Dean of the College of Health and ...

About the Role

The Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS) at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) serves as the chief academic and administrative officer for a diverse portfolio of health profession disciplines, including nursing, social work, human services, counseling, nutrition, speech-language-hearing sciences, exercise and sport sciences, and criminal justice. Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean will lead eight departments offering 17 undergraduate majors, six graduate programs, and 16 certificates, with an enrollment of 4,528 students—nearly one-quarter of the university's total.

A key opportunity for the incoming Dean is developing the Gina and Frank Day Health Institute, a new five-story, 70,000-square-foot facility opening fall 2027 that will connect ten academic departments across two colleges. Leadership priorities include articulating a strategic vision; growing enrollment to meet regional healthcare workforce demands; closing equity gaps; deepening partnerships with healthcare systems, agencies, and donors; and supporting faculty, staff, and shared governance while modeling the university's CADRE values (Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, Excellence).

Responsibilities

• Serve as chief academic and administrative officer for the College of Health and Human Sciences.
• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the college.
• Grow enrollment to meet regional healthcare workforce demands.
• Close equity gaps and support diverse and underrepresented student populations.
• Deepen partnerships with healthcare systems, agencies, and donors.
• Oversee complex operations, budgets, personnel, and programs.
• Support faculty, staff, and shared governance.
• Lead the development of the Gina and Frank Day Health Institute.

Requirements

• Earned doctorate or terminal degree in a discipline related to CHHS.
• Scholarly record qualifying for tenured full professor appointment.
• Minimum five years of academic leadership experience (e.g., Dean, Associate Dean, Chair, Director).
• Proven management of complex operations, budgets, personnel, and programs.
• Demonstrated commitment to diverse and underrepresented student populations.

Benefits

The position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Pay

The anticipated hiring range is $200,000–$230,000.

Schedule

Preferred start date is January 1, 2027, no later than fall 2027.

About the Institution

Metropolitan State University of Denver is Colorado's third largest and most diverse public university, a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, and a national leader in social mobility. The university values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms, with a student population consisting of 57.8% first-generation students and 57.9% students of color. MSU Denver is committed to creating and fostering a work environment and culture of belonging, supported by employee affinity groups.