Dean of the Bob Schieffer College of Communication

Texas Christian University (TCU) seeks a visionary, dynamic, and strategic leader to serve as the Dean of the Bob Schieffer College of Communication.  This is a pivotal moment for the Schieffer College and TCU, as the institution advances toward achieving R1 status, expands its academic footprint, and strengthens its reputation locally, nationally, and globally.  The Dean serves as the chief academic, administrative, budgetary, and advancement officer for the College.  Reporting to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Dean provides visionary and strategic leadership to one of TCU’s most dynamic academic units, comprising four departments, nearly 1,100 (primarily undergraduate) students across eight degree programs, 60 full-time and 15 part-time faculty, and approximately 20 staff.

With the responsibility for advancing Schieffer College’s mission, the Dean oversees daily operations through thoughtful personnel decisions, general administration and management, prudent budgeting and resource management, academic program support, and fundraising.  The Dean represents the College and leads the effort to create and strengthen partnerships within and outside of the institution.  The Dean will also maintain TCU’s tradition of excellence in mentoring and undergraduate teaching, while pursuing R1 distinction and strengthening the student experience and educational quality.

The College brings together communication studies, journalism, strategic communication, and film, television and digital media, including sports broadcasting, to create an interdisciplinary environment in which scholarship, creativity, professional preparation, and experiential learning intersect.  Students benefit from opportunities that range from producing journalism for TCU 360 and programming for KTCU to working with clients through Roxo, a full-service student advertising and public relations agency, and to producing live TCU athletic broadcasts for ESPN+.  The next Dean will have the opportunity to build from a position of strength while helping define an ambitious next chapter for the Schieffer College.  There are opportunities to increase the College's external visibility, further differentiate its programs, grow graduate education, strengthen support for research and grant activity, expand philanthropic resources, and elevate distinctive assets such as the Schieffer Media Insights Lab.  The next Dean will also further develop collaboration across the College's departments while articulating a compelling vision that both brings those disciplines together and respects their individual strengths and identities.

Perhaps most significantly, the next Dean will arrive at a consequential moment for communication education itself.  The Dean will lead the Schieffer College through technological change with agility and innovation.  The Dean has an exciting opportunity to engage faculty, students, alumni, and external partners in considering how the College can prepare graduates not simply to respond to these technological changes, but to become thoughtful, ethical, creative, and influential leaders within an evolving communication landscape.  The position also offers an exceptional platform for an externally engaged dean.  The Schieffer College carries the name and legacy of one of American journalism's most recognized figures, while its academic portfolio reaches into fields that occupy an increasingly central place in contemporary culture and society.  The next Dean will have the opportunity to tell that story more broadly, strengthen connections with alumni and industry partners, cultivate philanthropic support, and raise the College's profile locally and nationally.  For a leader energized by institution building, external engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the opportunity to shape the future of communication education, this deanship represents a particularly compelling opportunity.

NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS

TCU has retained the services of Dr. Josh Ward at the executive search firm Korn Ferry.  To apply for the position, candidates should submit an up-to-date and detailed curriculum vitae, as well as a brief letter of interest (2-4 pages) describing why you are interested in becoming the next Dean of the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at TCU, why you would be successful based on your professional and/or lived experience, and why now is a good time for you to consider this opportunity.  For priority consideration, please submit all application materials by Monday, January 11, 2027.  For a copy of the full-length position description, or to submit your curriculum vitae and letter of interest (as separate PDFs), please contact:

Josh Ward, PhD

Senior Client Partner

Higher Education and Academic Medicine

Korn Ferry

(405) 640-3994 | Josh.Ward@KornFerry.com

Employment Values Statement:

Texas Christian University values Integrity, Engagement, Community, and Excellence in the workplace. TCU treats applicants and employees with fairness and respect. TCU hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications and their commitment to making a positive impact on our student-centered community. TCU is an equal opportunity employer and follows all applicable employment laws. TCU fairly considers all qualified individuals, ensuring we are a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.