Dean, William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications

Location: Lawrence, Kansas
Job Category: Academia
Job ID: 13276
Employment Type:
Salary:
Posted: 11.21.2025

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Occupations:

Job Description:

The University of Kansas seeks a collaborative, dynamic, forward-looking, research and community-oriented leader to serve as the next Dean of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Applications, inquiries, and nominations are invited.

Since the first journalism class was offered at the University of Kansas in 1891, the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications (JMC) continues its long legacy of excellence in leading the way in student-centered teaching that prepares students for today's careers in media, digital marketing, advertising, and public relations. Located on the historic and picturesque Lawrence campus of the University of Kansas (KU) — the state’s flagship university, a research-intensive (R1) institution, and a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU)—the JMC is a nationally recognized leader in journalism and strategic communications education. The JMC has more than 14,500 graduates in the United States and dozens of countries around the world. The School is ranked as the #1 Journalism School in Kansas, #4 Most Popular Journalism School in the U.S., and #13 Best Journalism School for a bachelor's degree by College Factual. These accolades reflect the school's commitment to academic excellence, student success, and its recognized leadership in journalism and mass communications education nationwide. Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communications with concentrations in Multimedia Journalism; Digital Marketing Communications, Advertising and Public Relations; Media Arts & Production; or Sports Media & Society. Graduate offerings include an online master's in digital and integrated marketing communications and a Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communications, emphasizing research, innovation, and professional readiness across the evolving media landscape.

The Dean of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications reports to and collaborates closely with the Chief Academic Officer/Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor of the Lawrence and Edwards campuses to advance excellence in education, research, and professional practice. The Dean will lead with a commitment to collaboration across the school’s academic areas as well as with partners across the University and beyond. Key priorities include engaging faculty and staff in advancing the goals of Jayhawks Rising (the strategic plan for KU Lawrence and Edwards, https://jayhawksrising.ku.edu/), and spearheading the school’s fundraising efforts as part of the University's next campaign. The Dean will exemplify a lifelong commitment to learning, scholarship, and service, while inspiring and supporting the professional growth of others. The Dean must be committed to leading a culture that values the school’s professional, scholarly, and academic dimensions.

As the School looks ahead to its next chapter, it does so with momentum. A recently completed strategic plan (https://journalism.ku.edu/strategic-plan) has focused on enhancing student success, expanding experiential learning opportunities, and deepening the school’s research and creative output. With a legacy rooted in the values of its namesake, William Allen White, the school is poised to welcome a new Dean who will shape a bold vision for the future of journalism and mass communications education at KU. The next Dean must be a strong advocate for continuing to build public trust in the media by leading outreach initiatives that engage communities, while ensuring students are prepared to uphold transparency, ethical standards, and innovative practices demonstrating the media’s essential role in society. A vibrant research culture is essential to advancing knowledge, informing practice, and elevating the school’s national and global reputation. They must deeply value and actively practice shared governance, serving as a visible and accessible presence within the school, across campus, and in engagement with community and industry partners. They will be expected to foster and maintain a collaborative and collegial culture that supports the school’s academic mission and community.

The successful candidate will hold an earned terminal degree in a relevant field, with a distinguished record of teaching, research, and achievement warranting a tenured appointment at the rank of full professor in the school.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume, and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile available at https://apptrkr.com/6741758.

WittKieffer is assisting the University of Kansas in this search. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by February 6, 2026.

Applications, nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Jessica Herrington and Bree Liddell at KUDeanJMC@wittkieffer.com

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.

Job Requirements: