Dean, College of Arts and Science

Vanderbilt University, a world-class research university based in Nashville, Tennessee, seeks a visionary and collaborative leader to serve as the next Searcy Family Dean of the College of Arts and Science (A+S). This is a pivotal moment for the college and an extraordinary opportunity to shape the future of liberal arts education at one of the country’s most dynamic universities. The new dean will lead an ambitious academic community focused on excellence, innovation, and bold ideas, as evident in the university's motto, Crescere aude: "Dare to grow."

As Vanderbilt’s most academically diverse college and one of four founding schools, A+S plays a foundational role in the university’s mission. A+S offers more than 100 majors and minors across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences; it is home to approximately 630 full-time faculty, 230 staff, 4,000 undergraduate students, and 670 graduate students. As the interdisciplinary core of Vanderbilt, A+S faculty and students collaborate extensively with all of Vanderbilt’s other schools and colleges. The college’s reputation is reflected in its faculty, which includes internationally recognized scholars, numerous members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine, and the National Academy of Sciences; winners of the Pulitzer Prize; and recipients of Carnegie, Guggenheim, and MacArthur fellowships. 

Under its current leadership, the college has invested in and dramatically expanded its research footprint, growing external grant funding from $35 million to $56 million. The college launched bold infrastructure projects, reimagined its undergraduate core curriculum, increased graduate student stipends, and strengthened a sense of belonging while increasing access to its services and programs. It also played a central role in Vanderbilt’s Dare to Grow campaign, which has surpassed a fundraising goal of $3.2 billion, with A+S surpassing its set goal of $420 million and continuing to outpace expectations. 

The next Dean will inherit a college that is collegial, ambitious, and fiscally sound—with a $283 million budget and debt-free operations. They will be charged with defining the future of interdisciplinary liberal arts and sciences education and research in the 21^st Century, not only at Vanderbilt but as a model for other universities. They will build and advance an ambitious vision for A+S’s long-term excellence, one that reinforces its role as the intellectual heart of the university. This includes further elevating interdisciplinary collaboration, investing in academic and physical infrastructure, and accelerating discovery across all fields—from the humanities and social sciences to physical, life, and lab sciences. This is an exceptional opportunity for a collaborative, strategic, and intellectually engaged leader to work in close partnership with faculty, students, staff, and senior leadership. The next dean should exhibit exceptional listening and communication skills, interpersonal and political acumen, managerial sophistication, financial stewardship, fundraising abilities, and a commitment to shared governance.

Confidential nominations, inquiries, and applications may be submitted below.

Katie Rockman and Anita Tien are leading this search with Andy Marshall.

Vanderbilt University strives to create an environment where individuals feel valued, understood and integral to our collective success, upholding high standards of professionalism and our beliefs of belonging, collaboration, self-direction and growth. Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.