Dean of the Mary Couts Burnett Library

Mary Couts Burnett Library Dean

Texas Christian University

Texas Christian University invites applications and nominations for the next Dean of the Mary Couts Burnett Library.

Texas Christian University

Texas Christian University is a world-class, values-centered private university located in Fort Worth, Texas, the nation’s 12th largest and fastest-growing metropolitan area.  TCU is a top 100-ranked National University as classified by US News and World Report and currently has a Carnegie Classification of R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity.  The Princeton Review named TCU as the #2 best-run university in the country, and TCU was the only school in Texas to receive an A+ financial rating by Forbes and was named #8 overall for financial health.  TCU has an endowment of over $2.7 billion and is home to an accomplished student body of over 12,000 students from around the nation and the globe.  TCU encompasses nine colleges and schools.  More than 11,100 undergraduate and over 1,800 graduate students work closely with a full-time faculty of over 750 committed teacher-scholars.  The new Dean of the Harris College joins the institution during a period of strong enrollment growth and at the initiation of a new strategic plan – optimally positioned for creativity, innovation, and aspirational thinking towards raising the academic, community engagement, and research profile of TCU.

About the Position

TCU seeks an outstanding leader to serve as its next Dean of the Mary Couts Burnett Library.  Reporting to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and serving as the chief administrative and academic officer of the Library, the Dean will build upon an established and very successful library enterprise, leading its exciting next phase of growth and development.  The Dean will provide strategic vision and operational leadership to each of the Library’s services and programs, setting priorities for the Library and guiding it toward strategic goals of enhancing and promoting research (TCU has embarked on a path to R1 classification), community engaged scholarship, and excellence in undergraduate, graduate, and professional education with a diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders.  The Dean is the Library’s chief advocate and steward, promoting its goals and achievements, leading its development and fundraising activities, and speaking for its mission of excellence in scholarship and service.  Supporting TCU’s research mission, the Dean will advance the scholarly activities of the faculty, including fostering interdisciplinary opportunities and external collaborations.  The Dean will inspire the Library’s staff and promote an ethos of professionalism and care.  As a recognized leader in the field, the Dean will also be the Library’s public voice, promoting innovative ideas and solidifying partnerships within TCU, nationally, and internationally.  Under the leadership of Chancellor Daniel Pullin and Provost Floyd Wormley, the Dean will have a tremendous opportunity to capitalize on substantial investments in facilities and equipment, as well as partner with other TCU leaders to further develop and enhance library services and the creation of new partnerships. The successful candidate will be a collegial and nationally recognized leader prepared to advance the service-centered and adaptive legacy of the Library and to support and sustain a large number of new and existing areas of innovation.  More information about the Mary Couts Burnett Library can be found online at https://library.tcu.edu.

How to Inquire, Nominate, or Apply

TCU has retained the services of Dr. Josh Ward at the executive search firm Korn Ferry.  Applicants should submit an up-to-date and detailed curriculum vitae, as well as a letter of interest (2-4 pages) describing why you are interested in becoming the next Dean of the Mary Couts Burnett Library 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 inquiries, nominations, and application materials by February 27, 2026.  Your CV and letter of interest (in separate PDFs) should be sent via e-mail directly to:

Josh Ward, PhD

Senior Client Partner

Higher Education | Academic Medicine | Law

Korn Ferry

(405) 640-3994

Josh.Ward@KornFerry.com

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.