Description

Search for the Dean of the Division of Undergraduate Education

University of California San Diego

La Jolla, California

The University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) seeks an experienced, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as its next Dean of the Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE). The Dean will play a pivotal role in leading an innovative teaching and learning community where undergraduate students, regardless of background, fully achieve their academic goals. The Dean will join the Division at a time primed for strategic integration and alignment to foster a supportive and enriching academic experience for students. With many new opportunities ahead, including the new Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree offered through the UC San Diego – Chula Vista Program, the Dean will engage the campus community toward a forward-looking vision for undergraduate education.   

Since its founding in 1960, UC San Diego has become one of the top 20 research universities in the world – a rapid ascent that is a testament to the excellence and entrepreneurial nature of UC San Diego's faculty, staff, and students. The university comprises 12 academic and professional schools, eight undergraduate colleges, and numerous cross-cutting administrative units, including DUE. Under the leadership of Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla, UC San Diego recently completed an ambitious 10-year campaign through which more than $3 billion was raised, making UC San Diego the youngest university in the nation to reach a multi-billion-dollar milestone in a single campaign. Leveraging this fundraising effort and guided by UC San Diego's strategic plan, the campus is transforming itself culturally, physically, and intellectually through a sustained focus on five priority areas that include student experience and success, diversity and access, interdisciplinary research, community enrichment, and the development of a supportive infrastructure. As an academic and research powerhouse, the university generated $1.7 billion in sponsored research funding in fiscal year 2025. Additionally, UC San Diego consistently sets new records for the number of applicants from prospective students, making it one of the most sought-after campuses in the University of California system. 

The Dean will be expected to lead the DUE and enhance UC San Diego's reputation for academic excellence, collaboration, and innovation. In partnership with other campus units, the Dean will foster a student-centered culture and promote DUE's visibility and impact across the university. The Dean will provide a strategic vision and lead academic initiatives that support a high-quality undergraduate experience, while ensuring the educational policies and practices meet accreditation standards. To be successful, the Dean will address the following opportunities and challenges:  

 Develop and implement an ambitious and innovative vision for the Division of Undergraduate Education;
 Enhance and elevate infrastructure and processes that support student success and academic achievement across the undergraduate student population;
 Expand collaboration within and beyond UC San Diego;
 Lead an agile, collaborative, and mission-driven team of high-performing professionals;
 Effectively steward and augment resources for the greatest impact.  

University of California San Diego has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this search. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-california-san-diego/dean-division-undergraduate-education. Electronic submission of materials is required. For full consideration, applicants must also apply via the UC San Diego academic recruitment website at: UC Recruit: Dean, Division of Undergraduate Education by November 13, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position has been filled. 

This search is led by David Bellshaw, Luciano Zuniga, and Salem Adisu of Isaacson, Miller 

The University of California San Diego is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Per UC Regents Policy 4400, diversity is a defining feature of the University of California, which embraces it as a source of strength. Differences — of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, socioeconomic status, abilities, experience and more — enhance the university's ability to achieve its core missions of public service, teaching and research. The UC welcomes faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and wants everyone at UC to feel respected and valued.

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