Dean

Dean

About FIU

Florida International University is Miami's public research university. With over $300 million annual research expenditures, FIU is ranked among the Top 30 public universities in the world for the number of U.S. utility patents produced. Designated a Preeminent State Research University, FIU emphasizes research as a major component in the university's mission. A Top 50 ranked institution, FIU has an aggressive goal to be a Top 30 public university by 2030.

For more than 50 years, FIU has positioned itself as one of South Florida's anchor institutions by solving some of the greatest challenges of our time. We are dedicated to enriching the lives of the local and global community. With a student body of more than 54,000, we are among the largest universities in the nation and have graduated more than 340,000 alumni, 165,000 of whom live and work in South Florida. FIU is committed to educating students from all backgrounds and means and is delivering on this mission today as No. 1 in the nation for upward economic mobility by U.S. News & World Report.

The outstanding quality of FIU's students and faculty have driven the school's research and learning ethos. Among the ten largest universities in the nation, FIU has multiple campuses and centers. In addition, the University supports artistic and cultural engagement throughthree museums : the Patricia and Philip Frost Art Museum, located on the FIU main campus, The Wolfsonian-FIU, and the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, both of which are located in Miami Beach, Florida. FIU in Washington, D.C. is making an impact in our nation's capital through integrated advocacy approach to increase the national reputation of, and federal support for, our preeminent research areas, faculty and student advocates.

FIU maintains a significant number of community partnerships, locally and globally. In 2020, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching designated FIU as a community-engaged university, one of 119 US colleges and universities demonstrating a distinct institutional focus on engagement in local, regional, national, and global communities. As of 2019, the University held 211 international agreements FIU's strategic vision is anchored by the following pillars :

Creating exceptional opportunities - focus on optimizing innovation to build world-class academic and experiential opportunities

• Leveraging evidence-based outcomes and data-driven decision-making – utilizing data to deliver and achieve performance outcomes;

Expanding our impact through investing in our community – Creating a positive culture for the university community and continuing to evolve with technology and the world of work; and

Implementing a sustainable and agile infrastructure- Providing resources that prepare FIU for the challenges of the future.

FIU is located in Miami, a global city and gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America. It is rapidly becoming one of the country's finance, arts, and technology centers, building on its strengths in logistics, tourism, real estate, media, and producer services. In particular, Miami is emerging as an innovation hub for the hemispheric region. FIU is a significant source of talent driving this development. The University's research and service efforts aim to identify the unique issues Miami faces in climate change, globalizing economy, major population shifts, and more. Miami is a dynamic metropolis that offers everything from trendy nightlife to beautiful beaches, the historic Art Deco District, and family-oriented neighborhoods. It also has a top-performing K-12 public education system. For more information, please see the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Visit Florida, City of Miami websites.

About the College of Engineering & Computing

The FIU College of Engineering and Computing is South Florida's leading engineering education resource. The college offers a complete range of fully accredited engineering bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs in cybersecurity, AI and internet of things, biomedical, civil and environmental, electrical and computer, and mechanical and materials engineering; construction management; and computing and information sciences. With close to $60M of external funding, research is an integral part of the college's mission and its success.

Florida International University is a vibrant, student-centered public research university, ideally located in Miami that is worlds ahead in its commitment to learning, research, entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity so that our graduates are prepared to succeed in a global market.

Points of Pride

FIU's College of Engineering & Computing is committed to providing quality education, problem-solving research, and community engagement through local relevance, national visibility, and global exposure. As an educational leader in a changing economic, technological, and social environment, and as the research engine of the university, the college is proud of its growth and accomplishments in recent years.

Our annual research expenditures have surpassed $64 million, nearly tripling since 2018, and the number of patents awarded to our faculty has increased almost 6-fold.

Furthermore, our ASEE and NSF HERD rankings have seen significant improvements.

Departments & Schools

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering : Home to state-of-the-art research, award-winning faculty, and the bachelor's degree in Applied AI and Internet of Things, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering students enjoy experimental learning opportunities, hands-on research in world-class laboratories and are prepared to hit the ground running in their chosen careers upon their graduation.

Department of Enterprise & Logistics Engineering : Enterprise and Logistics Engineering (ELE) programs blend a carefully chosen mix of engineering and business courses to prepare future industry leaders for an increasingly technological business environment. ELE programs offer graduate degrees and certificate programs for those individuals who wish to advance to managerial positions in engineering fields and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to stay ahead in their organizations.

Department of Biomedical Engineering : Nationally recognized for research excellence and innovation in clinical medicine and biomedical industry applications and lead education, research, and technology development in Florida. Home to cutting-edge research and outstanding students, the department meets medical needs with engineering expertise to innovate our health care system and improve people's lives.

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering : Combining creativity with hands-on research, FIU's Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering provides students with a hands-on environment to develop skills needed to make critical impact on industries such as manufacturing, energy systems and space exploration, as well as design and development of new materials and composites to impact areas such as in nanotechnology, biosensors and electronics.

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering : From the buildings we live in to the water we drink, the contributions of civil and environmental engineers affect our lives. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at FIU is educating a new generation of civil and environmental engineers who will ensure the safety and sustainability of roads, homes, bridges and environmental sources of the future.

The Moss School of Construction : Committed to excel as the preeminent center for advancement and dissemination of construction knowledge, motivated students, highly qualified faculty, and dedicated alumni work together to make the program one of the finest in the country. Offering the BS in Construction Management, the MS in Construction Management, and an Online MS in Construction Management, the School offers top educational experiences for both undergraduate and graduate students.

The Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences : The leading research school and prolific producer of computing talent in Florida, KFSCIS has built a highly engaged, multidisciplinary research community, whose faculty and staff are active in entrepreneurship activities, including start-ups, and outreach efforts to transform basic research into services and products that enhance the quality of life and benefit our society.

Role of the Dean

Reporting to the Provost, the Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the college. The Dean will be a strategic, innovative, and collaborative leader, responsible for advancing FIU's mission of excellence in teaching, research, and engagement. This is a pivotal opportunity to help propel FIU from a top 50 to a top 30 public university, in alignment with the university's ambitious strategic plan. FIU's commitment to becoming an "AI First University" requires leadership that prioritizes strategic, evidence-based integration of AI to advance research and student success. The next Dean will ensure AI adoption is purposeful, measurable, and aligned with FIU's mission.

Key Responsibilities

Visionary Leadership

Develop and articulate a bold, inspirational, and transdisciplinary vision that positions the CEC as a national and global leader in transformational education and research.

Champion interdisciplinary collaboration, especially at the intersection of engineering, computing, sciences, health, and environmental sustainability to drive innovation and real-world impact.

Advance the college's reputation and rankings through strategic storytelling, leveraging major research strengths, and fostering a culture of excellence.

Faculty Excellence

Recruit, retain, and develop outstanding faculty, supporting their professional growth and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Ensure transparent, effective processes for faculty evaluation, reappointment, tenure, and development.

Research and Innovation

Expand research capacity and external funding, building interdisciplinary centers that address critical challenges in AI, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, quantum computing, biomedical, and environmental engineering.

Modernize research infrastructure and support faculty in pursuing high-impact, externally funded research.

Work with Government Relations to expand non-traditional funding opportunities through strong communication strategies with policy and lawmakers.

Student Success

Champion student success by advancing experiential, project-based learning and ensuring all students have access to exemplary career services, internships, and job placement.

Foster a holistic environment that promotes student well-being, belonging, and achievement.

Provide support and direction for continuing / enhancing quality graduate student recruitment and retention

AI Transformation

Develop and implement an AI roadmap grounded in data and outcomes, focusing on initiatives that demonstrably improve research productivity, teaching effectiveness, and student learning.

Expand AI-related research and selectively integrate AI into curricula where it enhances workforce readiness and interdisciplinary innovation, ensuring investments yield measurable benefits.

Promote ethical, transparent, and scalable AI practices, balancing innovation with accountability and ensuring that AI adoption strengthens FIU's reputation as a leader in higher education transformation.

Financial Management

Ensure a strong financial future for the College through revenue growth.

Manage the financial resources of the college through effective management of the annual operating budget, long-term financial planning, and exploitation of strategic opportunities for revenue growth.

Oversee college-wide resource acquisition and utilization.

Resource Development and Stewardship

Lead fundraising and external relations, securing transformational gifts and building a culture of philanthropy.

Play a central role in advancing the college's strategic priorities by securing philanthropic investment, cultivating high-value relationships, and partnering closely with development leadership.

Articulate a compelling donor-ready vision for the college that aligns with the university-wide goals. Cultivate and solicit individual donors, foundations, and corporations.

Demonstrate experience managing an advisory board with fundraising expectations.

Ensure effective management of college resources, budget, and infrastructure to support strategic priorities and minimize barriers to productivity.

Industry and Community Engagement

Forge and strengthen partnerships with industry, government, and academic leaders, leveraging Miami's status as a growing technology and innovation hub.

Enhance experiential learning and career opportunities for students through robust industry engagement and alumni networks.

The search committee enthusiastically welcomes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. While no individual candidate will possess all the desired qualifications, all prospective candidates should present a strong and compelling combination of the following relevant professional experiences and leadership achievements.

Required Qualifications

Doctorate in engineering, computing, or a closely related discipline OR equivalent professional experience with significant research-related leadership.

Distinguished record of scholarly or professional achievement that demonstrates credibility to lead faculty and research programs.

Evidence of successful leadership in large-scale initiatives, such as :

Doubling or significantly increasing research funding.

Recruiting and retaining world-class talent.

Securing major partnerships and investments from industry, government, or philanthropic sources.

Building bench-to-market commercialization pipelines.

Proven successful fundraising ability

Demonstrated ability to define and execute a strategic vision aligned with institutional goals.

Strong administrative experience, including budget oversight, resource development, and personnel management.

Effective communication and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.

Evidence of ability to collaborate across disciplines, institutes, and centers.

Preferred Attributes

Experience bridging academia and industry, fostering applied research and commercialization.

Track record of evidence-based decision-making and measurable impact on research productivity and student success.

Familiarity with emerging technologies and the ability to lead strategic digital transformation initiatives.

Personal Qualities

The highest standards of personal and academic integrity and ethical and professional conduct. Strong personal, oral, and written communication skills, with a focus on openness and transparency. Experience working within a multidisciplinary environment. A builder with entrepreneurial drive and strong organizational skills. Ability to foster a collegial and respectful work and educational environment.

Application Process

Confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. For fullest consideration, application materials should be received no later than January 2, 2026. Candidates should provide a letter of application describing their interest and qualifications for the position, current vitae, and information for five references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Nominations and application materials should be sent electronically via email to Martin Baker of Buffkin / Baker at fiucec@buffkinbaker.com.

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