Dean

San José State University (SJSU) seeks a bold, innovative, and collaborative leader to serve as the next dean of the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering.

Nestled in Silicon Valley, the global center of technology and innovation, the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering is the largest and most comprehensive engineering college in the California State University system. The College prepares the next generation of engineers to tackle society’s most complex problems through hands-on learning environments, applied research opportunities, and interdisciplinary projects with industry. SJSU’s strong teaching mission is matched by its growing research enterprise, rising national visibility, expanded industry partnerships, and emerging doctoral programs. As a result, the College sits at the intersection of technological innovation, workforce development, and social mobility.

Nationally, the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering ranks #7 among public universities and #15 overall (tied) for undergraduate engineering non-doctorate (US News & World Report). Its impact can also be felt across the region as the College deploys more engineering graduates to Silicon Valley technology companies than almost any other university in the United States. The dean will shape the future workforce for one of the world's most influential innovation ecosystems while advancing access and opportunity for thousands of students, many of whom come from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.

The oldest public university on the West Coast, SJSU is a leader in serving California's students while advancing scholarly innovation and community engagement. Recognized as the #5 public university in the nation by the Wall Street Journal in 2026, SJSU’s engineering programs also consistently earn top rankings among public universities. SJSU is committed to further expanding its research profile and developing new academic programs and collaborations with academic partners, nonprofit organizations, and corporations across Silicon Valley and beyond.

SJSU has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this search. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. For best consideration, please apply by Friday, January 22, 2027. Submit inquiries, nominations, and applicationsbelow. Applicants may also complete a Voluntary Self Identification Form for Executives to assist the CSU system’s recruitment efforts and workforce diversity.

The CSU salary bands set the pay ranges for deans and classify the salary band for an Administrative IV at $115,000-$370,752; the anticipated hiring range for this position Is $300,000-320,000.

Cati Mitchell-Crossley is leading this search with Luciano Zuniga, Rachel Banderob, and Thea Kosmack.

San José State University (SJSU) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, or protected veteran status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. This policy applies to all SJSU students, faculty and staff programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus).