Dean, Carl R. Ice College of Engineering

About KSU

Founded in 1863 as the nations first operational land-grant university Kansas State University has grown into a comprehensive research university with more than 20200 students 1300 faculty and 3000 staff members. It spans three physical campuses: the main campus in Manhattan; K-State Salina home to aviation and technology programs; and K-State Olathe which serves the industry and workforce needs of Greater Kansas City.

K-State has nine colleges Graduate School and K-State Online and offers more than 400 degrees and options from bachelors to doctoral degrees. K-State Research and Extension also serves the citizenry with a presence in every county throughout Kansas and supports research in more than 20 K-State departments. K-State has an annual budget of more than $900 million.

K-State is known for the passion and pride of its alumni. With more than 200000 living graduates the K-State Alumni Association ranks in the top 10 among Power Five conferences for the percentage of graduates who are members. Private giving to the university is around $200 million per year and the value of K-States long-term investment pool is $1 billion. The university and foundation recently completed a major fundraising campaign that raised $1.6 billion.

The Princeton Review recognizes the university as one of the nations best colleges. K-State also has been designated as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities and is recognized as a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. Commonly referred to as K-State the university is proud of its welcoming environment.

Why K-State

At K-State passion drives our purpose. Our faculty and staff are deeply committed to the meaningful impact of their work collectively shaping the future of our next-generation land-grant university. Every employee plays a vital role in advancing our mission touching the lives of Kansans and communities worldwide. Through our research teaching and service we strive to create positive change and realize K-States vision of becoming a leading land-grant institution.

Next-Gen K-State Strategic Plan

In September 2023 K-State launched its Next-Gen K-State Strategic Plan which charts our path forward driven by ambitious goals and a deep connection to our mission and vision. The plan was supported by a strategic planning process that engaged more than 10000 members of the K-State community students faculty staff alumni friends and community members all lent their voices to the planning effort.

Guided by the greater good.

Through the Next-Gen K-State strategic planning process the university community identified six core values that orient our thinking inspire us to be the best versions of ourselves and serve as our guideposts as we make the decisions that drive us forward. As we live these values together we collectively express our unity as One K-State in all that we do.

Connection. We are stronger together cultivating trust and building relationships to connect our K-State community with our state nation and world.

Courage. We lead with bold conviction rising to the moment even when the course is uncharted to deliver the greatest good for areas of greatest need.

Impact. We listen adapt and challenge the status quo leading change through learning and discovery that transforms lives and creates shared prosperity for all.

Learner-Focused. We welcome all who seek to learn and grow providing an accessible inclusive and exceptional experience that helps them achieve their potential.

People-Centered. We are everything because of our people supporting valuing and inspiring our entire K-State community and championing a culture of belonging for all.

Stewardship. We are committed to our future using our resources responsibly to leave a positive lasting legacy.

University and student achievements.

• Innovation and Economic Prosperity University designation Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.
• Carnegie Community Engagement Classification Carnegie Foundation.
• 96% of graduates are employed or furthering their education.
• 85.5% sustained freshman-to-sophomore retention rate.
• 15 times in the last 19 years K-States Black Student Union named Big 12s most outstanding Black student government council.
• 21% of students are first-generation.
• 500 student clubs and organizations.
• $91M in scholarships and awards in 2023-24.

Athletics

As a founding member of the Big 12 K-State competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision of NCAA Division I. The university has garnered 18 Big 12 championships including a 2022 title in football and is coming off a memorable Elite Eight run in mens basketball in 2023. K-State Athletics has maintained national acclaim as one of the NCAAs most financially solvent programs and remains one of just a few dozen universities nationwide and the only institution in Kansas to operate without use of state tax or university tuition dollars. Wildcat student-athletes continue to shine in the classroom as all programs exceeded benchmarks for the eight straight years in the latest NCAA APR rankings while also ranking among the best in the Big 12 in graduation rates.

Principles of Community

Kansas State University is a land-grant public research University committed to teaching and learning research and service to the people of Kansas the nation and the world. We believe our collective mission is best accomplished when every member of the University community acknowledges and practices the following principles:

• We affirm the inherent dignity and value of every person and strive to maintain an atmosphere of justice based on respect for each other.
• We affirm the value of human diversity and inclusion for community. We stand united against all forms of discrimination.
• We affirm the right of each person to freely express thoughts and opinions in a spirit of civility and decency. We believe that diversity of views enriches our learning environment and we promote open expression within a climate of courtesy sensitivity and mutual respect. For more information please see the Universitys Statement on Free Speech and Expression and the Universitys Statement on Academic Freedom.
• We affirm the value of honesty and integrity and will act accordingly in all professional endeavors and expect the same from our colleagues.
• We acknowledge that we are a part of multiple communities and we have a responsibility to be engaged in a positive way with our civic partners.
• We recognize our individual responsibilities to the University community and to the principles that sustain it. We will each strive to contribute to a positive spirit that affirms learning and growth for all members of the community.

About the Community

Situated in the heart of northeast Kansas scenic Flint Hills Manhattans 55000 citizens enjoy a dynamic region with shopping dining entertainment and nightlife. Manhattan is also conveniently located for quick access to major urban addition to being less than two hours from Kansas City the Manhattan Regional Airport offers multiple jet flights daily to Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago.

A sampling of what residents look forward to year-round:

• A cost-of-living index of 89% of the U.S. average according to the Council for Community and Economic Research.
• Shopping dining and socializing in Aggieville a local entertainment district with a fun energetic vibe.
• A vibrant revitalized downtown area with fine dining options and local boutiques.
• Recreation opportunities at the Konza Prairie Tuttle Creek Lake and State Park Linear Trail and more.
• A vibrant health care community including a 150-bed acute care facility and an independent state-of-the-art surgical center.

The universitys McCain Performance Series which hosts acclaimed Broadway musicals comedians musicians and other entertainers

Additionally the city of Manhattan has been a valuable partner to Kansas State University in facilitating growth of the institution. Thats why the Princeton Review routinely recognizes Manhattan and Kansas State in the Top 5 community Town & Gown Relations. Manhattan has also been ranked No. 2 Best Place to Live in America by . Manhattan is affectionately known as the Little Apple a nod to its East Coast namesake but has a vibrant culture all its own.

A sampling of what residents look forward to year-round:

• A cost-of-living index of 89% of the U.S. average according to the Council for Community and Economic Research.
• Shopping dining and socializing in Aggieville a local entertainment district with a fun energetic vibe.
• A vibrant revitalized downtown area with fine dining options and local boutiques.
• Recreation opportunities at the Konza Prairie Tuttle Creek Lake and State Park Linear Trail and more.
• A vibrant health care community including a 150-bed acute care facility and an independent state-of-the-art surgical center.

The universitys McCain Performance Series which hosts acclaimed Broadway musicals comedians musicians and other entertainers.

• Exciting Big 12 athletic events from a Power 5 conference.
• Colbert Hills Golf Course ranked as the top public golf course in Kansas.
• Excellent K-12 education. The local high school ranks among the top 5 percent of U.S. high schools and the district is home to several Kansas Master Teachers.

About K-state Engineering

The Carl R. Ice College of Engineering is dedicated to driving innovation and preparing the next generation of technological leaders. With 15 undergraduate 11 masters and 8 doctoral degree programs the college is meeting growing demand for skilled professionals and advancing knowledge to benefit society. As a premier institution our mission is to educate and empower students to tackle the challenges of an ever-evolving world. The budget for the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering for fiscal year 2025 was $61.7 million; the endowment of the College is approximately $160 million. Significant increases in competitive research funding and fundraising and important developments in technology transfer have occurred in recent years. Learn more at .

Mission

The Carl R. Ice College of Engineering will educate the next generation of global technological leaders through the dissemination and creation of knowledge and scholarly activity that results in a safe sustainable and secure society.

Vision

The Carl R. Ice College of Engineering shall be the preeminent institution of higher learning in the education development and application of innovative technology for the state of Kansas.

By the Numbers

• More than 3100 students enrolled
• 9 research centers institutes and labs
• Nearly 29000 alumni worldwide

CARL R. ICE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AT A GLANCE

Academic Departments

• Architectural engineering and construction science
• Biological and agricultural engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Computer science
• Electrical and computer engineering
• Industrial and manufacturing systems engineering
• Mechanical and nuclear engineering

Degree Programs

• 15 bachelors degrees
• 11 masters degrees
• 8 doctoral degrees

  Students

• 3133 total students enrolled
• 97% career placement
• Undergraduate students:
  • 2836 total
  • 557 degrees granted (FY2024)
  • 78% Kansas residents
• Graduate students:
  • 297 total
  • 65 masters degree granted (FY2024)
  • 28 doctoral degrees granted (FY2024)

