Dean

The Graduate School at Florida State University stands at the center of a vibrant and expanding graduate enterprise, supporting approximately 11,000 full- and part-time students across more than 220 graduate degree programs. Graduate enrollments have trended upwards over the past several years and the university looks to continue that run of success. With 121 master’s degrees, 24 specialist degrees, and 78 doctoral degrees, FSU offers an academic portfolio that reflects both the breadth of a major public research university and the depth of its disciplinary and interdisciplinary strengths. The Graduate School plays a crucial role in fostering academic excellence by guiding students through degree requirements, facilitating financial support through assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships, and overseeing the integrity of milestones such as theses and dissertations. Through this multifaceted work, it positions graduate students for success as scholars, innovators, and leaders in an increasingly interconnected and global environment.

Collaboration is at the core of the Graduate School’s mission. As a partner to every academic college and program, as well as key student-facing units such as the Center for Global Engagement, Career Center, Health Center, and University Libraries, the Graduate School ensures that the needs of graduate students are met holistically, from academic progression to professional development to wellbeing. The School also maintains active engagement with national organizations advancing graduate education, demonstrating FSU’s commitment to best practices and continuous improvement. Internally, its work with the Office of Faculty Development and Advancement and the Graduate Policy Committee strengthens the policy framework that shapes graduate education and sustains high academic standards.

This is a pivotal moment for the next dean, who will report to the Vice President for Student Academic Success and lead in defining the Graduate School’s evolving strategic role at a university ascending in research prominence and national reputation. The dean will advance a vision for graduate education that strengthens doctoral programs, elevates postdoctoral affairs, and aligns graduate training with institutional research priorities, emerging health initiatives, and FSU’s aspirations for national distinction, including AAU competitiveness. In doing so, the dean will amplify the Graduate School’s visibility and influence, reinforcing the critical role of graduate education within the broader academic mission.

FSU’s recent Quality Enhancement Plan and its strategic positioning of the Graduate School within the student academic success division underscore the institution’s strong commitment to graduate student success. The next dean will build on this momentum by serving as a university-wide convener, bringing together academic leaders, faculty, and administrative partners to support graduate students from recruitment through degree completion. This includes championing interdisciplinary and cross-cutting approaches to graduate training that integrate pedagogy with research experiences, preparing students and postdoctoral scholars to address complex challenges in academia, industry, government, and beyond.

Finally, the new dean will strengthen the organizational capacity and operational effectiveness of a well-resourced Graduate School. This includes assessing staffing structures, enhancing internal processes, stewarding resources to support graduate students and postdocs, and building a high-performing administrative team capable of supporting a large and complex R1 enterprise. As FSU continues its upward trajectory, the dean will be instrumental in ensuring that graduate education remains a cornerstone of the university’s academic excellence, research competitiveness, and long-term strategic success.

FSU has retained Isaacson Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in the search. All applications, inquiries, and nominations should be directed to the search firm as below. Candidates with administrative leadership experience within a Graduate school or college at the institutional level are especially encouraged to apply.

APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent below.

Sean Farrell is leading this search with Melissa DePretto Behan and Drew Chang.

FSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

This document has been prepared based on the information provided by Florida State University. The material presented in this leadership profile should be relied on for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, the original source documents and information provided by Florida State University would supersede any conflicting information in this document.