Dean of the Graduate School

About This Role

The Dean of the Graduate School will assume this role during an exciting time as the university advances innovative graduate program and strategic enrollment efforts. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a dynamic, outward facing, student-focused leader to serve as the Dean of the Graduate School within a public R1, land-grant university. 

The Dean will work closely with the president, provost, deans, vice provosts, vice president for research, and other senior leaders to formulate and implement a comprehensive and visionary strategy that engages prospective and current graduate students from Kansas, across the country, and internationally. 

As a dynamic leader, the Dean will ensure the growth, development, quality, and continuation of graduate programs and graduate education at K-State, providing strategic leadership and vision to advance graduate education in directions consistent with the Next Gen K-State Strategic Plan. The Dean will work collaboratively with partners across the three physical campuses and within nine colleges to develop an integrated, analytically informed, and collaborative approach to graduate program enrollment. This role requires an ability to advance K-State’s graduate programs with a fresh, relevant perspective. 

The Dean of the Graduate School provides academic, curricular, policy, research, enrollment, strategic, and administrative leadership on matters related to graduate education at K-State. The Dean cultivates progressive academic and administrative policies related to graduate education, oversees the operations of the Graduate School, and fosters collaborative relationships with faculty, program coordinators, deans, administrators, students, and other Graduate School stakeholders. The Dean ensures plans, policies, practices, procedures, and programs align with university-wide and college-level strategic directions.

The position reports directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President, Jesse Perez Mendez, and serves as a member of the Academic Leadership Council and Deans Council.

To learn more about the opportunity and the Manhattan community, please view our executive profile.

For information on how to apply or to submit nominations, please refer to the Search Process section at the end of this document. 

About Us

Since 1868, the Kansas State University Graduate School has prepared students for advanced careers in research, scholarship and professional practice. Today, K-State serves about 4,200 graduate students across 200 graduate degree and certificate programs, with 57% of graduate students coming from outside Kansas. Graduate programs are offered across three campuses, with more than 70 graduate programs available online and more than 80 accelerated bachelor’s/master’s degree programs. Another 500 DVM students are enrolled in K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine. 

The Graduate School works across the University to advance innovative graduate programs, strengthen academic and professional preparation, support graduate students and faculty, and foster research addressing complex challenges. Its mission emphasizes a graduate education culture responsive to an evolving economy and connected to communities at the local, state, regional and international levels. 

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or terminal professional degree from an accredited university and qualifications as an accomplished scholar and educator that satisfies the requirements for the rank of professor in one of the university’s academic departments.
• Record of success as an academic administrator in higher education with relevant administrative and managerial experience, including development and stewardship of fiscal and human resources, and experience overseeing graduate programs.
• Proven leadership with the demonstrated ability to work effectively with university senior leadership, faculty, and students to craft a strategic vision for graduate programs and enrollment management, engage stakeholders in implementation, and build collaborative relationships across the university.
• Strategic and creative planner with demonstrated organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated a deep understanding of the complexities of graduate enrollment management and demonstrated experience with best enrollment practices, including in the areas of domestic and international student recruitment, admissions, and financial aid. 
• Deep understanding of graduate education trends and efforts nationally and internationally and of the challenges and issues facing higher education.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to articulate matters of complexity and nuance to multiple and varied groups of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated dedication to student and faculty services with a successful record supporting and advocating for graduate students.
• Proven ability to initiate, lead, and facilitate change; adapt to changing conditions; and navigate the complexity and ambiguity of a large public university. 

The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated record of innovation and accomplishment in graduate education at a major research university.
• Firm grasp of the opportunities and advantages of a land-grant university and R1 status.
• History of grant funding and research innovation.
• Data savvy with proven ability to utilize data in the analysis of decision-making and operations and experience implementing new technologies to support operations.
• Demonstrated success in external fundraising and philanthropy.
• Active involvement in Graduate Student Council. 

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Search Process

For full consideration, please apply by October 21, 2026 To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjyxxnir

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally, cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially. Inquiries, referrals and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to KStateDeanGrad@acesrch.com Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title and contact information, if available, to nominations@acesrch.com 

Application Window

Applications close on: October 21st, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

Commensurate with Experience