Dean, School of Public Affairs
About the Search
CU Denver seeks an experienced, visionary, and mission-driven leader to serve as the next Dean of the School of Public Affairs (SPA). This dean will build on the strengths of its faculty, staff, students, and alumni to further elevate SPA's profile and impact while maintaining its commitment to advancing the principles of democracy, equity, and justice to improve societal well-being.
Reporting to the provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, this dean will serve as the chief academic officer of SPA will full responsibility for its academic programs and curricula, budget, community outreach and engagement, and development activities. Additionally, the dean is expected to provide bold and collaborative leadership to position the school for long-term success; advance SPA's excellence in teaching, scholarship, policy engagement, and public service; champion a student-centered culture that promotes access, success, belonging, and preparation for public leadership; cultivate relationships that further SPA's reputation, impact, and resource base; and lead with transparency, collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to shared governance.
Full Position Profile
Meet the Candidates
Candidate forums will be from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Lawrence Street Center, room 1300D, on the 13th floor. If you are unable to attend in person, you may access the forums through this Zoom link at the scheduled time. Candidate resumes will be available 24 hours before their forum and will be removed 48 hours after their departure.
Candidate A: Tuesday, Sept. 30
Candidate B: Thursday, Oct. 2
Candidate C: Friday, Oct. 3
Search Timeline
| 2026 | |
| Early September | Position is posted |
| Mid-October | Application deadline |
| Early November | Selection of finalist candidates |
| November | Finalists visit campus |
| Early December | Preferred candidate is selected |
| 2027 | |
| Spring or Summer | Successful candidate begins |
Search Committee
| Members |
|---|
| David Rifkind, Chair, Dean, College of Architecture and Planning |
| Natriece Bryant, Deputy Executive Director, Colorado Department of Early Childhood, and SPA Alumna |
| Kyah DaCosta, Undergraduate Student |
| Lauren Goolsby, Assistant Dean of Finance and Operations |
| Mary Guy, Distinguished Professor, Public Administration |
| Tanya Heikkila, Professor, Public Affairs |
| Seth Kelly, PhD Student, MPA Alumnus |
| Robyn Mobbs, Associate Teaching Professor and Director, BA in Public Administration Program |
| Erin Orrick, Associate Professor and Director of Criminal Justice Programs |
| Nora Scanlon, Lead Academic Advisor and Program Coordinator |
To Apply
CU Denver has engaged executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to provide support for this national search. Interested candidates may submit materials through their search webpage.