About the role
Louise Dilworth Davis Dean
Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science and Engineering
Texas Christian University
Texas Christian University (TCU) seeks a visionary, dynamic, and strategic leader to serve as the Louise Dilworth Davis Dean of the Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering. This is a pivotal moment for the Davis College and TCU, as the institution advances toward achieving R1 research status, expands its academic footprint, and strengthens its reputation locally, nationally, and globally. The College is well positioned to be a major force behind TCU’s transition to Carnegie Research 1 (R1) status. The philanthropic support of the College’s namesake, Louise Dilworth Davis, through an endowed gift of $40 million, helps support the College’s goals to significantly enhance the academic and scholarly reputation of the institution.
The Dean serves as the chief academic, administrative, budgetary, and advancement officer for the College. Reporting to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Dean provides visionary and strategic leadership to one of TCU’s largest and most dynamic academic units, comprising 10 departments, over 2,300 undergraduate students, 130 graduate students, and more than 230 faculty and staff. With the responsibility for advancing Davis College’s mission, the Dean oversees daily operations through thoughtful personnel decisions, general administration and management, prudent budgeting and resource management, academic program support, and fundraising. The Dean represents the College and leads the effort to create and strengthen partnerships within and outside of the institution. The Dean will articulate the value of a combined science and engineering college, foster high-quality academic teaching and research, as well as the development of collaborative academic programs and experiential learning opportunities.
The Dean will also actively engage faculty to assess Davis College’s needs and advocate for the resources required to support TCU’s aspirations to achieve R1 status. The Dean will maintain TCU’s tradition of excellence in mentoring and undergraduate teaching, while pursuing R1 distinction and strengthening the student experience and educational quality. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to join an ambitious institution in its continued upward trajectory, led by a strong executive leadership team and a highly collaborative council of college deans.
NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS
TCU has retained the services of Dr. Josh Ward at the executive search firm Korn Ferry. To apply for the position, candidates should submit an up-to-date and detailed curriculum vitae, as well as a brief letter of interest (2-4 pages) describing why you are interested in becoming the next Davis Dean of the Davis College of Science and Engineering at TCU, why you would be successful based on your professional and/or lived experience, and why now is a good time for you to consider this opportunity. For priority consideration, please submit all application materials by Friday, August 28, 2026. For a copy of the full-length position description, or to submit your curriculum vitae and letter of interest (as separate PDFs), please contact:
Josh Ward, PhD
Senior Client Partner
Higher Education and Academic Medicine
Korn Ferry
(405) 640-3994
Josh.Ward@KornFerry.com
Employment Values Statement
Texas Christian University values Integrity, Engagement, Community, and Excellence in the workplace. TCU treats applicants and employees with fairness and respect. TCU hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications and their commitment to making a positive impact on our student-centered community. TCU is an equal opportunity employer and follows all applicable employment laws. TCU fairly considers all qualified individuals, ensuring we are a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.