Dean, Mennonite College of Nursing, Illinois State University

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The Opportunity

Illinois State University—a nationally ranked public R2 university committed to teaching, scholarship, civic engagement, and inclusive excellence— invites applications and nominations for the position of dean of Mennonite College of Nursing. 

Illinois State University seeks a strategic and innovative academic leader committed to the mission, vision, and values outlined in the University’s
strategic plan. The dean is the chief academic and executive officer of the college, providing leadership in the context of shared governance. The dean leads the development and implementation of the college’s strategic future, and reports to the provost, who also serves as vice president for academic affairs.

The dean’s overarching responsibilities are to develop an effective collegial environment that supports excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service, and advances the profession of nursing. The dean facilitates collaborations within the college, university, and broader community. The dean provides leadership that advances the University’s commitments through extramural funding as well as internal and external partnerships. The dean provides leadership and support efforts to advance equity, diversity, access, and belonging to effectively serve all students, faculty, and staff in the college. The dean must be committed to continued excellence in undergraduate and graduate nursing education; faculty support for scholarship, and research activities, including extramural funding; and partnerships with regional hospitals and health care facilities. The dean will engage college faculty, staff, and students in developing a shared plan for the future of the college and its role in the broader mission of the University.

The dean serves as the academic leader; advocates on behalf of the college to the provost and president; and engages with donors, alumni, and external constituents to seek support and other resources for the college. The dean oversees promotion- and tenure-standards in the college to promote excellence in instruction; provides leadership to expand scholarship, scholarly outcomes, and grant activity; and supervises the college leaders and dean’s office staff.  The dean assumes fiscal responsibility for the college.

The dean reports to the vice president for academic affairs and provost, who reports to Illinois State University’s president. Personnel reporting to the dean include an associate dean; an assistant dean for student services; and the directors of the Nursing Simulation Center, technology support services, college events, college marketing and recruitment, and college business and finance. The dean works closely with the college’s director of development for philanthropic support and college facilities planners. The dean is expected to work collaboratively and collegially with seven other academic deans as well as administrators from all four divisions of the University. The 12-month position has a preferred starting date of July 1, 2026.

How to Apply

Jeremy Duff and Julie Schrodt with Greenwood Asher & Associates are assisting Illinois State University on this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. Application materials should include:

• A letter of interest that clearly states how the candidate’s experiences align with the opportunities and expectations for leadership to address a university-wide perspective
• A leadership/administrative philosophy statement
• A current résumé/curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information for three references

To apply, please use this link: Job Search at Illinois State

For any questions, please contact Julie Schrodt at julieschrodt@greenwoodsearch.com.

We strongly encourage submitting application materials as PDF attachments. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will
begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. For best consideration, applications and nominations should be provided by October 3, 2025.