Dean of Business at Illinois State University

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Illinois State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Business. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary, collaborative, and entrepreneurial academic leader to build upon the college’s strong foundation, elevate its national reputation, and shape the future of business education at one of Illinois' leading public universities.

Home to nearly 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the AACSB-accredited College of Business is recognized for academic excellence, impactful scholarship, innovative programming, and meaningful connections with business and industry. With distinguished alumni, strong corporate partnerships, and a growing portfolio of STEM-designated graduate programs, the college is well positioned for its next chapter of innovation and achievement.

Reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the dean will serve as the college's chief academic and executive officer, providing strategic leadership across academic programs, faculty development, research, resource stewardship, fundraising, and external engagement. The next dean will have the opportunity to strengthen interdisciplinary partnerships, embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, advance student success and career readiness, and expand the college's scholarly and economic impact.

Illinois State seeks an accomplished academic leader who combines strategic vision with academic credibility, operational excellence, and a demonstrated commitment to shared governance. The successful candidate will bring experience in leadership within an AACSB-accredited college of business, a distinguished record of teaching and scholarship, and the ability to inspire collaboration, innovation, and philanthropic investment.

At a pivotal moment for business education, Illinois State seeks more than a leader to sustain the college's success. It seeks a leader who will elevate it, strengthen its impact, and position it to thrive for generations to come.

How to Apply

Greenwood Asher & Associates is assisting Illinois State University in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted.

Interested candidates should submit their application materials through the Illinois State University Career Portal.

Application materials should include:

• A letter of interest addressing the leadership opportunities and expectations outlined in the position profile.
• A current curriculum vitae or resume.
• Names and contact information for three professional references.

Submission of application materials as PDF attachments is strongly encouraged.

For best consideration, applications and nominations should be submitted by December 30, 2026. Initial screening will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. The search will be conducted with a commitment to confidentiality until finalists are selected. References will not be contacted without candidates' prior knowledge and approval.

Nominations and confidential inquiries may be directed to:

Kyle Pybus-Jerome
Senior Executive Search Consultant
kylepybusjerome@greenwoodsearch.com

Denice Perdue
Senior Executive Search Consultant
deniceperdue@greenwoodsearch.com

Jeremy Duff
Vice President of Executive Search
jeremyduff@greenwoodsearch.com