Dean

The University of Kentucky (UK) Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering (Pigman College of Engineering) invites nominations, inquiries and applications for a strategic, innovative and collaborative leader to serve as the dean. As a land-grant institution located in the Bluegrass region of central Kentucky, UK is the Commonwealth’s largest public research university, committed to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation and serving the people of Kentucky and beyond.

The Pigman College of Engineering has a long heritage of engineering education that stretches back over a century, reflecting the university’s commitment to science, technology and innovation. In recognition of a transformative philanthropic commitment, the college was officially renamed the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering after a generous $34.5 million gift by Stanley and Karen Pigman to support scholarships, endowed faculty positions, research and key strategic priorities. This gift represents one of the largest in UK’s history and underscores the Pigmans’ enduring commitment to engineering education and student success.

For more information about how the Pigman College of Engineering is committed to providing academic excellence, conducting pioneering research and leading change to solve distinctive challenges and ultimately improve the lives of those in the Commonwealth and beyond, please visit the college’s website.

The dean’s position offers the opportunity to lead one of the university’s most significant academic units. The dean will provide strategic vision and overall administrative leadership for the college, advance its educational, research and service missions, steward financial and human resources, foster excellence among faculty, staff and students and play a central role in fundraising and alumni engagement. As chief academic officer of the college, the dean reports directly to the provost.

UK is located in Lexington, Kentucky (Fayette County), in the heart of the Bluegrass region. The community has a population of more than 330,000 with a larger metro area of more than 535,000 and is home to numerous businesses in the computer industry, healthcare services, auto manufacturing, banking, financial management and investment services — and Lexington is also known as the horse capital of the world. Its historic downtown and horse farms, excellent countywide public school system, convenient airport and growing downtown cultural activities contribute to its appeal. It is approximately 70 miles from Cincinnati and Louisville.

UK seeks someone who is ready to help show the world just where the next great generation of engineering leaders and innovators will be educated — which will, in turn, continue to advance the Commonwealth.

Isaacson, Miller is assisting the University of Kentucky in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. Inquiries, nominations and application materials should be directed to Melissa DePretto-Behan from Isaacson, Miller. Application materials should include:

• A letter of interest that clearly addresses how the applicant meets the required and, where appropriate, preferred qualifications for the position

• A current résumé/curriculum vitae

We strongly encourage submitting application materials as PDF attachments. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. For best consideration, applications and nominations should be provided by Jan. 15, 2027.

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.

Greg Esposito is leading this search with Melissa DePretto-Behan and Victoria Castillo.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

The material presented in this leadership profile should be relied on for informational purposes only. This material has been copied, compiled, or quoted in part from the University of Kentucky documents and personal interviews and is believed to be reliable. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, the original source documents and factual situations govern.