The University of Michigan School of Public Health (UMSPH) invites applications and nominations for a bold, collaborative, and transparent leader to serve as its next dean. As one of the leading schools of public health in the nation, recently ranked #2 by U.S. News and World Report, and as part of one of the world's leading public research universities, UMSPH is uniquely positioned to advance the future of public health education, research, and practice within a world-class academic environment.

The University of Michigan (U-M) is home to 19 nationally recognized schools and colleges, making it one of the most comprehensive and academically diverse institutions in the world. U-M is ranked among the top three public universities nationally, with more than 100 graduate programs ranked in the top ten by U.S. News & World Report. U-M had more than $2 billion in research expenditures for fiscal year 2024 and ranked fourth in the nation among all institutions of higher education, and second among public universities, in the fiscal year 2023 National Science Foundation research expenditure rankings. Michigan Medicine, the University of Michigan's academic medical center, is one of the country's top-ranked academic health centers; its clinical branch, Michigan Health, includes 11 hospitals and hundreds of clinics statewide that are staffed by more than 30,000 employees.

UMSPH is a top-ranked school of public health dedicated to advancing health equity and improving population health. Founded in 1941, UMSPH enrolls more than 1,300 undergraduate and graduate students annually and is supported by over 190 faculty across six academic departments. The school offers a wide array of degree programs, including bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and certificate options, designed to prepare students for leadership in a rapidly evolving public health landscape. With more than $100 million in annual research expenditures, the highest per capita of any school at U-M, UMSPH is home to over 30 research centers and initiatives and plays a leading role in university-wide efforts such as Precision Health, Poverty Solutions, and the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention. UMSPH's faculty includes internationally recognized leaders with an advanced understanding of infectious disease dynamics, environmental exposures, and health equity. Their research and policy engagement shape decisions at the national and international level, while their mentorship trains the next generation of University of Michigan Dean, School of Public Health public health practitioners and scientists. Faculty and students engage in interdisciplinary, global work across more than 90 countries. UMSPH offers a dynamic academic environment and a strong foundation for the next dean to lead the school into its next era of excellence and impact in public health.

The dean of UMSPH serves as the school's chief academic and administrative officer and is a key member of the university's academic leadership. Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Laurie McCauley, the dean provides strategic vision and operational leadership across all aspects of the school's mission: education, research, and practice. The dean is a member of the Health Sciences Council of Deans, which is a highly supportive and close-knit group that consists of leaders from all health sciences schools and colleges on the Ann Arbor, Flint, and Dearborn Campuses.

The dean of UMSPH oversees an annual general fund budget allocation of $48.5 million net funding with an endowment of $174 million. As of November 2024, the school included 130 tenured/tenure track  faculty, 13 clinical track faculty, and 30 research track faculty. The school provides institutional support for the 9-month base salaries of instructional track (tenure/tenure-track) faculty, reflecting a strong commitment to sustaining the core academic mission.

UMSPH derives revenues from sponsored research contracts and grants, degree and certificate program tuition and fees, gifts and endowment payouts, and other miscellaneous income. The U-M budget model functions within a hybrid system of responsibility center budgeting, incremental budgeting, and centralized/initiative budgeting.

Establish a bold strategic vision for the future of the School of Public Health

The next dean will be charged with establishing a bold, unifying strategic vision that positions UMSPH for long-term impact and resilience. Through a collaborative strategic planning process that engages faculty, staff, students, and external partners, the dean will articulate a forward-looking strategy rooted in the school's mission and responsive to evolving public health needs, workforce demands, and societal shifts. This vision must bring coherence across the school's diverse and entrepreneurial departments, enabling more effective decision-making while preserving the innovative spirit that defines UMSPH.

In a rapidly changing landscape, marked by technological disruption, shifting enrollment patterns, and constrained funding, the dean will lead with creativity and pragmatism. They will ensure the school remains proactive in adapting to emerging trends such as artificial intelligence, while stabilizing core operations and strengthening internal structures. This includes developing clear policies and processes, aligning resources with strategic priorities, and fostering a culture of unity, transparency, and shared purpose.

Support and strengthen the school's legacy of research excellence and impact

Widely recognized for its research excellence and leadership in advancing public health science, UMSPH has long been a hub for groundbreaking, interdisciplinary discovery. Its faculty are internationally recognized for their scientific innovation and leadership in public health, serving on high-level advisory committees and leading major NIH- and foundation-funded consortia. From shaping WHO and FDA policy guidance to spearheading national initiatives on health equity and environmental justice, UMSPH scholars exemplify the school's commitment to translating discovery into action. The next dean will play a pivotal role in stabilizing and growing the financial foundation and infrastructure that supports this work, ensuring that the school's research enterprise continues to thrive and deliver meaningful benefit to public health. By fostering collaboration across departments and across the university, and by strengthening the systems that support grant generation, donor engagement, and diversified funding, the dean will help accelerate research in areas of critical importance. In doing so, the dean will ensure that the work of the school and the faculty directly translates into policies and practices that save lives.

The successful candidate will be a visionary, collaborative, and strategic leader with a deep commitment to public health and a bold ambition for its future. They will guide UMSPH through a pivotal moment, establishing a unifying strategic vision, strengthening the school's financial foundation, and fostering a culture of trust and transparency. Building on its record of excellence, UMSPH is poised to expand its impact across education, research, and practice. The next dean will champion innovation in public health education, accelerate research in areas of critical importance, and serve as a powerful advocate for the school and the field. This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the nation's premier schools of public health and shape the future of public health locally, nationally, and globally.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.