Lohr Endowed Dean of the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering Leadership Profile Spring 2022
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
About the University
South Dakota State University (SDSU) is dedicated to exceptional teaching and learning, scholarship, research, creative activity, and transference of knowledge through Extension programming for the benefit of students, community and the citizens of South Dakota and beyond. With over 600 faculty, serving nearly 12,000 students, SDSU offers a diverse number of academic colleges including: College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and Human Sciences, Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, College of Natural Sciences, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College and the Graduate School. SDSU is defined as a “Doctoral University, Higher Research Activity” within the Carnegie Classification and in 2014 was designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. As the state’s 1862 land-grant university, SDSU plays a key leadership role in the state and the region in conducting research, disseminating knowledge, supporting innovation and business incubation, forming partnerships with industry, and advocating for economic growth and development. SDSU awards graduate degrees through 16 Ph.D. and 37 Master’s programs and has the most active university research program in the state with more than $50 million in annual research expenditures. Brookings, South Dakota, located just 48 miles north of Sioux Falls, is a progressive and growing community with numerous industry partners and is the 4th largest city in South Dakota. In 2015, Brookings was named the safest college town in the nation. SDSU is proud to be part of one of the best communities in the country.
Mission
SDSU offers a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered education, creative activities and research, innovation and engagement that improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation and the world.
Vision
As a leading land-grant university, SDSU champions the public good through engaged learning, bold and innovative research and creative activities, and stewardship within a global society. The University’s strategic plan, Impact 2023, is the five-year strategic plan that enhances the future of South Dakota and its citizens while meeting the challenges of an increasingly global, complex and interconnected society. The plan draws on the university’s strengths and commitment to excellence, creating a pathway to the future as a high-performing institution that delivers exceptional value to students and stakeholders. The plan’s goals focus on academic excellence, research and innovation, outreach through Extension and being
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
a higher-performing university. For more information, visit https://www.sdstate.edu/imagine-2023-aspire-discover-achieve
South Dakota Board of Regents
SDSU is one of six universities in an integrated system of higher education in South Dakota governed by a single board of regents. The BOR, appointed by the Governor, has constitutional authority to govern the system of public higher education in the state. The BOR provides leadership and sets policies for the programs and services delivered through its six universities and two special schools.
About the College The Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering is one of eight colleges within South Dakota State University. The College has a rich history of success in fulfilling its land-grant mission in teaching, research, and outreach and is made up of five departments: civil and environmental engineering, electrical engineering and computer science, mathematics and statistics, mechanical engineering, and construction and operations management. It also offers an agriculture and biosystems engineering degree and precision agriculture degree in collaboration with the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. The College was officially named the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering in June 2013 to honor Mr. Lohr’s profound role in transforming the College as a donor, fundraiser and advocate. The vision of the College is to be a nationally recognized, regionally relevant, student-centered and accessible land-grant college, and achieve the mission of providing a rigorous, practical education oriented toward problem solving, conducting world-class regionally relevant research, and providing technical assistance to existing and emerging business, industry and government.
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
Roles and Responsibilities
The Endowed Dean, who reports to the Provost, serves as the chief academic officer for the College, and guides the College’s effort in academic and curriculum development, faculty and staff development, research and scholarly activity, external fundraising and the building of partnerships with the industry community and alumni. SDSU seeks an innovative leader with vision and strong leadership skills, who is committed to establishing collaborative relationships, fosters an environment in which faculty and stakeholders are engaged partners and communicates consistently and effectively. The ideal candidate should have an earned terminal degree in an engineering field represented by one of the college’s disciplines and evidence of scholarly, professional, and creative achievement sufficient to qualify for tenure at the rank of Professor. In addition, it is preferred, the successful candidate possess the following qualifications: •
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A record of fostering academic excellence in undergraduate and graduate education and scholarly research, and distinguished contribution to the engineering and related multi-discipline field as recognized by peers; Strong administrative decision making skills to provide effective leadership and management; Ability to develop and implement a bold vision and strategic plan for the future of the College; Established record of proactively growing the research and scholarship profile within a department or college; Capacity to identify, recruit and retain strong leadership and faculty; A proven record of envisioning, developing and sustaining innovative programs that foster excellence in teaching, increased research and outreach; Industry experience with a broad knowledge of the educational trends and practices in STEM disciplines and the translation to applied research and outreach; Broad knowledge of the educational trends, engineering practice, multi-disciplinary research and collaboration with industry; Demonstrated experience overseeing large, complex budgets, fiscal matters, strategic planning and personnel management; A track record of successful fundraising and talent for identifying entrepreneurial opportunities; An effective collaborator and consensus builder who can communicate with multiple constituencies and enable partnerships with other colleges, universities and industry stakeholders; Commitment to an inclusive climate that stimulates excellence; Strong communication skills and commitment to openness, collaboration and shared decisionmaking.
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
Nomination & Application Process
Nominations and applications (letter of interest, resume/CV, and contact information of at least five references), or expressions of interest can be submitted to the search firm assisting the University. Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. It is preferred that all nominations and applications be submitted prior to March 21, 2022: Erin Raines, Senior Principal Parker Executive Search 770-804-1996 ext: 117 eraines@parkersearch.com
South Dakota State University is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its faculty, staff, and students. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with SDSU prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.