Dean, Wiess School of Natural Sciences - Rice University

The Qualifications of the Next Dean for the Wiess School of Natural SciencesRice’s next Dean of the Wiess School of NaturalSciences must have professional qualificationsand personal qualities compatible with the aspirationsand character of the Wiess School andRice University.Professional Qualifications• The dean must be a proven leader — withglobal perspective, appreciation of the characterof 21st century science and the abilityto articulate a vision, motivate others and developthe resources necessary to achieve thegoals of the school.• The dean must be a distinguished scholarwith academic credentials to qualify for atenured appointment as professor, be able toinspire confidence and foster the capacity tounderstand the complexities of the evolvingrole of science and be creative and innovativein approaching these challenges.• The dean must be able to build on the academicexcellence and strengths of the WiessSchool and identify bold, new initiatives forthe next decade.• The dean must have a collegial and consultativestyle, a belief in the importanceand power of teamwork and collaborationand a commitment to valuing diversity anddifferences.• The dean must enjoy and be adept atcommunicating and engaging the entirecommunity — faculty, staff, students, alumni,donors, friends, neighbors and partnersin education, industry, business and government— in enthusiastic support of Rice’svision for the future of the Wiess School ofNatural Sciences.• The dean must appreciate the strengths andopportunities provided by our undergraduateand graduate programs and be able toperceive and seize opportunities to raisefunds, recruit high-quality faculty and enhancegraduate student quality, support andexperience.Personal QualitiesThe dean must embody personal qualities ofintegrity and honesty and make those values apparentin daily interactions; must be energeticand dynamic, with the courage to undertakestrategic decisions and see them through tocompletion. The dean must possess outstandingskills of leadership, advocacy and interpersonalrelations. In addition, the dean must be flexibleand resilient, have a collaborative and collegialstyle and possess a good sense of humor.5