University Times

As chairperson of the FAS dean search committee, Edward Stricker receives lots of e-mail. "Half of the messages I get ask: What does the job ad look like?" Stricker says.

The following is the text of the advertisement that the search committee will place during the next few weeks in the Chronicle of Higher Education, Black Issues in Higher Education, The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, Women in Higher Education and the Affirmative Action Register.

The University of Pittsburgh DEAN Faculty of Arts and Sciences The University of Pittsburgh is seeking a creative, dynamic and multitalented individual to head its largest academic unit, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). As chief executive officer of FAS, the Dean reports directly to the Provost. Despite formidable challenges created by the highly competitive environment for higher education, the new Dean will have an unusual opportunity, created by resource reallocation, to help shape the future of the University.

At a minimum, applicants should have an earned doctorate and a record of scholarly achievement making them eligible for a senior appointment in one of the departments of the FAS; a demonstrated commitment to university-level research, scholarship and teaching; an appreciation of the centrality of both undergraduate and graduate education; excellent communication skills that facilitate effective interaction with other administrative officers, faculty, staff and students; and a strong personal and professional commitment to the University's equal opportunity and affirmative action goals.

In addition, the search committee will be particularly interested in candidates with a proven talent for fiscal management that recognizes both opportunities and constraints inherent in budgetary adjustments; an ability to be an advocate for FAS within the University system and to articulate the role of FAS and of the University of Pittsburgh to audiences from the region, the state and at the national level; enthusiasm for leadership in external fund raising efforts of the University; and a recognition of the value of traditional disciplines within the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities combined with support for efforts to cross traditional disciplinary lines.

The University of Pittsburgh is an elected member of the Association of American Universities. It is consistently ranked among the top twenty institutions in terms of external research grants, and hosts a student body of nearly 30,000 in Pittsburgh (plus 6,000 at four regional campuses), of whom 10,000 are graduate students. One of 17 schools nationwide regarded as a "public Ivy", the University attracts students from all 50 states and more that 100 countries. As a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania institution, the University receives roughly 17% of its budget form the State of Pennsylvania.

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences is home to 29 departments, of which 28 grant graduate degrees, and 15 multidisciplinary programs granting degrees or certificates. Its faculty currently number 550 and are national leaders in a range of fields across the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. FAS faculty and administrators interact on a regular basis with faculty from the 13 professional schools of the University, all of which are located on the Pittsburgh campus. The FAS houses numerous graduate and undergraduate joint degree programs and is the major participant in the University Honors College. Additional information about FAS and the University is available at the Pitt website at: www.pitt.edu Interested applicants should provide a curriculum vitae and a letter that outlines their views of the position and draws attention to the most pertinent features of their credentials. Suggestions and nominations by third parties are also invited. These should be sent to: Edward M. Stricker, Chair, Search Committee for the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, 479 Crawford Hall, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260.

The University expects to make an appointment effective in the summer of 1998. Applications can be submitted immediately but should be received no later than September 10, 1997 to receive full consideration.

The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.