Description
Dean, College of Liberal Arts
Huntington, WV
Marshall University seeks applications and nominations for the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts.
Founded as Marshall Academy in 1837, Marshall University has developed into a public comprehensive research university with a rich history as one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in West Virginia. The institution takes its name in honor of the fourth and longest-serving Chief Justice of the United States, John Marshall.
In Fall 2024, the university enrolled 12,290 students: 9,136 undergraduates, 2,483 graduate, and 671 professional degree students. Marshall achieved Doctoral University, High Research Activity, R2 status in 2018, and offers more than 150 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs organized into thirteen academic colleges and schools.
The College of Liberal Arts (COLA) is committed to excellence in higher education. The responsibility to preserve, transmit, interpret, and create knowledge exists within an environment of free inquiry and expression. Instruction will be provided to form the core of the undergraduate curriculum for all Marshall University students, enabling them to think critically and imaginatively, communicate effectively, and understand various dimensions of human experience. The College of Liberal Arts has 129 faculty in Fall 2025 and over 1,100 total students, 250+ graduate, and 850+ undergraduates, enrolled in its degree programs.
The successful candidate will be a courageous, strong advocate for the college’s academic programs and will ensure high-quality performance in all the college’s offerings. They will demonstrate a successful track record of building enrollment as well as internal and external partnerships that enhance revenue. A terminal degree is required.
A complete Leadership Profile with information about Marshall University, the leadership attributes, and the leadership agenda for the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts (COLA) may be found on the AGB Search website. Additional information about Marshall University and COLA can be found on the Marshall University Website.
NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS
Representing AGB Search, Senior Executive Search Consultants Sally Mason and Garry W. Owens will be assisting the Marshall University Dean, College of Liberal Arts Search Committee. Should prospective nominators or potential candidates have questions or wish to seek additional information, they are encouraged to email Dr. Mason (sally.mason@agbsearch.com) or Dr. Owens (garry.owens@agbsearch.com) to arrange a time for a confidential conversation prior to submitting materials.
Applicants are requested to submit the following materials:
1. A letter of interest, which addresses specifically how the candidate’s experiences and qualifications intersect with the Marshall University Dean, College of Liberal Arts listed responsibilities, required qualifications, expected experience, and Strategic Priorities as outlined in the Leadership Profile;
2. A current curriculum vitae; and
3. A list of five professional references with email addresses, telephone numbers and a brief explanation of your professional relationship. (References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the applicant.)
For full consideration, application materials should be submitted through the AGB Search portal system accessible via this link by January 12, 2026. Please direct any questions regarding the application process to Marshall-COLA@agbsearch.com.
Nominations and expressions of interest are encouraged and should be directed to Marshall-COLA@agbsearch.com or to the AGB search consultants listed above.
It is the policy of Marshall University to provide equal opportunities to all prospective and current members of the student body, faculty, and staff on the basis of individual qualifications and merit without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation. This nondiscrimination policy also applies to all programs and activities covered under Title IX, which prohibits sex-based and gender-based discrimination in higher education. Marshall University strives to provide educational opportunities for minorities and women in the graduate student body which reflect the interest, individual merit and availability of such individuals. The University ensures equality of opportunity and treatment in all areas related to student admissions, instructions, employment, placement accommodations, financial assistance programs and other services.
