St. Mary's University - Dean of the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist St. Mary’s University in its search for Dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology.

For full consideration, please apply by September 14, 2026.

The School of Science, Engineering and Technology at St. Mary's University is uniquely positioned at the intersection of Catholic higher education, scientific discovery, technological innovation, and the rapidly growing innovation ecosystem of South Texas. This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished and collaborative academic leader to serve as its next Dean. As a Catholic and Marianist institution, St. Mary's has spent nearly 175 years preparing ethical leaders committed to service, justice, and the common good. With a new University strategic plan, significant recent investments, and strong institutional support, the next Dean will be well positioned to build upon the School's momentum and help define its future.

Home to more than 750 students and 60 full-time faculty, the School has strengthened its trajectory through strategic investments in facilities, research, and academic programs. Recent milestones include the opening of the $20 million Blank Sheppard Innovation Center, the launch of a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, the only program of its kind at a private Catholic university in Texas, and continued growth in externally funded research spanning engineering, cybersecurity, the natural sciences, and health-related disciplines. Together with its distinctive culture of close faculty mentorship and hands-on learning, the School is preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions to their professions and communities.

Reporting to the Provost, the Dean serves as the School's chief academic and administrative officer, providing strategic leadership for academic programs, enrollment, faculty development, research, and operational excellence.

Working collaboratively across the University and with external partners, the Dean will strengthen industry and community partnerships, expand research and philanthropic support, champion interdisciplinary collaboration, and advance the School's regional and national reputation while preparing graduates to lead with integrity and purpose.

To learn more about this opportunity, view the full Leadership Profile. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to articulate the St. Mary’s mission and its education in the context of a Catholic and Marianist liberal arts university;
• An earned terminal degree from an accredited institution in a discipline represented within or closely related to the School of Science, Engineering and Technology;
• Experience as a full-time, tenured faculty member in a discipline aligned with the academic programs of the School;
• A strong record of teaching, scholarship, research, grant activity, professional engagement and service equivalent to a tenured faculty member at St. Mary’s;
• Experience as an academic administrator with supervisory and evaluation responsibilities,
• budget oversight, and experience supporting faculty, staff, students, academic programs and research activity;
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with academic chairs, program directors, faculty, academic deans, senior administrators and external partners;
• Experience with assessment, accreditation, program review, academic planning and implementation of strategic plans;
• Evidence of success supporting student learning, retention, experiential education, undergraduate and graduate research, and post-graduate outcomes;
• A demonstrated ability to support external funding, research infrastructure, laboratory and equipment needs, industry and community partnerships and resource development; and
• Evidence of a strong commitment to inclusive excellence and to expanding access and opportunity in science, engineering, technology, health-related fields and applied disciplines.

About St. Mary’s University

St. Mary's University, founded in 1852, is the oldest Catholic university in the Southwest and a Hispanic-Serving Institution grounded in the Catholic and Marianist traditions. The University enrolls approximately 3,500 students across four schools, offering more than 40 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, including doctoral and professional degrees.

Guided by the five Characteristics of Marianist Universities, St. Mary's integrates rigorous academics with faith, service, leadership, and community, creating an educational experience that prepares graduates to lead lives of purpose and impact. Students benefit from close faculty mentorship, undergraduate and graduate research opportunities, experiential learning, and a vibrant campus community that extends to a global network of more than 36,000 alumni.

Nationally recognized for academic quality and value, St. Mary's is ranked the No. 1 Best Value School in the West and has been recognized among the region's top universities by U.S. News & World Report for more than three decades.

About the School of Science, Engineering and Technology

The School comprises eight academic departments offering undergraduate and graduate programs across the sciences, engineering, nursing, computer science, mathematics, environmental science, forensic science, and exercise and sport science. Faculty are committed to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service, providing students with opportunities for undergraduate and graduate research, experiential learning, and close faculty mentorship.

Recent academic expansion includes the addition of a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, while continued growth in sponsored research and interdisciplinary collaboration reflects the School's commitment to addressing emerging scientific and workforce needs. To learn more about the School please review the Leadership Profile. 

Living in the Area

San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States and the second-largest city in Texas, with a population of more than 1.3 million residents. Situated in the south-central part of Texas, it serves as the seat of Bexar County and offers a dynamic combination of culture, history, and economic opportunity.

San Antonio boasts a thriving culinary scene, world-class arts, and vibrant neighborhoods, offering both Mexican, Tex-Mex, and international cuisine. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy parks, trails, and proximity to nearby hill country. The city also has a strong military and healthcare presence, including Joint Base San Antonio (Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base), the South Texas Medical Center, and the San Antonio Military Medical Center.

Economically, San Antonio is home to five Fortune 500 companies and an emerging cybersecurity, bioscience, and higher education ecosystem, providing diverse professional opportunities. With a cost of living below the national average, excellent schools, and a welcoming community, San Antonio offers an exceptional quality of life for professionals and families alike.

For more information about the area, visit: www.sanantonio.gov, www.sachamber.org, www.visitsanantonio.com.

To Apply 

For full consideration, please apply by September 14, 2026.

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications. 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to [email protected].
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to [email protected].

Institutional Information
St. Mary's University is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Equal Opportunity Employer.