    Faculty

• 161 total faculty

• 13 NSF CAREER award winners since 2015
• 16 professional society fellows
• 90 named faculty positions

Research

• More than $35 million in research expenditures (FY2023)
• 9 research centers institutes and labs
• More than 900 students involved in undergraduate research and creative inquiry each year
• 18 design teams

Alumni and Giving

• Nearly 29000 living alumni
• Alumni live in all 50 states (53% in Kansas) and 93 countries
• Nearly $127 million in outright deferred and pledged gifts from 2020-2024

About the role

Kansas State University the nations first land-grant university invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of Carl R. Ice College of Engineering. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a successful driven and nationally/internationally recognized leader to join a highly successful College of Engineering in a public R1 land-grant university.

The successful candidate must have the experience and vision to inspire guide and facilitate the Colleges faculty and staff in the advancement of high-quality teaching research service engagement and extension while providing leadership that assures the integrity excellence relevance and success of the Colleges multi-faceted programs. The Dean reports directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President Jesse Perez Mendez and serves as a member of the Academic Leadership Council and Deans Council.

This position is ideal for a cutting edge learner-centric leader with a proven history of successful growth initiatives strong partnership and collaboration skills strategic vision and results-focused leadership. The Dean will continue to grow the Colleges excellence in teaching research service extension and engagement; promote a collaborative leadership approach; and cultivate internal and external partnerships to propel advancement of the Universitys Next Gen K-State Strategic Plan.

Responsibilities and Core Duties

The Dean holder of an endowed chair is the chief academic and administrative officer of the College providing leadership strategic vision and direction and support for the addition the Dean provides university leadership to support and promote the academic mission of the University. Specific responsibilities of the Dean will include:

• Leading all academic programs in the College.
• Promoting high-quality undergraduate graduate and non-credit experiences.
• Supporting effective academic advising and mentoring.
• Building enduring excellence and growth in research extension and engagement programs serving the State nation and world.
• Being actively involved in the recruitment and retention of high caliber learners faculty and staff to the college as well as promoting a welcoming environment.
• Working productively with learners faculty staff department heads deans administrators and the broader community on interdisciplinary and collaborative initiatives.
• Providing strategic leadership for advancing the Colleges strategic plan with the Universitys vision to become a Next-Generation Land-Grant University.
• Leading fundraising efforts on behalf of the College with a high degree of personal involvement.
• Strengthening strategic relationships and engagement with the community stakeholders alumni legislators industry and benefactors across the state and beyond working closely with constituents on issues related to the enhancement of the College and the University.

Required Qualifications

• Earned Ph.D. or terminal degree in a discipline necessary to qualify as a faculty member in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering.
• A strong record of distinguished academic achievement in teaching research and/or extension which merits appointment as a tenured full professor in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering.
• Evidence of professional distinction and national or international recognition in their field.
• Demonstrated success as an innovative and strategic leader with the ability to plan coordinate articulate and execute a strategic vision and initiatives while engaging with both internal and external constituencies.
• Demonstrated success as a strategic/creative planner and relationship builder with exceptional collaboration communication emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
• A proven record as a successful administrator in higher education with responsibility for guiding strategy managing finances evaluating personnel motivating faculty and staff acquiring and allocating resources engaging external constituencies and fostering inclusive teamwork to create collaborative relationships across varying groups.
• Demonstrated success in fund development and external fundraising.
• A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to all aspects of the land-grant mission including teaching research service extension and engagement.
• A recognition and appreciation for a collaborative and positive working environment.
• An understanding of and commitment to shared governance to achieve college- and university-wide goals.
• A firm grasp on the mission of a land-grant university with R1 status and its historic commitment to access.

Preferred Qualifications

• A proven ability to develop and implement successful interdisciplinary and/or international programs.

• A proven ability to initiate lead and facilitate transformational change and innovation initiatives be adaptable with changing conditions that accompanies a large public university.

A history of building enhancing and sustaining partnerships across a university local communities state region and nation.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Confidential inquiries nominations and applications are invited. Review of applications will be reviewed until position is filled. For fullest consideration application materials should be received no later than October 17 2025. Candidates should provide a letter of application describing their interest and qualifications for the position current vitae and information for five references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Nominations and applications should be sent electronically via email to Martin Baker and Chelsie Whitelock of Buffkin / Baker at