Idaho State University (ISU) invites applications and nominations for the inaugural Dean of the newly formed College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences (CHESS). Fall 2026 marks the inaugural semester of CHESS, bringing together three long-standing areas of strength at the University: the School of Humanities, the School of Education, and the School of Social Sciences. Together, this new college features roughly 150 faculty across 12 departments and two interdisciplinary programs, making it the second-largest college at the university. CHESS is the intellectual core of Idaho State University, providing the majority of general education courses as well as elective courses and minors for all ISU undergraduates, with over 9,000 students annually taking coursework from its programs and over 2,000 pursuing degrees from the college.
The Dean of CHESS reports directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and is a member of the Academic Deans Council, supervising a staff of 10 including two Associate Deans. The Dean provides academic leadership and executive management of over 150 undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, certificate, and accelerated programs across disciplines spanning Communication, Media, and Persuasion; English and Philosophy; History; Military Science; Teaching and Educational Studies; School Psychology and Educational Leadership; Anthropology and Languages; Political Science; Psychology; Sociology, Social Work, and Criminology; and two interdisciplinary programs. The successful candidate must possess an earned doctorate and a record of teaching, scholarship, and service appropriate for appointment as a tenured professor in a discipline represented within the College. Candidates may come from humanities, education, social sciences, or related fields, and must demonstrate progressively responsible academic administrative experience, a record of collaborative leadership, experience leading organizational change, and a commitment to faculty and staff support and fiscal stewardship.
Founded in 1901, Idaho State University is an R2 doctoral research university celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2026. ISU serves nearly 13,000 students across five campuses in Pocatello, Meridian, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, and Anchorage, Alaska, offering programs across seven colleges with a 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio. In FY25, ISU received over $47 million in external research awards, representing a 200% increase in research funding since 2018. ISU President Robert Wagner’s “Bold Path Forward” and 10-point Contract for Idaho chart an ambitious vision for advancing opportunity, increasing knowledge, and answering the needs of Idaho’s communities. Located in Pocatello in the western foothills of the Rocky Mountains, ISU offers an outstanding quality of life with four-season outdoor recreation, one of the nation’s lowest costs of living, and proximity to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
A complete Position Profile with additional information may be found above.
AGB Search is pleased to assist Idaho State University with this leadership search. Review of applications for the Dean of the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. To apply for the Dean position, candidates are requested to submit the following in PDF format:
To assure full consideration, applications should be received by November 6, 2026, to the AGB Search portal system here: Dean of the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
Please direct nominations and expressions of interest or any questions regarding the application process to: ISUCHESS@agbsearch.com
Andrew Bowen
Senior Executive Search Consultant
andrew.bowen@agbsearch.com
(802) 345-1279
Dawn Overstreet-Doyle, Ph.D.
Executive Search Consultant
dawn.overstreet-doyle@agbsearch.com
(617) 817-6466
Idaho State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, including Veterans and individuals with disabilities. ISU follows Executive Order 11246 Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. Please call Disability Services at (208) 282-3599 or email disabilityservices@isu.edu.
