About the Position

The College of Charleston invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Provost for Research. The next Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Provost for Research will be a collaborative, visionary academic leader who embodies integrity, and collegiality, and demonstrates a strong commitment to graduate programs; research, scholarship, and creative activity; and student and faculty success.

Reporting to the Provost, the Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Provost for Research provides academic leadership and vision to advance graduate education and research. The Dean sets strategic, operational, and financial directions for the graduate programs, while fostering a collegial environment that supports excellence in teaching, research, and service. The Associate Provost role oversees research and grants administration processes, ensuring effective management of external funding, compliance, and support for faculty and student research activity.

Vision for the Role

The next Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Provost for Research will lead the advancement of graduate education and research by fostering innovative, interdisciplinary programs and expanding professional development to prepare students for success in academia, industry, and government. The dean will strengthen partnerships across campus and with external stakeholders, broaden funding opportunities, and modernize grants management to enhance efficiency, compliance, and competitiveness. The Dean and Associate Provost will position the College to elevate its national reputation in graduate education and research.

The undergraduate research program will remain a distinct entity; however, undergraduate students will benefit from increased opportunities to engage in research as the College develops a strategic plan in this area.

Key Responsibilities

Qualifications

The successful candidate must possess an earned doctorate in a relevant discipline and a distinguished record of teaching and scholarship, meriting appointment as a tenured associate or full professor. In addition, the successful candidate will also demonstrate the following preferred qualifications:

In addition, the ideal candidate will possess the following preferred personal qualities:

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 × 111
pwilliams@parkersearch.com || janderson@parkersearch.com || sgaffney@parkersearch.com

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.