Position Overview
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. 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), 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.

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.

To submit a nomination or express personal interest in this position, please see the Additional Candidate Instructions below.
Job Description
Role of the Dean, School of Journalism

The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, responsible for providing forward-looking, collaborative, and consistent leadership to ensure the School's continued success. The Dean reports to the Chief Academic Officer/Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for KU Lawrence and Edwards campuses. KU's team of academic leaders embraces innovation, advances excellence in teaching and research, and is charged with driving performance and impact across the University.

The Dean ensures the school attracts, retains, and develops outstanding faculty and staff in alignment with KU's goals and mission as an R-1, AAU institution. It is the Dean's responsibility to ensure the school operates in full compliance with all University policies, applicable regulations, and professional accrediting standards established by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).

Working closely with university leaders, the Dean administers the School's budget and resources, serving as its chief advocate for external relations, advancement, and fundraising. To sustain excellence in research, teaching, and experiential learning, the Dean collaborates with KU Endowment, KU Alumni, and industry partners to secure private and philanthropic support and to advance the success of the University's comprehensive campaign.

The school consists of 37 full-time faculty, 21 part-time faculty, 13 staff members, six student advising staff, 1,005 undergraduate students, and 82 graduate students. The school's budget is approximately $9 million.
Required Qualifications
The University of Kansas seeks an accomplished, visionary, and collaborative leader to serve as the next Dean of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Building upon more than a century of journalistic excellence, the Dean will lead a close-knit and values-driven community dedicated to advancing the future of media, communication, and public engagement.

The ideal candidate will bring strategic clarity, emotional intelligence, and a deep respect for the school's legacy of ethical storytelling and public service, coupled with the creativity and courage to drive innovation in a rapidly evolving field.
Contact Information to Applicants
Jessica Herrington and Bree Liddell
KUDeanJMC@wittkieffer.com
Additional Candidate Instruction
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 this profile.

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
KUDeanJMC@wittkieffer.com
Advertised Salary Range
commensurate with experience
Application Review Begins
07-Feb-2026
Anticipated Start Date
18-Aug-2026
Primary Campus
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
FTE
1.0
Reg/Temp
Regular
Employee Class
F-Faculty
Disclaimer
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 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.