Dean of the Smith College of Engineering And Technology

DEAN OF THE SMITH COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY

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Utah Valley University , the largest public, comprehensive university in Utah, seeks an innovative leader with engineering expertise to serve as Dean of the Smith College of Engineering And Technology . Reporting to the Provost, the Dean provides leadership, strategy, and vision to the college that align with UVU’s mission and strategic plan. The ideal candidate will model UVU’s core values of exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

Located in Orem, Utah Valley University (UVU) is an open-enrollment, dual-mission institution that serves as an integrated university and community college. Its focus is on engaged teaching and learning through hands-on activities, community engagement, and faculty-guided student research.

UVU is committed to preparing all students and employees for success in an increasingly complex, diverse, and globalized society. It promotes civility and respect for the dignity and potential of each individual. The university seeks to advance the understanding of diverse perspectives. It values and promotes collegial relationships and mutual respect among students, faculty, and staff. UVU acknowledges and works to address the needs of students with varying levels of academic preparation, even as it strives to provide access and support for all students and employees in ways that are socially relevant and responsible.

At UVU, the administration, faculty, and staff believe everyone deserves the transforming benefits of high-quality education that is affordable, accessible, and flexible. UVU students succeed by gaining real-world experience and developing career-ready skills. As the university celebrated the milestone of its 80th anniversary in 2021, UVU continues to invite people to come as they are—and leave ready and prepared to make a difference in the world.

Established in 1941 as Central Utah Vocational School (CUVS) with the primary function of providing war production training, UVU has grown and evolved over the past 80 years to meet the ever- changing educational and technical needs of the community, the region, and the state. The educational institution has transformed from a vocational school to a trade technical institute, then a technical college, then a community college, then a state college and, in 2008, to a university offering opportunities to earn certificates to master’s degrees.

Today, UVU serves nearly 47,000 students across seven colleges and schools : Smith College of Engineering and Technology, College of Health and Public Service,     College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Science, School of Education, School of the Arts, and the Woodbury School of Business. The university offers 307 programs— 65 associate degrees, 110 bachelor’s degrees,

99 undergraduate certificates, 22 master’s degrees,

and 11 graduate certificates.

Facilities span a combined total of 412 acres with 50 buildings on campuses in Orem, Provo, Lehi, and Heber City, along with new developments in Vineyard. Throughout its history, UVU has responded to its service region’s (Utah, Wasatch, and Summit counties) population changes and business and industry needs.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

The Smith College of Engineering and Technology (SCET) offers 90 programs, of which several maintain specialized accreditation. These include architecture and engineering design; aviation science; computer engineering; computer science; construction technologies; civil engineering; cybersecurity; digital media; electrical engineering; engineering and technology management; engineering technologies; information systems; information technology; mechanical engineering; software engineering; and transportation technologies.

SCET is a dynamic, award-winning college at UVU. Serving more than 6,300 student majors, the college has a combined enrollment of approximately 22,500 students each semester. SCET has more than 150 full-time faculty and employs a large pool of full-time and part-time staff and adjunct faculty.

Qualtrics co-founder Scott M. Smith and his wife, Karen Smith, pledged $25 million to help fund the new Smith Engineering Building, anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025. The new dean will be actively involved in the continuous cultivation and solicitation of donor prospects for SCET. UVU sits in the heart of Silicon Slopes, with over 6,000 high-tech companies that are very supportive of expanding the pool of engineers and tech workers in Utah.

THE CET MISSION

The college utilizes an engaged-learning environment to provide the needed technical knowledge, skills, and scholarship that enable students to excel in their chosen profession. In addition, the college is committed to mutually enriching relationships with alumni, government, regional industry, and beyond to supplement the classroom, provide real-world experience, and foster a desire for lifelong learning.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The next dean will provide leadership, strategy, and vision to SCET that align with UVU’s mission and strategic plan. The ideal candidate will model UVU’s core values of exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results.

The dean will lead and advance fundraising efforts and secure financial support. This will include establishing and strengthening collaborations with key industry partners, alumni, and the broader community to meet local workforce demands.

