Dean of Graduate School

Dean of Graduate School

Company:

Kansas State University

Job Location:

Manhattan, Kansas

Category:

Other Deans

Type:

Full-Time Kansas State University Dean of Graduate School Academic Career & Executive

Search is pleased to assist Kansas State University in its search for Dean of Graduate School. For full

consideration, please apply by October 21, 2026. Kansas State University, the nation's first land-grant university,

invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the Graduate School. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a dynamic,

outward facing, student-focused leader to serve as the Dean of the Graduate School within a public R1, land-grant university. The

Dean of the Graduate School will assume this role during an exciting time as the university advances innovative graduate program and

strategic enrollment efforts. K-State's graduate enterprise serves about 4,200 students across 200 graduate degree and certificate programs,

with programs offered across three campuses and more than 70 graduate programs available online. Another 500 DVM students are enrolled in

K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine. The Dean will work closely with the president, provost, deans, vice provosts, vice president for

research, and other senior leaders to formulate and implement a comprehensive and visionary strategy that engages prospective and current

graduate students from Kansas, across the country, and internationally. As a dynamic leader, the Dean will ensure the growth,

development, quality, and continuation of graduate programs and graduate education at K-State, providing strategic leadership and vision to

advance graduate education in directions consistent with the Next Gen K-State Strategic

Plan. The Dean will work collaboratively with partners across the three physical campuses and within nine colleges to develop an

integrated, analytically informed, and collaborative approach to graduate program enrollment. This role requires an ability to advance

K-State's graduate programs with a fresh, relevant perspective. The Dean of the Graduate School provides academic, curricular,

policy, research, enrollment, strategic, and administrative leadership on matters related to graduate education at Kansas State University.

The Dean cultivates progressive academic and administrative policies related to graduate education, oversees the operations of the Graduate

School, and fosters collaborative relationships with faculty, program coordinators, deans, administrators, students, and other Graduate

School stakeholders. The Dean ensures plans, policies, practices, procedures, and programs align with university-wide and college-level

strategic directions. The position reports directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President, Jesse Perez Mendez, and serves as a member of the Academic Leadership

Council and Deans Council.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Graduate School Leadership Conceptualizes a strategic and innovative vision for the Graduate School's future that will motivate the faculty and inspire

students.

Maintains stewardship over and is a strong advocate for graduate students' success and excellence, providing direction,

support, and oversight for graduate education responsive to the needs of our diverse graduate student body.

Has primary

responsibility for admission and records, program development and evaluation, and strategic leadership for graduate and postgraduate

education at K-State.

Oversees key management functions of the Graduate School, including optimizing financial aid resources,

applying new technologies, setting priorities with finite resources, nurturing staff development, setting performance objectives, evaluating

outcomes, and maintaining accountability. Curricular and Academic Activities Strengthens

existing and nurtures the development of graduate programs, new disciplines, degrees, certificates, other credentials, and interdisciplinary

approaches.

Develops policies and oversees periodic reviews of graduate programs to ensure academic quality and provide superior

experiences to our graduate students.

Ensures HLC accreditation standards are met with regards to graduate education.

Takes

an active role in addressing any HLC findings relative to graduate studies, working with the programs, colleges, departments, and

administration.

Assists programs in meeting unit-level accreditation standards as needed and monitors and advocates for curricular

processes that give due consideration, rigor, and graduate-level input into the maintenance and development of graduate courses and

programs. Enrollment Activities Provides guidance and leadership in the development and

implementation of enrollment management strategies, policies, and practices to foster growth and stability, depending on the needs of the

graduate programs of the University.

Works with the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, graduate programs, graduate faculty,

Graduate School staff, and others to use and sustain best practices to support student recruitment, progression, retention, and career

development.

Participates in recruitment activities in ways that add stature and value to the recruitment effort and promotes

visibility of university graduate programs.

Collaborates with the Division of Communications and Marketing to develop marketing,

advertising and promotional strategies that generate interest and build awareness of graduate programs. Advancement,

Fundraising, Outreach, Research Activities, and Community Activities Serves as a strong and active advocate for

graduate students and graduate education at K-State.

Builds awareness for graduate education and enhances external

relations.

Serves as an ambassador for graduate programs and communicates the scholarship, leadership, and research expertise of our

graduate faculty.

Fosters collaborative relationships across the university, educational entities, businesses, and other

organizations.

Engages in cultivating and securing funding for all aspects of the graduate education enterprise, working

collaboratively with the Provost, deans, the KSU Foundation, and the K-State Alumni Association. Examples include endowed scholarships,

professorships, assistantships, and student financial aid.

Spearheads extramural funding to establish innovative new graduate

programs or collaborations between existing programs.

Promotes active collaboration between graduate students and graduate faculty

in scholarly and creative endeavors and where appropriate, promotes undergraduate collaboration as well.

Secures extramural funding

and works with the Office of Sponsored Programs to support grants and research opportunities for graduate research, scholarship and

faculty.

Monitors, gathers data, analyzes, reports, and shares research and scholarship productivity of graduate faculty, students,

and staff.

Develops policies to promote scholarly productivity via peer-reviewed publications among graduate faculty and graduate

students.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Ph. D. or terminal professional degree from an accredited

university and qualifications as an accomplished scholar and educator that satisfies the requirements for the rank of professor in one of

the university's academic departments.

Record of success as an academic administrator in higher education with relevant

administrative and managerial experience, including development and stewardship of fiscal and human resources, and experience overseeing

graduate programs.

