Dean, Herron School of Art + Design

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Founded in 1820, Indiana University is one of the nation's leading public research universities, with 930+ academic programs, nine university campuses and nine School of Medicine campuses. Since its founding, Indiana University has helped students create brighter futures while also driving innovation, from breakthroughs in DNA technology to cancer research to trailblazing cultural programs and resources. Indiana University is home to top-ranked business; public and environmental affairs; education; law; arts and sciences; and music schools, as well as the world's first school of philanthropy, the nation's first school of informatics, and the country's largest medical school.

The deadline for priority consideration is October 16, 2026. Review of candidates will continue until an appointment is made. For more detailed information on this opportunity, a detailed prospectus can be found here

Department IU Indianapolis Herron School Of Art & Design

Location

Location Indianapolis

Position Summary

Indiana University Indianapolis (IU Indianapolis) seeks an accomplished and visionary leader to serve as the next Dean of the Herron School of Art + Design. Herron seeks a leader that appreciates the many ways that art, music, and design contribute to campus life, student growth, and the advancement of the State of Indiana. The next Dean will build on more than a century of operation and engagement in downtown Indianapolis.

Herron is home to more than 50 full‑time faculty and 20 staff and has an annual operating budget of over $9 million. At the start of the Fall 2025 semester, 714 students were enrolled at Herron (10 doctoral students, 46 master students, and 658 undergraduates). The school offers fifteen undergraduate majors, nine minors, two certificates, and eleven graduate degrees and certificates. Herron also has distinctly unique offerings in Music Technology and Music Therapy programs.

The Dean, reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor at IU Indianapolis, serves as the chief strategic, academic, and administrative officer for the School. This individual is responsible for:

• Defining the School’s direction and priorities at the highest level.
• Collaborating and forming strategic partnerships with other IU Schools.
• Overseeing its growth and development, including fundraising to support Herron’s strategic directions
• Managing personnel, budget, and policy.
• Shaping an environment for faculty, students, and staff to thrive.

Direct reports to the Dean include two associate deans, an assistant dean, four department chairs, a gallery director, a director of development, a facilities manager, and a marketing lead.

The Dean also works with the Dean’s Advisory Board, the Advancement Council, and the National Advisory Council to help guide the direction of the school, engage alumni and donors, and help support curricular innovation.

IU Indianapolis is open to considering candidates from all parts of the world who may have been shaped by a variety of experiences, including leadership in the academic, private, professional, military, nonprofit, and government sectors.

Basic Qualifications

A PhD in, or terminal degree related to Herron’s areas of study and research, is strongly preferred. Candidates should have a record of successful scholarship, a demonstrable record of engagement in higher education, or other leadership experiences that would qualify them to be a tenured Professor at IU Indianapolis.

While no one person will likely embody all the professional qualifications, skills, experiences, and personal qualities desirable in this role, the successful candidate will bring many of the following:

• A deep commitment to academic innovation and student success.
• A highly successful track record as a strategic leader, with excellent capabilities in enhancing organizational strengths, forging organizational unity, and delivering exceptional results.
• A leadership style that is adaptable and collaborative, built upon mutual respect, communication, and fairness.
• Thought leadership and experience working with cities, states, and/or the federal government around art and design.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the opportunities and challenges facing higher education today.
• Fundraising experience and enthusiasm for building relationships with external stakeholders for the benefit of the school.
• Financial acumen and proven abilities in budgetary and financial management.
• An entrepreneurial and creative spirit.
• A reputation for integrity, transparency, accountability, and enthusiasm.

Interpersonal skills that enable effective relationships with all stakeholders, including faculty, staff, other University leaders, alumni, advisory boards, professional officials, and leaders in the fields of higher education and international affairs.

Department Contact for Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Have you previously been employed with IU?
• Yes
• No

Special Instructions

Founded in 1820, Indiana University is one of the nation’s leading public research universities, with 930+ academic programs, nine university campuses and nine School of Medicine campuses. Since its founding, Indiana University has helped students create brighter futures while also driving innovation, from breakthroughs in DNA technology to cancer research to trailblazing cultural programs and resources. Indiana University is home to top-ranked business; public and environmental affairs; education; law; arts and sciences; and music schools, as well as the world’s first school of philanthropy, the nation’s first school of informatics, and the country’s largest medical school.

The deadline for priority consideration is October 16, 2026. Review of candidates will continue until an appointment is made. For more detailed information on this opportunity, a detailed prospectus can be found here