Endowed Dean of the College of Engineering and Noyce School of Applied Computing

Cal Poly•San Luis Obispo, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Cal Poly is seeking an Endowed Dean for the College of Engineering (CENG) and the Noyce School of Applied Computing. CENG is a national leader in engineering education, workforce development, and applied research, known for its 'Learn by Doing' philosophy. The Noyce School, established with a significant endowment, focuses on applied computing, AI, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. The next dean will lead CENG during a period of transformation and growth, with a strong emphasis on applied learning, innovation, and industry connections. The role involves university-wide responsibilities, including leading enrollment growth, expanding high-impact practices, applied research, and industry collaborations. The dean will also play a key role in revitalizing industries such as applied computing, aerospace, AI, robotics, clean energy, and maritime programs. The position requires securing resources, partnerships, and talent to elevate CENG's reputation and address key opportunities and challenges, including developing a clear vision for industry engagement, supporting faculty and staff, advancing the college as a university-wide partner, and managing complex infrastructure and resources.

Requirements

A distinguished record of achievement in at least one engineering or computing discipline represented in CENG
Credentials appropriate for a tenured appointment at the rank of full professor, including a terminal degree
Technical credibility
Applied research leadership
A commitment to student success
The ability to work collaboratively and effectively across Cal Poly, with industry, alumni, government, and philanthropic partners
Creative, visionary leadership with the ability to execute ambitious goals and anticipate trends across a broad portfolio, including engineering, computing, AI, maritime, shipbuilding, and higher education
A leadership style that inspires communication, collaboration, excellence, belonging, accountability, and mutually beneficial partnerships
A demonstrated record of strong academic, industrial, and/or professional experience enhancing industry, alumni, donor, community, government, policymaker, and board relationships
Experience developing and successfully implementing strategic plans through teamwork, resource development, and transparent decision-making
Systems-oriented understanding of the transformative potential of AI and the ability to guide its responsible, ethical, and mission-aligned use in teaching, research, outreach, and administration
Demonstrated ability to successfully manage resources in a complex environment and to secure external support through philanthropy, grants, contracts, industry sponsorships, and state and federal funding for programs, facilities, faculty, staff, and students
Experience cultivating and supporting excellence in faculty teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, and applied learning
Enthusiasm for Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy and the CSU mission of being at the forefront of producing "Tomorrow's Future Graduates"
Experience fostering forward-looking interdisciplinary collaboration, curriculum innovation, applied research, emerging technologies, and student success
Strong personnel management experience, including success in complex and/or unionized environments
Excellent communication skills across a wide range of audiences, including the ability to enhance CENG’s national visibility and brand
Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check)
Compliance with the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act as a 'mandated reporter'
Authorization to work for any employer in the U.S. (no visa sponsorship)

Responsibilities

Develop, foster, and implement a clear vision to enhance Cal Poly’s and CENG’s engagement with industry, donors, and key internal and external partners
Support a high-performing community of dedicated faculty and staff
Advance CENG and the Noyce School as university-wide partners in developing the workforce and leadership to solve applied and pressing problems facing California and beyond, including expanding student participation in high-impact practices and faculty – industry exchanges on a year-round basis
Serve as a strategic partner in advancing Cal Poly Maritime Academy
Foster and maintain strong programmatic and fundraising opportunities with industry partners
Position CENG as a central contributor to the region’s economic development
Manage CENG’s complex infrastructure while expanding resources through major-gift fundraising, enrollment strategy, and operational creativity
Steward the endowed, named deanship by partnering with development leadership, honoring donor intent, deepening alumni and industry engagement, and deploying endowment resources for measurable impact
Develop and support a community of students, faculty, and staff that mirrors the demographics of, and addresses the challenges facing, the state of California
Serve as a collaborative university and CSU partner with the provost in advancing shared goals, cross-campus applied problem solving, and initiatives that extend beyond CENG