals.
• Preferably possesses a terminal degree, experience with graduate education and accreditation, and prior success in business or industry.
• Experience working with faculty or teaching in a university setting; candidates from outside academia with a strong understanding of higher education and shared governance are welcome to apply.

Preferred Qualifications

Physical Demands

Anticipated Start Date of New Hire

06/01/2026

Anticipated Number of Hours Working per Week

40+

Shift Required?

Varied

Job Duties

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

S1059P

Number of Vacancies

1

Desired Start Date

06/01/2026

Job Open Date

03/11/2026

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

The search committee for Ashland University’s next Dean for the Dauch College of Business and Economics is being assisted by Academic Search. To apply, applicants should visit the following link: org/AshlandDeanApply. Applications should consist of a substantive cover letter addressing the qualifications and expectations listed above and a curriculum vitae, both submitted as PDFs. A list of professional references will be required later in the process. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; those received by 4 pm ET on March 29, 2026, can be assured full consideration. Nominations and expressions of interest can be submitted in confidence to AshlandDean@ academicsearch.org .

Confidential conversations about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting Senior Consultant Sharon Herzberger through the [email protected] link.