KU to welcome School of Education & Human Sciences dean candidates to Lawrence campus

LAWRENCE — Four finalists for the University of Kansas School of Education & Human Sciences dean position will soon visit the Lawrence campus and share their vision for the school’s future.

The name of each candidate will be announced approximately 1-2 business days before their respective campus visit. The public presentations are scheduled for the following times and locations:

• Candidate 1: 3-4 p.m. March 5, Capitol Federal Hall Colloquium
• Candidate 2: 3:45-4:45 p.m. March 9, Joseph R. Pearson Hall, Room 150
• Candidate 3: 4-5 p.m. March 12, Capitol Federal Hall Colloquium
• Candidate 4: 3:45-4:45 p.m. March 23, Joseph R. Pearson Hall, Room 150.

In addition, the presentations will be livestreamed. Members of the KU community are encouraged to attend these public presentations and provide feedback to the search committee. Candidate information, presentation recordings and the online feedback forms will remain open on the search site through March 26.

The dean serves as the School of Education & Human Sciences’ chief academic and administrative officer, ensuring its research enterprise, educational programs and administrative services engage faculty, staff, students and other external stakeholders.

This individual will succeed Rick Ginsberg, who has served as dean since 2005 and plans to return to the faculty and focus on the Center for Reimagining Education.

The dean works to support the Lawrence and Edwards campuses and school’s strategic plans. One of the dean’s key priorities will be securing partnerships and collaborations that advance the university and school's mission, increase its impact and elevate its reputation.

To ensure the school continues to provide competitive research and academic programs, as well as support its faculty, staff, facilities and operations, the dean will also work with university leaders to administer the school's annual budget as well as collaborate with KU Endowment and KU Alumni to secure gifts and other financial resources.

The School of Education & Human Sciences is a nationally ranked academic unit that educates future teachers, administrators, counselors, psychologists, and health and sport professionals. It is consistently recognized for its leadership in special education, curriculum and teaching, and human development. Guided by its 2024 strategic plan, the school advances mission-based priorities in student success, research and discovery, and healthy, vibrant communities.

Paul Popiel, dean of the School of Music, and Tammara Durham, vice provost for Student Affairs, serve as co-chairs of the search committee. WittKieffer, an executive search firm specializing in higher education, is supporting the process.

More information about the search can be found online.