Proven leadership with the demonstrated ability to work effectively with university senior leadership, faculty,

and students to craft a strategic vision for graduate programs and enrollment management, engage stakeholders in implementation, and build

collaborative relationships across the university.

Strategic and creative planner with demonstrated organizational, problem-solving,

and decision-making skills.

Demonstrated a deep understanding of the complexities of graduate enrollment management and demonstrated

experience with best enrollment practices, including in the areas of domestic and international student recruitment, admissions, and

financial aid.

Deep understanding of graduate education trends and efforts nationally and internationally and of the challenges and

issues facing higher education.

Excellent oral and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to articulate matters of

complexity and nuance to multiple and varied groups of stakeholders.

Demonstrated dedication to student and faculty services with a

successful record supporting and advocating for graduate students.

Proven ability to initiate, lead, and facilitate change; adapt to

changing conditions; and navigate the complexity and ambiguity of a large public university.

PREFERRED

QUALIFICATIONS Demonstrated record of innovation and accomplishment in graduate education at a major research

university.

Firm grasp of the opportunities and advantages of a land-grant university and R1 status.

History of grant

funding and research innovation.

Data savvy with proven ability to utilize data in the analysis of decision-making and operations

and experience implementing new technologies to support operations.

Demonstrated success in external fundraising and

philanthropy.

Active involvement in the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS). About Kansas State University Founded in 1863 as the nation's first

operational land-grant university, Kansas State University has grown into a comprehensive research university with more than 55,000

students, 1,300 faculty and 3,000 staff members.

It spans three physical campuses:

the main campus in Manhattan; K-State Salina, home to

aviation and technology programs; and K-State Olathe, which serves the industry and workforce needs of Greater Kansas City. K-State

has nine colleges, Graduate School and K-State Online and offers more than 400 degrees and options, from bachelor's to doctoral degrees.

K-State Research and Extension also serves the citizenry with a presence in every county throughout Kansas and supports research in more

than 20 K-State departments. K-State has an annual budget of more than $900 million. With more than 200,000 living graduates, the

K-State Alumni Association ranks in the top 10 among Power Five conferences for the percentage of graduates who are members. Private

giving to the university is around $200 million per year, and the value of K-State's long-term investment pool is $1 billion. The university

and foundation recently completed a major fundraising campaign that raised $1.6 billion. About the Graduate School Since 1868, the Kansas State University

Graduate School has prepared students for advanced careers in research, scholarship and professional practice. Today, K-State serves about

4,200 graduate students across 200 graduate degree and certificate programs, with 57% of graduate students coming from outside Kansas.

Graduate programs are offered across three campuses, with more than 70 graduate programs available online and more than 80 accelerated

bachelor's/master's degree programs. The Graduate School works across the University to advance innovative graduate programs,

strengthen academic and professional preparation, support graduate students and faculty, and foster research addressing complex challenges.

Its mission emphasizes a graduate education culture responsive to an evolving economy and connected to communities at the local, state,

regional and international levels. About the

Community Situated in the heart of northeast Kansas' scenic Flint Hills, Manhattan's 55,000 citizens enjoy a dynamic

region with shopping, dining, entertainment and nightlife. Manhattan is also conveniently located for quick access to major urban centers.

In addition to being less than two hours from Kansas City, the Manhattan Regional Airport offers multiple jet flights daily to Dallas-Fort

Worth and Chicago. Additionally, the city of Manhattan has been a valuable partner to Kansas State University in facilitating growth

of the institution. That's why the Princeton Review routinely recognizes Manhattan and Kansas State in the Top 5 community Town & Gown

Relations. Manhattan has also been ranked No. 2 Best Place to Live in America by Livability.com. Manhattan is affectionately known as the "Little Apple," a nod to its East Coast namesake, but has a vibrant culture all its own. Here is just a sampling of what residents look forward to year-round: A cost-of-living index of 89% of the

U.S. average, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research.

Shopping, dining and socializing in Aggieville, a local

entertainment district with a fun, energetic vibe.

A vibrant, revitalized downtown area with fine dining options and local

boutiques.

The Flint Hills Discovery Center, featuring exhibits about the beautiful surrounding region.

Beautiful outdoor

life at Sunset Zoo and The Gardens at K-State.

Recreation opportunities at the Konza Prairie, Tuttle Creek Lake and State Park,

Linear Trail and more.

A vibrant health care community, including a 150-bed acute care facility and an independent state-of-the-art

surgical center. Other nationally ranked facilities are within an easy drive.

The university's McCain Performance Series, which

hosts acclaimed Broadway musicals, comedians, musicians and other entertainers.

Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art celebrates

regional art and brings art and artists from around the world to the heart of Kansas. The museum's collection continues to focus on the art

of Kansas and the region.

Exciting Big 12 athletic events from a Power 5 conference.

Colbert Hills Golf Course, ranked as

the top public golf course in Kansas.

Excellent K-12 education. The local high school ranks among the top 5 percent of U.S. high

schools, and the district is home to several Kansas Master Teachers.

Learn more about the Manhattan community at manhattan.org or manhattancvb.org. To learn more, please visit the University Executive Profile at https://www.k-state.edu/hr/executive-profile/. To Apply For full consideration, please apply by October 21, 2026. To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjyxxnir Please apply through the application link and do not email applications. Applications will be reviewed as they are received

and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated

confidentially. Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially. Inquiries and

questions: Please send to KStateDeanGrad@acesrch.com Nominations and

referrals: Please send the nominee's name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com. Institutional Information Kansas State

University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color,

religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. HigherEd360 is part of the HigherEdJobs network.