Description
Dean, College of Engineering
Founded in 1884 to serve working-class Philadelphians, Temple remains deeply committed to its mission of providing a high-quality, affordable education that transforms lives and strengthens communities. Since its founding, Temple has evolved into one of the nation's most comprehensive and globally-engaged urban public research universities, with 17 schools and colleges, more than 600 academic programs, and more than 32,000 students across eight campuses – including international locations in Rome, Tokyo, and Kyoto.
Temple's bustling Main Campus is set against the backdrop of the Philadelphia skyline in America’s first World Heritage City. Green space, athletic facilities, and eclectic architecture ranging from the historic Temple Performing Arts Center to the Snøhetta-designed Charles Library form a vibrant residential setting. More than 400 student organizations, as well as Temple’s NCAA Division I athletic programs, thrive on campus.
Temple’s momentum is fueled by growing enrollment, established and nationally recognized graduate degree programs, new facilities, and groundbreaking work in science education and research. In the latest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, Temple is in the “highest research activity” category, or R1, placing it among the top 4% of all four-year institutions in the nation. It has also been designated a top opportunity college and university (OCU), one of just 21 institutions nationwide to earn both distinctions. Earlier this year, Temple was invited to join the University Innovation Alliance, a leading national consortium of public research universities committed to improving student success and broadening participation in higher education for all. Temple is the only Pennsylvania university represented in the alliance.
As one of just 21 U.S. institutions to earn the top Carnegie Classifications for both Research (R1) and access, (OCU) in 2025, Temple stands out as a national leader in combining academic excellence with inclusive opportunity. This dual designation reflects the university’s mission of “Opportunity. Engagement. Discovery.” and is especially evident in the College of Engineering’s dynamic approach to education for a highly diverse student body.
With a student-centered philosophy, the College of Engineering places strong emphasis on excellence in teaching, mentorship, and early-career development. Faculty are deeply invested in creating a welcoming environment for all students. Nearly half of Temple’s undergraduate engineering students identify with traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM, and more than a quarter are women, reflecting a deep commitment to the university’s mission of access. Support services, collaborative learning communities, and hands-on learning opportunities empower students to thrive academically and professionally. Dedicated faculty and staff provide an intentional, supportive experience that drives student success, resulting in more than 85% of the College’s undergraduates graduating with full-time employment or graduate school enrollment. Temple engineering students embody resilience and grit, and as many are first-generation, they bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives.
Temple Engineering offers a wide array of academic programs. At the undergraduate level, students can choose from seven ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science degrees, spanning core fields such as bioengineering, mechanical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, electrical and computer engineering, construction engineering technology, engineering technology, and industrial and systems engineering. The curriculum blends rigorous fundamentals with real-world experience through labs, internships, and design projects.
Research is central to the College’s mission. As part of an R1 institution, Temple Engineering conducts high-impact, interdisciplinary research in areas such as biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, sustainable infrastructure, robotics, water systems, and cybersecurity. Faculty secure funding from major national and regional agencies, and students, both graduate and undergraduate, play a key role in research projects. The College continues to grow and invest in its research enterprise, driving a 9% increase in research expenditures and a 14% increase in research awards in recent years. Such investments include the College’s recently debuted Innovation, Design, Engineering and Applied Science (IDEAS) Hub, an 8,000 square-foot, newly renovated space that includes state-of-the-art labs and provides a platform for innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. The IDEAS Hub empowers students to use engineering for good and serves as a part of a collaborative ecosystem in the College.
The Dean of the College of Engineering serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the college, reporting directly to the provost. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Dean works with the president, provost, deans, and other senior leaders to advance the University’s mission.
With the input of and support from faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders, the Dean sets the strategic direction for the College of Engineering and further defines and articulates the vision and priorities. The Dean is responsible for advancing the College’s mission of excellence in education, research, innovation, and service, while overseeing daily operations of the college through thoughtful personnel decisions, general administration and management, prudent budgeting and resource management, academic program support, and fundraising.
The Dean will deftly lead the College’s 56 full-time faculty, 47 part-time adjunct faculty, and 44 staff and manage a budget of $23.7 million. The ideal Dean candidate will be a strategic and visionary leader, capable of building a supportive culture for students and faculty. They will champion the University’s mission of accessibility and its value on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. This individual will also engage externally, building strong partnerships with industry, government agencies, private organizations, and the local community.
The full position specification for the Dean of the College of Engineering search can be found at: https://bit.ly/TempleCOE
Temple University invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Dean of the College of Science and Engineering. Interested candidates should confidentially submit a CV and letter of interest (Adobe PDF files preferred) to:
Joi Hayes-Scott
Consultant to the Search Committee
Russell Reynolds Associates
Temple.COE@russellreynolds.com
For fullest consideration, materials should be received as soon as possible and no later than February 2, 2026.
