Sacred Heart University (SHU) seeks a dynamic, strategic, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the next Dean of the John F. Welch College of Business. Building on the College’s past successes, the new Dean will provide the vision and strategy required to position it for greater distinction, strengthen its programs, embrace innovation, and ensure excellence in every aspect of the College’s work.


SHU has grown from a small commuter school to a leading regional institution with an international presence. Today, enrollment reaches over 6,000 students, both graduate and undergraduate, making SHU the second-largest Catholic university in New England. It is strategically located in close proximity to New York City and the headquarters of many Fortune 500 companies. Recognized among The Princeton Review’s “Best 373 Colleges” and “Best 301 Business Schools,” with a top-tier ranking in U.S. News & World Report for the past seven years, SHU is considered an international leader in Catholic higher education.


Named in honor of Jack Welch, the legendary former Chairman and CEO of General Electric, the Welch College of Business (WCOB) is looking for the leadership that will be required to reinvent business education in the 21st Century. This is an exciting time to join the Welch College of Business as the AACSB-accredited school is poised for transformative growth and a new inspirational president is at the helm of the University.


The new Dean will be responsible for shaping the future strategic direction of the College; articulating its distinctive position in management education; leading a fund-raising campaign to build a new state-of-the-art facility; differentiating its academic programs and increasing their impact on practice; recruiting and developing the next generation of faculty and increasing funding for faculty positions, research, and service; championing ethical decision making and behavior in the student experience; and fostering closer working relationships with the business community. S/He will report to the Provost and work closely with the University’s senior leadership team and the faculty and staff of the Welch College of Business to accomplish these goals.


The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience in both academic and business settings. This person will have the experience and vision to develop a uniquely competitive strategy for the WCOB, an entrepreneurial spirit and strong commitment to innovation, proven track record in fundraising, integrity and passion to motivate the college community, and exceptional interpersonal skills. An MBA or similar advanced degree is required; an earned doctoral degree is preferred. Catholic affiliation is not required.


Electronic submission of all inquiries, nominations/referrals, and resumes with cover letters is preferred and should be sent in confidence to: Martha Brest, Managing Associate, Isaacson, Miller, 263 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210, e-mail: 4308@imsearch.com.


In keeping with its commitment to build a culturally diverse community, Sacred Heart University invites applications from women, people of color, and individuals with disabilities.