Graduate Dean Search
Now accepting nominations.
The College of Charleston invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Provost for Research.
Position Description
The College of Charleston has engaged Parker Executive Search, a nationally recognized search firm, to assist in the recruitment of the next Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Provost for Research. Parker Executive Search will partner with the College and the search committee to identify, recruit, and evaluate a diverse and highly qualified pool of candidates for this key leadership role.
About the role
The Dean and Associate Provost will guide the growth and quality of graduate programs while strengthening a culture of research, scholarship, and creative work. The role includes setting strategic and financial priorities, supporting innovative teaching, and ensuring that graduate offerings remain relevant and responsive to student and societal needs.
In partnership with faculty, staff, and academic leadership, the Dean will promote interdisciplinary initiatives, expand student research opportunities, and enhance professional development for graduate students and faculty. The position plays a key role in aligning graduate education and research with the College’s mission and long‑term goals.
Research and grants leadership
As Associate Provost for Research, the successful candidate will oversee research administration, including external funding, compliance, and reporting. The role includes leadership of the Office of Research and Grants Administration and responsibility for supporting faculty and students in securing and managing competitive grants.
The position also serves as Institutional Official for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Program, helping to ensure that research activities meet regulatory and ethical standards. By modernizing processes and broadening funding opportunities, the Dean will help elevate the College’s research profile and competitiveness.
Administrative and financial responsibilities
The Dean will supervise staff, manage budgets, and oversee policies related to graduate education, including admissions, assistantships, and student support services. A key priority is advancing equity and transparency in funding and building data systems that link financial support to student and program outcomes.[1]
The position is responsible for responsible stewardship of resources and for cultivating new funding streams through alumni engagement, donors, and external partnerships. This work will help ensure the long‑term sustainability and impact of graduate programs and research initiatives.
External engagement and partnerships
The Dean will serve as a visible ambassador for graduate education and research, building relationships with alumni, advisory boards, and community and industry partners. A particular emphasis will be placed on strengthening collaborations with regional institutions—especially the Medical University of South Carolina—and engaging with statewide networks to expand research and innovation opportunities.
The role also calls for active participation in campus life and a commitment to fostering a collegial, inclusive culture that values teamwork, transparency, and shared achievement. The Dean is expected to bring strong communication skills and the ability to engage diverse perspectives across the College and beyond.
Candidate profile
Candidates should hold an earned doctorate in a relevant discipline and present a record of teaching and scholarship that merits appointment as a tenured associate or full professor. Successful applicants will demonstrate significant leadership experience in higher education, including strategic planning, program development, budget management, and supervision.
The ideal candidate will have a strong track record with external funding and research administration, as well as experience working with graduate students in a variety of program types and delivery modes, including online and professional programs. Personal qualities such as integrity, sound judgment, fairness, and the ability to build trust and consensus are essential for success in this role.
Application Process
The Search Committee invites applications, inquiries, and nominations for the position of Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Provost for Research. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact details of at least five professional references.
Applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled and review of applications will
begin immediately. For full consideration, interested candidates are encouraged to submit materials to
Parker Executive Search prior to February 13, 2026.
Porsha Williams, Vice President
Jacob C. Anderson, Senior Principal
Scott Gaffney, Executive Recruiting Coordinator
Parker Executive Search
Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2875 | Atlanta, GA 30328
(770) 804-1996 x 111
The College of Charleston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of sex, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please visit eop.cofc.edu.