Seaver College seeks applications for the position of Divisional Dean, Natural Science.
The divisional dean leads and manages the Seaver College Natural Science Division
to ensure that all academic and co-curricular programs are delivered, reviewed, and
assessed successfully. The dean serves as the supervisor of divisional faculty and
is involved in all faculty hiring and review processes, including step advancement,
promotion, five-year, and annual reviews for all full-time faculty. The dean also
hires, supervises, and evaluates all divisional staff and adjunct faculty. Student
recruitment, administering of student scholarships, and fundraising are among the
additional responsibilities of the dean. The dean serves as a member of the Seaver
Academic Council, Seaver College Cabinet, and divisional committees. He or she also
may serve on other institutional or college committees as appropriate.
Seaver College seeks candidates for the position of divisional dean who hold a full-time
faculty appointment within the college, evidence of significant scholarly activity,
and are recognized as outstanding educators. A successful candidate for divisional
dean should possess the following qualifications, professional skills, and characteristics.
- A passion for students and for student learning and development.
- A dedication to understanding and supporting all divisional faculty, staff, and programs.
- A commitment to advancing belonging, diversity, equity, and inclusion within the division
and among faculty, staff, and students.
- The ability to successfully mentor faculty in scholarship, undergraduate research,
and grant writing.
- Effective leadership and management of research programs, including undergraduate
research.
- An abiding fidelity to the liberal arts.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to productively engage colleagues in difficult discussions
while affirming constructive professional relationships.
- Exceptional communication skills to engage internal and external audiences, advocate
for divisional support, and articulate the needs of the college and university.
- The ability to direct governance processes that ensure equity and comply with institutional
policy.
- An attunement to the needs of the students and expectations of the faculty.
- An understanding of the roles and needs of divisional staff.
- A strong moral and ethical reputation consistent with the Christian mission of the
college.
- Demonstrated abilities to plan strategically and build community.
- Experience managing a budget and implementing sound financial management practices
is preferred.
Beginning on August 1, 2025, the divisional dean will serve an initial term of four
years and teach one course (four units) each academic semester (two courses or eight
units in the academic year). The dean will receive a stipend in recognition of his
or her service.
The committee encourages applications from all full-time faculty; preference will
be given to tenured faculty who hold the rank of associate professor or higher. The
committee especially encourages applications from candidates who, through their leadership,
managerial skill, teaching, research, service, and personal example, contribute positively
to the diversity and excellence of the division.
Application Instructions
Applicants are required to submit the following documents as part of the online application
process. To submit an application, please click https://apply.interfolio.com/166346.
- A letter of application.
- A curriculum vitae.
- A statement that:
Nominations or inquiries may be sent to Lee Kats at Lee.Kats@pepperdine.edu. Applications will be accepted until Thursday, May 8th, 2025. A background check is required as a condition of employment.
The application review process will be conducted by a committee composed of Lee Kats
(chairperson), Kendra Killpatrick, Loan Kim, Florybeth La Valle, and Christopher Plumberg.