Description

Position Overview

The University of Kansas seeks a collaborative, dynamic, forward-looking, research and community-oriented
leader to serve as the next Dean of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Applications, inquiries, and nominations are invited.

Since the first journalism class was offered at the University of Kansas in 1891, the William Allen White School of
Journalism and Mass Communications (JMC) continues its long legacy of excellence in leading the way in
student-centered teaching that prepares students for today's careers in media, digital marketing, advertising, and
public relations. Located on the historic and picturesque Lawrence campus of the University of Kansas (KU) -
the state's flagship university, a research intensive (R1) institution, and a member of the Association of American
Universities (AAU) - the JMC is a nationally recognized leader in journalism and strategic communications
education. The JMC has more than 14,500 graduates in the United States and dozens of countries around the
world. The School is ranked as the #1 Journalism School in Kansas, #4 Most Popular Journalism School in the
U.S., and #13 Best Journalism School for a bachelor's degree by College Factual. Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communications with concentrations in Multimedia Journalism; Digital Marketing Communications; Advertising; and Public Relations; Media Arts & Production; or Sports Media & Society. Graduate offerings include an online master's in digital and integrated marketing communications and a Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communications, emphasizing research, innovation, and professional readiness across the evolving media landscape.

The Dean of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications reports to and collaborates
closely with the Chief Academic Officer/Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor of the Lawrence and Edwards
campuses to advance excellence in education, research, and professional practice. The Dean will lead with a
commitment to collaboration across the school's academic areas as well as with partners across the University
and beyond. Key priorities include engaging faculty and staff in advancing the goals of Jayhawks Rising (the
strategic plan for KU Lawrence and Edwards), and spearheading the school's fundraising efforts as part of the
University's next campaign. The Dean will exemplify a lifelong commitment to learning, scholarship, and service,
while inspiring and supporting the professional growth of others. The Dean must be committed to leading a culture
that values the school's professional, scholarly, and academic dimensions.

The next Dean must be a strong advocate for continuing to build public trust in the media by leading outreach initiatives that engage communities, while ensuring students are prepared to uphold transparency, ethical standards, and innovative practices demonstrating the media's essential role in society. A vibrant research culture is essential to advancing knowledge, informing practice, and elevating the school's national and global reputation. They must deeply value and actively practice shared governance, serving as a visible and accessible presence within the school, across campus, and in engagement with community and industry partners. They will be expected to foster and maintain a collaborative and collegial culture that supports the school's academic mission and community.

The successful candidate will hold an earned terminal degree in a relevant field, with a distinguished record of
teaching, research, and achievement warranting a tenured appointment at the rank of full professor in the school.

To submit a nomination or express personal interest in this position, please see the Additional Candidate Instructions below.

Job Description

Role of the Dean, School of Journalism

The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the William Allen White School of Journalism
and Mass Communications, responsible for providing forward-looking, collaborative, and consistent leadership to
ensure the School's continued success. The Dean reports to the Chief Academic Officer/Provost and Executive
Vice Chancellor for KU Lawrence and Edwards campuses. KU's team of academic leaders embraces innovation,
advances excellence in teaching and research, and is charged with driving performance and impact across the
University.

The Dean ensures the school attracts, retains, and develops outstanding faculty and staff in alignment with KU's
goals and mission as an R-1, AAU institution. It is the Dean's responsibility to ensure the school operates in full
compliance with all University policies, applicable regulations, and professional accrediting standards established
by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).

Working closely with university leaders, the Dean administers the School's budget and resources, serving as its
chief advocate for external relations, advancement, and fundraising. To sustain excellence in research, teaching,
and experiential learning, the Dean collaborates with KU Endowment, KU Alumni, and industry partners to secure
private and philanthropic support and to advance the success of the University's comprehensive campaign.
The school consists of 37 full-time faculty, 21 part-time faculty, 13 staff members, six student advising staff, 1,005
undergraduate students, and 82 graduate students. The school's budget is approximately $9 million.

Required Qualifications

The University of Kansas seeks an accomplished, visionary, and collaborative leader to serve as the next Dean of
the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Building upon more than a century of
journalistic excellence, the Dean will lead a close-knit and values-driven community dedicated to advancing the
future of media, communication, and public engagement.

The ideal candidate will bring strategic clarity, emotional intelligence, and a deep respect for the school's legacy of
ethical storytelling and public service, coupled with the creativity and courage to drive innovation in a rapidly
evolving field.

Additional Candidate Instruction

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV
or resume, and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile.

WittKieffer is assisting the University of Kansas in this search. For full consideration, candidate materials should
be received by February 6, 2026.

Applications, nominations and inquiries can be directed to:
Jessica Herrington and Bree Liddell
KUDeanJMC@wittkieffer.com

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.