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Western University invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for the position of Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences with the appointment to be effective spring/summer 2025. This is an exciting opportunity to advance many recent and future initiatives at a time when interest in health and wellness is at an all-time high.

Founded in 1878, Western University is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities and ranks among the top 1% of universities worldwide. It is a 2023 recipient of the QS 5 Stars Plus rating, one of only 20 institutions to obtain the score globally. Western and its Affiliated Universities serve as a hub for more than 500 international research collaborations. This dynamic academic community consists of approximately 35,000 students - 7,000 of whom are enrolled in graduate-level programs. International enrolment includes approximately 3,000 undergraduates and 2,000 graduate students representing 130 countries. Western has more than 1,500 full-time faculty, 2,500 full-time administrative staff and more than 300,000 alumni around the globe. The 2021 Strategic Plan, “Towards Western at 150,” will guide the institution in the coming years and help strengthen the University’s national and international reputation. Western’s fundraising campaigns continue to be a great source of strength, with each campaign surpassing the previous one.

The Faculty of Health Sciences is one of the broadest interdisciplinary health sciences faculties in Canada. Members of the Faculty are among the world's best in their respective fields and they play a key role in contributing to the knowledge base that helps improve human health around the globe. The Faculty is a leading Faculty at Western with an international reputation for excellence offering a rich curriculum in seven Schools, including Communication Sciences and Disorders, Health Studies, Kinesiology, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Food and Nutritional Sciences. Well-established research programs support all graduate and professional programs and provide opportunities for original work at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The Dean is the chief academic officer of the Faculty of Health Sciences, and a member of the University’s academic leadership team. Reporting to the Provost, the Dean is accountable for the Faculty’s strategic vision and administrative oversight, for ensuring the academic quality and integrity of its programs and operations, and for leading innovative and impactful research achievement.

The preferred candidate for this position will be a distinguished scholar, appointable at the rank of Professor, and willing to bring a background of teaching, research and service consistent with the expectations of a dean at a world-class research university. They will provide visionary leadership, encourage research and teaching excellence, and develop strategic relationships which will enable the Faculty to continue to prosper in these changing and challenging times. The ideal candidate will have an outstanding record of successful and strategic senior leadership in a complex institution as demonstrated through the development of collaborative internal and external relationships, experience in fundraising, applied experience, and deep theoretical knowledge in their field, as well as sound fiscal management abilities. 

Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, persons with any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process by contacting WesternFHS@lavernesmith.com. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and Permanent Residents will be given priority.

The consultants will begin review of candidates immediately, with committee consultation later in the fall. The search will continue until the position is successfully filled, ideally between April 1, 2025 and summer 2025. Applications, including curriculum vitae, a letter of introduction and the names of three references (who will not be contacted without consent of the applicant) should be submitted, in confidence, to the University's executive search consultants:

Laverne Smith & Associates Inc.

WesternFHS@lavernesmith.com

Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Chonnonton Nations, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) whom the university recognizes as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.