Dean, College of Engineering

Montana State University, Inc•Bozeman, MT

58d

About The Position

The Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering (NACOE) at Montana State University is home to more than 3,350 students and a vibrant community of faculty and staff dedicated to advancing engineering education, research, and innovation. The college offers a broad range of accredited undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for successful, high-impact careers in fields that drive the nation's economy, including mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, industrial, computer, environmental and biological engineering, as well as computer science and construction management, with NACOE conferring 697 degrees in 2024-25. Montana State University's Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC programs are also housed in the college, supporting students in earning an academic degree as they prepare to serve in the US military. NACOE graduates are highly sought after by employers across the state, region, and nation. Nearly all graduates secure employment or pursue advanced degrees within months of graduation, reflecting the college's strong reputation and close partnerships with industry leaders, government agencies and national laboratories. The college's advisory boards, internship programs, and world renown research centers ensure that its academic programs remain closely aligned with the needs of today's engineering and technology workforce.The college is housed in some of the most advanced engineering and research facilities in the Rocky Mountain region. The recently completed Norm Asbjornson Hall integrates classrooms, design studios, research laboratories and collaborative learning spaces that promote teamwork, creativity, and the practical application of engineering principles. Additional facilities such as Barnard Hall, the Advanced Manufacturing Lab and numerous Core facilities provide students and faculty with access to cutting-edge tools and instrumentation. In 2026, Gianforte Hall is scheduled to open and will feature two large classrooms and laboratories dedicated to robotics, cybersecurity, augmented and virtual reality, data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. A video production studio will be available, as will an audio recording facility. Some of the spaces will be designed to highlight the contributions of computing pioneers Grace Hopper and Alan Turing. Research within the college addresses critical challenges in cybersecurity, energy, water, infrastructure, materials, data science, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable systems. Faculty are recognized nationally and internationally for their research productivity and success in securing competitive funding from federal agencies, foundations, and private industry. In fiscal year 2023, the college's research expenditures exceeded $24 million demonstrating its significant role in Montana State University's status as a Carnegie-designated institution of "Very High Research Activity." MSU has leveraged federal and state funding to lead in smart photonic sensor systems, quantum, and optics technologies. MSU is a key partner in the Headwaters Tech Hub (a regional technology & innovation hub), which received a $41 million grant to accelerate photonic sensing and related technologies. MSU engineering faculty have helped spin off dozens of optics-related companies (many founded by MSU alumni) and licensed MSU-developed inventions in optics and photonics to Montana companies. Several research centers are within the college including MilTech, the Center for Biofilm Engineering and the Western Transportation Institute. Across every discipline in the college, students achieve at high levels. Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering undergraduate students have been regularly recognized with national awards (www.montana.edu/honors/major_scholarship_awards.html), including the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship for excellence in math and science, the Udall Scholarship for students intending to pursue careers related to the environment, the Truman Scholarship for leadership and public service, the Boren Scholarship for international study and the Rhodes Scholarship. Awards such as these testify to the high quality of the College and to its genuine concern for students.

Requirements

Have an earned doctorate from an accredited institution.
Have an exemplary record of research/scholarship activities, teaching and service to university and broader communities.
Qualify for tenure within an academic unit in the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering at the rank of full professor.

Nice To Haves

A broad-based record of administrative and scholarly experience in research university settings, with direct supervisory experience for academic units, along with significant budget management experience.
A strong ability to communicate effectively as exemplified by the candidate's writing, speaking and listening skills.
Ability to foster teaching, research/scholarship, service, and professional development of faculty in a student-centered environment.
Experience with and responsibility for faculty development, faculty performance assessments, and evaluation of promotion and tenure.
Demonstrated understanding of and support for the broad range of programs comprising the college and within the unique mission of a land-grant university.
Demonstrated experience of leading with sound fiscal management.
Demonstrated commitment to shared governance and collaborative leadership.
Desire to share, support and successfully articulate the President's/Provost's vision for the strategic direction and administration of the University.
Evidence of commitment to the land grant mission.
Leadership skills that include experience in an academic program that offers baccalaureate and graduate degrees.
Experience in effective strategic planning and assessment.
Experience in dealing with multiple constituencies-internally and externally.
An understanding of research and the opportunities for research/scholarship within a broadly diverse college environment.
A demonstrable record of developing external resources through fundraising, grants and contracts.
A record of positive staff and personnel relations and interactions.
A creative and approachable manner that kindles the innovative spirit of others.
Evidence of leading transformational change.
Demonstrated accomplishments in innovative partnerships.
A strong team player in terms of university governance.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at the university, state and national levels.
Demonstrated ability/success in fundraising.

Responsibilities

Providing effective management, administration, and leadership for the college
Foster a culture of continuous improvement
Advocate for interdisciplinary collaborations
Ensure positive accreditation outcomes
Improve student retention and grow enrollment with an emphasis on student success
Represent the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering
Secure external funds in support of the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering
Nurture, celebrate and support the primary responsibilities of faculty in the areas of teaching, research, and scholarship
Contribute to the University's mission
Build a bright future for the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering