Dean of the College
of Arts and Sciences

About Carlow University

Carlow University is a Catholic university in the Sisters of Mercy tradition, located in the heart of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Grounded in values of hospitality, service, and a commitment to transformative education, Carlow prepares students to become ethical, career-ready leaders who contribute meaningfully to their communities and professions. With a strong emphasis on social justice, academic excellence, and student-centered learning, Carlow offers a dynamic and mission-driven environment in which faculty, staff, and students thrive together.

The College of Arts and Sciences

A Carlow University student in a Carlow Celtics T-shirt working at a studio table

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is the academic heart of Carlow University, offering a rich and diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs that span the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and professional disciplines. The College is home to five vibrant departments:

  • Department of Business Management, Accounting, and Ethics
  • Department of Biological Sciences
  • Department of Computational and Chemical Sciences
  • Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Criminology
  • Department of Art, Communication, and English

Together, these departments reflect the breadth and depth of a true liberal arts and sciences education, one that integrates critical thinking, ethical reasoning, scientific inquiry, creative expression, and professional preparation. The College fosters a collaborative and innovative academic culture in which faculty scholarship, student engagement, and community partnership are central to its identity.

CAS students benefit from small class sizes, close mentorship and advising from dedicated faculty, and a curriculum designed to develop the whole person intellectually, professionally, and ethically. The College serves a diverse student body and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every student can succeed.

The Opportunity

Carlow University invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary academic leader to shape the future of a college. The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the College and reports directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Dean will lead faculty, staff, and students in implementing and fulfilling the vision, mission, and strategic plan of Carlow University championing innovation, continuous improvement, and a culture of academic excellence.

The next Dean will be a collaborative, student-centered leader who brings both scholarly credibility and administrative acumen to the role. They will be a champion for faculty development, a steward of institutional resources, and an engaged partner in the broader Carlow University community.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences is expected to:

  • Lead and ensure the overall quality of the academic enterprise within the College
  • Develop and implement new curricula, programs, partnerships, and modes of delivery that address emerging areas of need
  • Oversee the development and regular review of program outcomes and course syllabi to ensure appropriate rigor and alignment
  • Provide leadership for the integration of graduate and undergraduate programs
  • Promote a culture of planning and continuous assessment to improve student learning and ensure institutional effectiveness
  • Maintain compliance with accreditation requirements and ensure approval of all accredited programs
  • Maintain an active presence on campus and at college, university, and campus events.

  • Lead the selection and evaluation of faculty to ensure instructional effectiveness
  • Promote and support the professional development of faculty, including engagement with scholarship and research
  • Assist with the mentoring of new faculty within the College
  • Handle all faculty and staff personnel issues in accordance with established policies, with attention to due process and fairness

  • Interact with students to create a positive learning environment in which policies are implemented with fairness and attention to student development
  • Collaborate with appropriate offices to market programs and recruit students across all academic departments and programs within the College
  • Foster a student-centered culture that prepares career-ready, ethical leaders

  • Collaborate with the Provost and other deans to achieve institutional and College goals
  • Represent the College to external constituencies and actively participate in donor cultivation and fundraising
  • Foster relationships and cultivate partnerships with colleagues in local, regional, national, and international arenas to recruit students, remain current in educational trends, and develop Carlow’s academic and collegial reputation
  • Promote communication and innovation across colleges, departments, and programs

  • Oversee the preparation and monitoring of budgets for all academic units within the College, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and fiscal realities

The ideal candidate will possess:

  • An earned terminal degree in a discipline represented within the College of Arts and Sciences
  • A record of distinguished teaching and scholarly achievement sufficient for appointment at the rank of full professor
  • Significant and progressive academic administrative experience (e.g., department chair, associate dean, or dean)
  • Demonstrated commitment to shared governance and collaborative leadership
  • A track record of supporting faculty development and fostering a culture of research and scholarship
  • Experience with curriculum development, program assessment, and accreditation processes
  • Strong financial acumen and experience managing academic budgets
  • A commitment to an inclusive environment in all aspects of academic life
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
  • Alignment with the mission and values of Carlow University and its Catholic, Sisters of Mercy heritage

Application and Nomination Process

Carlow University is committed to building a diverse and inclusive academic community and strongly encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The University is an equal opportunity employer. Applications, including a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of five professional references should be submitted via the link to Carlow University’s Employment Application Portal.

Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to:
Carlow University’s Office of Human Resourceshroffice@carlow.edu.

The position is open until filled and review of applications will begin immediately. Only applications received by Thursday, December 31, 2026, can be assured full consideration.

Carlow University is a Catholic university in the Sisters of Mercy tradition, committed to providing transformative education in an inclusive environment that prepares students to serve and lead in a changing world.

Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Carissa Monaco at titleix@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.