The University of Northern Iowa’s David W. Wilson College of Business (Wilson College of Business) seeks an energetic, forward-thinking leader who embraces change and drives progress through creative solutions and strategic vision. The Wilson College of Business is AACSB-accredited, including supplemental accounting program accreditation, having successfully completed its AACSB reaccreditation in 2025, and offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in five departments: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management, and Marketing & Entrepreneurship, along with MBA and MAcc degrees. With over 100 full-time faculty and staff, approximately 1,500 undergraduate majors and 100 graduate students, the Wilson College of Business is a vibrant academic community. It is recognized as a “Best Business School” by The Princeton Review, listed among U.S News & World Report’s top part-time MBA programs and the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in America as well as named a Military Times Best for Vets: Business School.

The Wilson College of Business has a strong international presence, including strategic alliances with global business schools and delivery of its MBA program in Shanghai. A recent $25 million naming gift has positioned the college to expand ethics education across campus and the community, while building on its legacy of excellence. It is home to Business & Community Services (BCS), a nationally recognized economic outreach unit that engages faculty and students in impactful work across all 99 Iowa counties and across the country, contributing significantly to economic vitality.

As the Wilson College of Business enters an important next phase of growth and strategic direction, the next Dean will inherit both strong assets and an opportunity to shape a unified vision for the future. Innovation, adaptability, and collaborative leadership will be essential to guiding the college through a rapidly evolving business and higher-education landscape. The next Dean will demonstrate future-focused leadership with the agility to navigate rapid shifts in business education and higher-education ecosystems. The Dean will be expected to:

• Lead strategic planning and innovation, ensuring the Wilson College of Business remains responsive to the evolving landscape of business education and workforce needs.
• Champion student success through recruitment, retention, career readiness, and alumni engagement, emphasizing experiential and applied learning opportunities.
• Oversee academic programs and ensure continued compliance with AACSB accreditation standards and continuous improvement processes.
• Foster a scholarly culture by ensuring academic rigor, leading faculty evaluation processes, and promoting mentoring and professional development to support faculty and staff growth and scholarly productivity.
• Advance philanthropic engagement and deepen corporate, community, and alumni partnerships to expand opportunities and financial sustainability.
• Strengthen financial sustainability and independence through fundraising, philanthropy and entrepreneurial revenue-generating opportunities.
• Strengthen a collaborative, transparent culture that supports trust, shared governance, and constructive communication.
• Represent and advocate for the Wilson College of Business effectively within the university and to external audiences,building partnerships with corporate, community and global stakeholders.
• Expand the Wilson College of Business’ global engagement, including international programs and partnerships.
• Embrace digital transformation and data-informed decision-making in curriculum, pedagogy and operations.
• Support economic and community development initiatives, including grantfunded and service-based programs that enhance Iowa’s economic vitality. 

Education Requirements 

Earned doctorate or terminal degree in business or a related field

Required Qualifications 

• A distinguished record of teaching, research, and service that demonstrates scholarly achievement sufficient for tenure at the rank of full professor in one of the Wilson College of Business academic departments.
• Demonstrated success in academic administration.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategies that promote student success.
• Experience with AACSB accreditation processes and standards.
• Proven experience in building external partnerships and securing resources through fundraising, grant acquisition, or entrepreneurial initiatives.
• Exceptional oral, written, analytical, and interpersonal communication skills. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Ability to foster a people-centered culture by cultivating strong, trusting relationships with faculty, staff and students.
• Experience leading organizational innovation with an agile and adaptive approach
• Experience using data-informed decision-making to enhance academic or operational effectiveness.
• Strong potential to champion the Wilson College of Business’ interests with university leadership, the Board of Regents, and legislators building confidence through transparent communication, consistent execution, and creative problem-solving.
• Experience with global engagement and international program delivery.
• Experience supporting and expanding externally funded economicdevelopment and outreach initiatives.
• Terminal degree from an AACSB accredited institution
• Demonstrated progression of academic leadership responsibility within a higher education setting.

The date for full consideration is January 28, 2026

The University of Northern Iowa (UNI), located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, is one of three state universities in Iowa and the only comprehensive institution. UNI is a progressive and forward-thinking university whose focus is on serving the needs of Iowans. Come join a dynamic and dedicated team that cares about students and each other, and where your ideas are welcomed. 

Located in Cedar Falls/Waterloo, the campus  comprises more than 40 buildings on 940 acres.

A member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), the institution has been honored with two AASCU Excellence and Innovation Awards in the past five years. The first award, in the area of Student Success and College Completion, recognized UNI’s peer mentoring program and its focus on first-year students, making them feel at home and putting them on a path to success. The second award for Regional and Economic Development acknowledged the UNI Regional Entrepreneurship Project, reaching into 17 Iowa counties to develop a customized strategic plan in each area, thus assisting local leadership in success for their local economies. The University and its faculty, staff, and students are ranked consistently and recognized regionally and nationally for success.

Founded in 1876, the University’s enrollment is approximately 9,200 students in five colleges: the College of Education; College of Business; College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences; College of Social and Behavioral Sciences; and the Graduate College. UNI is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission; there are many programs within the institution that have discipline- specific accreditation based on their high quality. Our student have access to world-class faculty, facilities, and academic choices characteristic of a much larger university. 

In addition to a robust academy of faculty focused on teaching, research and service, outside the classroom UNI’s vibrant campus is home to more than 260 student clubs and organization, 17 Division 1 collegiate sport teams, a multitude of fine arts options and more.