Overview
With a strong financial stance and energetic growth, the University of Michigan’s (U-M) School of Kinesiology (SoK) seeks a Dean whose growth mindset, and future-forward understanding of the opportunities in the fields of kinesiology, health sciences, and sport management will provide strategic and visionary leadership committed to furthering its existing excellence. Reporting directly to Provost Laurie McCauley (https://provost.umich.edu/about-the-office/laurie-mccauley/), the new Dean will be a collaborative member of a strong team. They will be expected to provide a plan for continued strategic growth and support, capitalizing on the recent construction of the SoK building and the School’s fiscal strength, while also serving as a collaborative partner in advancing overall university success.
Following a decade of successful decanal stewardship, the SoK’s next Dean will be a critical leader for the School, continuing to unify its diverse disciplines, further elevating research for faculty and students, and setting the curricular agenda in collaboration with faculty, while strengthening and sustaining a culture that values every individual and their unique contributions. They will responsibly allocate and utilize resources, making sage fiscal decisions which ensure the quality of the student experience and the excellence of their academic training.
Founded in 1817, U-M has a long history of dedication to public service and engagement. As one of the first public universities in the nation, it has maintained the highest levels of distinction in education, scholarship, and research while remaining broadly accessible to a range of students. It consistently ranks in the top three U.S. Public Universities, serving 67,000 students on three campuses.
The most successful candidates will, at the minimum, hold an earned doctorate in a relevant discipline, with a scholarly record appropriate for appointment as a full professor with tenure. They will have significant experience as an academic leader, with skills suitable for leading a school of the size and complexity of the School of Kinesiology.
WittKieffer is assisting the University of Michigan in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by September 15, 2025. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile at https://apptrkr.com/6394463.
Nominations, inquiries and applications can be directed to:
Zachary A. Smith, Ph.D., Sandra Chu, and Luis Bertot
UMichDeanKinesiology@wittkieffer.com
The University of Michigan, including the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses as well as Michigan Medicine, is an equal opportunity employer that complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. The University is committed to providing an inclusive and respectful environment for faculty, staff, and students, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX Office (ECRT) at 734-763-0235 and ecrtoffice@umich.edu, and as follows: Sex/Gender Identity/Gender Expression/Sexual Orientation, including sexual misconduct: ECRT Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Director and Title IX Coordinator.
Disability: ECRT Disability Director and ADA Coordinator
Race/Color/National Origin/Age/Marital Status/Religion/Height/Weight/Veteran Status: ECRT Civil Rights Director