The dean will serve as leader of academic departments, oversee accreditation, and administer a sustainable budget. This will involve fostering a climate of collaboration and establishing a positive scholarly environment that focuses on excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Earned terminal degree in a field relevant to a department in the SCET
• Experience in higher education appropriate for tenure, and with a minimum of five years of successful administrative experience at the level of department chair or above and / or five years of related industrial experience at the management level
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

DESIRED LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS

OUR MISSION

UVU is an integrated university and community college that educates every student for success in work and life through excellence in teaching, services, and scholarship.

OUR VALUES

UVU’s culture supports our mission of student success. Student success encompasses both terminal degrees and the holistic education of students, and we believe that we can fulfill this mission best in an environment that allows all individuals to thrive personally and professionally. To this end, UVU operates in accordance with three core values : exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results.

UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP

Astrid S. Tuminez, Ph.D., Utah Valley University President

Dr. Astrid Tuminez was appointed the seventh president of UVU in 2018 and is the institution’s first female president. She brings to UVU a broad and rich experience in academia, philanthropy, technology, and business. Born in a farming village in the Philippine province of Iloilo, she moved with her parents and six siblings to the slums of Iloilo City when she was two years old, her parents seeking better educational opportunities for their children.

Her pursuit of education eventually took her to the United States to Brigham Young University, where she graduated summa cum laude in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in international relations and Russian literature. She earned a master’s degree from Harvard University in Soviet Studies (1988) and a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in political science (1996).

Before assuming her current position, Dr. Tuminez was Microsoft’s regional director for corporate, external, and legal affairs in Southeast Asia. She is also the former vice dean of research at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore; is a permanent member of the Council on Foreign Relations; and is the author of Russian Nationalism Since 1856. Ideology and the Making of Foreign Policy and many other publications.

F. Wayne Vaught, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Wayne Vaught joined Utah Valley University on June 1, 2019. Prior to his appointment at UVU, Dr. Vaught had a 21-year career at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he served as a faculty member and then Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Prior to UMKC, he taught at Allegheny University of the Health Sciences (which merged with Drexel University) and Georgetown College in Kentucky.

Dr. Vaught received a doctorate in philosophy and bioethics from the University of Tennessee, and he focused his research on ethical issues in pediatric decision-making. His research and areas of expertise are in bioethics, professional ethics, ethical issues in pediatrics, and cross- cultural conflicts in healthcare.

UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant’s qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

OREM / PROVO, UTAH

The City of Orem was organized in 1919 and named after Walter C. Orem, President of the Salt Lake and Utah Railroad. The naming of Orem was an apparent attempt to curry his favor and attract future investments from this prosperous Salt Lake City resident. It shares the general location and history of Provo UT and was often referred to as the “Provo Bench.” In 1942, the Geneva Steel Works was constructed by the federal government as an inland producer of steel for WWII. Built along the eastern shore of Utah Lake, Geneva provided employment and economic growth to local residents, either directly or indirectly, for six decades.

In 2021, The Milken Institute released its list of the best performing metropolitan areas in terms of creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. The analysis considered the following items : jobs, wages and salaries, and technology growth. The Provo-Orem area was ranked #1 in the country. Orem / Provo continue to receive Top 10 rankings for cities from a variety of publications as time goes on.

Today, there are dozens of technology companies, manufacturers, and service companies employing thousands of Orem residents, making the economic importance of Geneva Steel just a memory in the historical archives.

Utah County is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the American West, where rugged mountain ranges meet sweeping valleys. The majestic Wasatch Mountains rise sharply to the east, their snowcapped peaks often mirrored in the serene waters of Utah Lake below. Vibrant wildflowers blanket the hillsides in spring, while the changing colors of fall transform the landscape into a painter’s palette of gold, red, and orange. Whether hiking through lush canyons, exploring picturesque alpine lakes, or simply gazing at the panoramic vistas, the natural beauty of Utah County is both awe-inspiring and peaceful.

APPLICATION & NOMINATION PROCESS

Confidential inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited.

Applications

1) All application packets must include the following :

2) Submit application materials (preferably as PDFs) online. Additional information is

requested with the submission of materials. For best consideration, complete applications should be received before March 1, 2026.

Nominations

Submit nominations with complete contact and e-mail information for the individual being nominated.

Consultant

Utah Valley University has retained Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting to assist the Search Committee for the Dean of the Smith College of Engineering and Technology in its identification and review of candidates. Brianna Douglas , Vice President of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting, is the lead consultant for this search. Request a conversation regarding this search at BriannaDouglas@myersmcrae.com .