Dean of College of Architecture, Planning and Design

Overview The University of Houston (UH) requests nominations and applications for the Dean of the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design. This is a singular leadership opportunity at a major research university, located in Houston, TX. The Dean will lead the College through a period of transformation in architecture and design education, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, computational design, climate imperatives, and the blending of design disciplines. The Dean will be an engaging, visionary leader who can advance UH and the College’s mission, sustain excellence in teaching, research, and professional practice, and manage the College with financial acumen and strategic resource allocation.

The Dean will be a proactive advocate for the College’s teaching, research, and practice missions, and a capable university citizen who can represent the College campus-wide. The successful candidate will be familiar with challenges facing students and faculty in architecture, interior architecture, environmental design, industrial design, and related fields, and will help position the College at the forefront of design education.

Responsibilities Academic Leadership and Strategic Planning: Direct and oversee College programs, develop strategic directions aligned with the University’s Strategic Plan, articulate long-range vision and fiscal provisions, promote the College and actively participate in shared governance with university leadership.

Faculty Appointments: ensure alignment with University objectives for quality, productivity, and disciplinary representation.

Budgetary and Administrative Oversight: Manage the College’s budget and strategic allocation of resources; support faculty research and graduate programs; coordinate activities across program directors, faculty, and staff; plan for facilities needs and cross-college collaborations.

Represent the College to external constituents and donors; collaborate with university leadership, development staff, and advisory boards to plan fundraising and steward philanthropic donations in alignment with donor expectations.

Qualifications Distinguished record of academic and professional achievement, with eligibility for appointment as a full professor in one of the College’s programs.

Terminal degree in architecture, design, or related field.

engaging fundraiser and advocate for the College at local, national, and international levels; and ability to develop external relationships and partnerships.

compassionate, servant leadership with strong organizational and consensus-building abilities.

Commitment to student success, high-quality education, and assessment practices to support strategic planning and UH’s national competitiveness.

Experience building multidisciplinary programs and fostering an internationally oriented educational environment.

Innovative and entrepreneurial approach, willing to lead new initiatives within the College.

Familiarity with emerging technologies (artificial intelligence, computational design, design automation) and their implications for practice and pedagogy.

Commitment to UH’s values of innovation, collaboration, resilience, and inclusive excellence for faculty, staff, and students.

Application/Nomination Process Preferred: The Search Committee invites letters of nomination and applications (letter of interest, full resume/CV, and contact information for at least five references). Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made; it is preferred that nominations and applications are submitted before September 8, 2026. Applications should be submitted to Parker Executive Search.

The University of Houston is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. J-18808-Ljbffr University of Houston