Old Dominion University seeks a transformational leader to serve as its inaugural Dean of the Interdisciplinary Schools.

Old Dominion University (ODU), located in Norfolk, is Virginia's entrepreneurial-minded public doctoral R1 university. It serves approximately 24,000 students with its rigorous academics, energetic residential community, and robust initiatives that contribute $2.6 billion annually to Virginia's economy. ODU serves as a leader in complex discoveries, scholarship, and problem-solving, positively impacting local, regional, and national areas of expertise. The diverse student body includes approximately 54% students of color, and nearly 800 international students from 90 countries. ODU's commitment to both campus and online learning has led to national recognition for ensuring access to higher education and providing students with the opportunity for social mobility. Located near 15 military installations, ODU reflects the community's tradition of service; 25% of its student body are veterans or military-affiliated, with 4.5% of those on active duty.

Reporting to Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Brian K. Payne, Ph.D., the new Dean of the Interdisciplinary Schools will join enthusiastic and highly collaborative colleagues on the Dean's Leadership Council. As the Inaugural Dean, this leader will advocate for and manage Old Dominion's collaborative and cross-cutting schools, including the School of Cybersecurity, the School of Data Science, and the School of Supply Chain, Logistics & Maritime Operations. With a focus on academic rigor, strategic partnerships, interdisciplinary initiatives, enrollment growth, and civic engagement, the Dean must possess strong communication skills and the ability to work across academic units and disciplines. They will bring a clear vision for the schools that aligns with Old Dominion's mission and goals, along with strong decision-making skills. As the schools continue to grow, the new Dean must be strategic, offering a blueprint for curriculum development, innovation, and marketing, and be able to recruit and develop strong, dynamic faculty.

The Dean will be an experienced, student-centered, engaging, communicative, courageous, and proven leader who embraces forward-thinking strategies to anticipate and advance innovation in teaching, research, and service. The ideal candidate will have experience managing complex budgets, specifically integrating budget decisions into strategic planning. They will also have experience supporting faculty research and development needs at an R1 university. The Dean must be a proven collaborator with direct experience promoting excellence in education, as well as the networking, financial, and entrepreneurial skills required to work successfully with a wide range of individuals and constituencies across the University and beyond. The ability to collaborate with the Faculty Senate and faculty constituent groups, as well as across administrative/divisional units, is essential. The Dean must value tradition while also having a record of innovation. The Dean will have earned a terminal degree in a recognized university discipline and possess demonstrated scholarly achievements commensurate with a tenured appointment at the rank of full professor.

WittKieffer is assisting Old Dominion University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials to include a CV and Letter of Interest as separate documents should be received by February 20, 2026. Please visit the WittKieffer website for the search or contact the team, Charlene Aguilar, Robin Mamlet, and Sandra Chu at ODU-DeanInterdisciplinarySchools@WittKieffer.com.

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