Dean of Honors College & Director of the Virginia B. Ball Center for Creative Inquiry

Position Title:

Dean of Honors College & Director of the Virginia B. Ball Center for Creative Inquiry

Compensation:

$150,000 - $180,000

Department:

VP Academic Affairs/Provost

About this opportunity:

Ball State University seeks a strategic and collaborative academic leader with a record of accomplishment in undergraduate education to serve as the next dean of the Honors College. The successful candidate will share Ball State University's enduring values: excellence, innovation, courage, integrity, inclusiveness, social responsibility, and gratitude. Ball State seeks in the next dean a champion for academic excellence and the distinctive needs of high-achieving students who can also build community and cultivate a collaborative college culture.

Employer will consider sponsorship.

Please do not apply to this job posting directly. See "How to Apply" for application link.

What you'll do and what you'll bring:

The Dean of the Honors College oversees the operations of a renowned and distinctive academic unit that serves high-achieving students from across the university’s colleges and schools.

Qualifications and Qualities:

Candidates must hold an earned doctorate in an appropriate field and possess a record of scholarly, creative, or professional achievement sufficient to qualify for tenure and appointment at the rank of professor within the University.

In addition, the ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and qualities:

•  Commitment to excellence in undergraduate education and student success.

A record of championing academic excellence, particularly in the liberal arts and sciences, and the distinctive needs of high-achieving students. Experience supporting student success through academic and co-curricular programming, experiential learning, undergraduate research, mentorship, and other high-impact practices.

•  Demonstrable experience in honors education.

Prior experience in honors education and a deep understanding of the power it holds to advance intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary learning, purpose, leadership, and civic engagement. Participation in national organizations relevant

to honors education and the honors experience.

•  Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.

A desire to work with others and ability to build trust, consensus, and community. Deep commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and to fostering belonging and inclusiveness. Ability to foster a positive, collegial, and transparent environment for faculty, staff, and students.

•  Successful experience in academic administration.

Demonstrated leadership success as an academic administrator in a higher education environment. Experience with curriculum and program development, enrollment management and retention, student support and success, and outcomes assessment.

 

•  Commitment to faculty, staff, and student success.

Authentic commitment to supporting faculty and staff excellence, including innovative teaching, scholarship, creative activity, advising, mentorship, and professional development.

•  Effective communication and decision-making.

Clear, direct, and transparent communication style. The inclination and ability to listen to others. A consultative, data-informed approach to decision-making, balanced with the ability to make timely, principled decisions and follow through on them.

•  Fundraising and external relations capabilities.

Proven ability or demonstrable potential for success in fundraising, alumni engagement, and external partnerships. Willingness and capacity to work with the Ball State University Foundation, advisory board members, alumni, donors, and community partners in support of the college's mission and goals.

•  Operational and administrative acumen.

Experience with financial strategy, budget oversight, resource allocation, and human resources management. Ability to use data to inform strategy, assess progress, support recruitment and retention, and guide academic and operational decision-making.

How to apply:

Please do not apply to this job posting directly.

Applicants should apply directly to WittKieffer using their candidate portal

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. WittKieffer is assisting Ball State University with this search.

For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by Jan. 2, 2027. Confidential nominations and inquiries can be directed to Philip Tang and Jenna Brumleve at [email protected].

What we offer:

At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer paid 24 vacation days, 12 sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and personal growth without worrying about the unexpected.

When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. We do the same for you.  In fact, we'll cover 100 percent of the tuition costs for you to earn your undergraduate degree and 80 percent of your graduate tuition.  This offer is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do our part to uplift you.

Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow.

Curious about our excellent benefits package?

We have developed a calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits. Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Professional and download the spreadsheet. If you are applying for a 10-month position or one with Burris or Indiana Academy, please select the corresponding calculator.

Relocation Program: MakeMyMove

 

Looking for a place where your career, community, and quality of life can grow together? Muncie and Delaware County offer the advantages of a university community with the accessibility and affordability of a mid-sized city—short commutes, local arts and culture, parks and trails, educational opportunities, healthcare, athletics, and a strong sense of connection.

Through the City of Muncie’s MakeMyMove program, eligible new residents may access relocation incentives, university-related benefits, co-working options, and community-building opportunities designed to help them get settled and connected.

Current benefits for eligible participants may include:

• Up to $5,000 cash for relocation

• Co-working space courtesy of The Innovation Connector
• Access to the Ball State University Library
• One-semester Rec Fit pass at Ball State University
• Discounted Ball State Athletics tickets
• Help desk for connecting to local resources
• Opportunity for board participation
• Six-month YMCA membership

Relocation programs on MakeMyMove have specific eligibility requirements, and benefits may vary by program. Applicants should review the current MakeMyMove page to confirm eligibility, available benefits, and program status.

Ball State’s support for relocation resources and community partnerships aligns with Destination 2040: Our Flight Path, the University’s strategic plan. The plan calls our University to work with community partners to promote talent attraction and retention, foster economic growth in East Central Indiana, and strengthen the economic and social vitality of the communities we serve.

Explore the program and check your eligibility through MakeMyMove.