Texas Southern University
Dean, Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs

Texas Southern University (TSU) invites nominations, applications and inquiries in its search for a visionary leader to serve as the next dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs (SOPA).

Texas Southern, located in Houston, is a comprehensive doctoral university offering a diverse academic portfolio with over 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs and concentrations organized into ten academic colleges and schools. Since its inception in 1927, Texas Southern has been highly regarded as a premier producer of diverse talent. It has grown from 300 students in its first summer to serving approximately 8,500 students today. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, TSU honors its designation as a special-purpose institution for urban programming and research. TSU is one of 11 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to hold the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's coveted status as a Doctoral University of High Research Activity (R2). Its research prowess is demonstrated by grant awards increasing 48% over the past two fiscal years.

The mission of SOPA is to serve as an urban focused community of learning dedicated to educating professionals who will plan and administer environmentally healthy and sustainable communities at the local, state, national and international levels of society. Reporting to the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, and working in collaboration with faculty, students and staff, the dean will provide dynamic, visionary leadership to build upon the School's strengths, and develop new opportunities to fulfill the role of the School as a model of intellectual and community engagement.

The dean provides academic and administrative leadership to three departments: https://www.tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/bjml-school-public-affairs/departments/administration-of-justice/; https://www.tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/bjml-school-public-affairs/departments/political-science/; and https://www.tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/bjml-school-public-affairs/departments/urban-planning-and-environmental-policy/.

The School is also proud to house several https://www.tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/bjml-school-public-affairs/departments/centers-and-units/, including the https://www.tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/bjml-school-public-affairs/departments/centers-and-units/barbara-jordan-institute/ and the https://www.tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/mickey-leland-center/. The School offers three undergraduate degrees: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Affairs, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Administration of Justice and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science. There are five graduate degrees offered in the School: Master of Public Administration, Master of Administration of Justice, Ph.D. in Administration of Justice, Master of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy and Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Environmental Policy. As of Fall 2023, the School has 69 faculty, 815 students, and an operating budget of $4.7 million.

The dean is responsible for aligning the School with the mission, vision, values and strategic priorities of the University. The dean will lead the School in assuring that the University's commitment to social justice, urban community engagement, and diversity is reflected in the School's work environment, policies, curriculum and delivery. The next dean must possess credentials suitable for the granting of academic tenure within the School, which may include a proven record of high-level leadership in the public or nonprofit sectors. At least five years of significant senior leadership and administrative experience in academia or relevant experience in the public or nonprofit sectors, is also a requirement for the role. All candidates must show a deep commitment and understanding of the future of higher education within an urban environment.

Applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest the themes in the leadership profile found at https://wittkieffer.com/positions/25670-dean-barbara-jordan-mickey-leland-school-of-public-affairs. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by May 22, 2024.

WittKieffer is assisting Texas Southern in this search. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's https://apptrkr.com/5163767. Confidential nominations and inquiries can be directed to the University's consultants, Christine J. Pendleton and Bree Liddell at https://tinyurl.com/5c9zxvva.

It is the policy of Texas Southern University to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, individuals with disability, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its programs, activities, admissions or employment policies. This policy of equal opportunity is strictly observed in all University employment-related activities such as advertising, recruiting, interviewing, testing, employment training, compensation, promotion, termination, and employment benefits. This policy expressly prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, genetic history, national origin, individuals with disability, age, citizenship status, or protected veteran status. This policy shall be adhered to in accordance with the provisions of all applicable federal, state and local laws, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.