Description
The University of New Mexico School of Engineering seeks a visionary and collaborative leader who can guide the Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE) department to a higher level of excellence. The Chair will report to Donna Riley, the School's Dean.
The University of New Mexico was founded in 1889 as New Mexico's flagship institution. The University is an R1 institution offering various academic programs through 14 colleges and schools. These academic options include more than 215 degree and certificate programs, including 94 baccalaureates, 71 master's, and 37 doctoral degrees. UNM is a Hispanic Serving Institution that takes pride in the extraordinary diversity of its students and in providing opportunities for students, regardless of socioeconomic background. UNM has four branch campuses across the state, which provide academic and vocational training, leading to certificates, associate degrees, and transfers to baccalaureate programs. The University enrolls over 26,000 students and employs over 10,000 faculty and staff.
The University of New Mexico School of Engineering, originally known as the College of Engineering, opened in 1906 with a faculty of two and a single classroom. With time, advances in technology, social change, and the dedication and foresight of many talented people, the School has become a leader in education and research in engineering and computer science. The School programs include chemical and biological engineering, civil construction, and environmental engineering; computer science, electrical and computer engineering; mechanical engineering; and nuclear engineering. The School benefits from robust partnerships with national labs, including Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the Air Force Research Laboratory, which provide strong research collaborations and offers students excellent internship and career opportunities. UNM also provides an excellent entrepreneurial ecosystem to translate intellectual property into business.
The department was founded in 1911 and became theDepartment of Chemical and Biological Engineering in 2014. It has state-of-the-art facilities, and its proximity to national laboratories facilitates collaboration. The research expenditures of CBE and associated research centers are over $4.6 million per year.
The CBE Chair will report directly to the dean and be an integral and vital part of the School's leadership team. As the department's academic and administrative leader, the CBE Chair oversees all education, faculty, research, and service activities across Chemical and Biological Engineering. The Chair oversees the department's operations and budget, manages resources strategically and responsibly, and works with the Dean to encourage philanthropic engagement and support. The CBE Chair will be expected to lead the development of the department's next strategic vision; champion the development and success of faculty and staff; strengthen a culture of respect, collaboration, and inclusive excellence; drive enrollment growth and advance student success at the undergraduate and graduate levels; advance the research and innovation enterprise; and develop and expand internal and external partnerships.
The University of New Mexico School of Engineering seeks a Chair of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering who has the leadership capacity and collaborative approach to develop, with input from stakeholders, consensus around a strategic vision and plan for the department that aligns with the School of Engineering and the University's strategic priorities. An earned doctorate in chemical or biological engineering or a related field is required, as is a record of scholarly achievement meriting appointment as a tenured full professor. A demonstrated commitment to respect, student success, and empowering others is strongly preferred. Prior administrative experience is desirable, as well as a demonstrated commitment to collaborative leadership and a strong track record of impactful research and excellence in teaching.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile, which can be found at www.wittkieffer.com.
WittKieffer is assisting the University of New Mexico in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by January 6, 2026.
Application materials, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to Sarah Seavey and Jessica Herrington at UNMChairCBE@wittkieffer.com.
The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.
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