Job Information
Central Washington University Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities in Ellensburg, Washington
Job Summary Central Washington University (CWU) invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities (CAH). Joining a dedicated team of faculty, staff, and students, the new Dean will play a key role in fostering student success, cultural awareness and equity, supporting CWUs mission to expand educational access and create a legacy of learning. The Dean will lead initiatives in the College of Arts and Humanities that align with CWUs values of engagement, belonging, and stewardship, embodying a shared commitment to sustainability, cultural inclusivity, and academic excellence. About Central Washington University: Central has a long history of preparing graduates for successful careers in an ever-changing world. Beginning in 1891 as a teachers' college (Washington State Normal School), Central has continued its commitment to scholarship, public service, and student success. Over the last 125 years, Central has grown from 50 students to approximately 8,500 students at combined campus locations, with an additional 2,300 enrolled through high school partnerships across the state. Ninety-four percent of the students are undergraduates, with six percent graduate students. 4,000 students live on campus or within walking/ biking distance. CWU has grown in scope as well, offering a full complement of academic programs, including more than 135 accredited undergraduate majors and 32 accredited master's degree programs, as well as many minors and relevant certificate options. The main campus offers a traditional residential experience and a range of academic and campus life activities. Programs are also delivered at eight University Centers across the state, offering convenient degree and certification programs, as well as online opportunities for students who cannot attend a traditional campus. The 380 acre campus also includes an arboretum, pond, and greenhouse (associated with the Biology department), Lydig Planetarium (part of the College of the Sciences), and a sustainable farm (growing food for the campus and community). CWU is comprised of 643 faculty and 2,457 staff (2023 figures) committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each person plays a part in supporting and empowering students to fulfill their dreams. Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for the seventh time in eight years, CWU is a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. CWU ranks in the top 31% of Regional Universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report (2025). It is also rated 21st in Best Colleges for Veterans, 42nd in Best Value Schools, and 66th in Top Performers in Social Mobility. CWU is an Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (23% Hispanic undergraduate student population) with a goal of becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution. In October 2024, Central Washington University was selected by the US Department of Education (Raise the Bar Initiative) as among the top 100 predominantly bachelor's-granting institutions eligible for the inaugural Postsecondary Success Recognition Program, a new annual award that incentivizes schools in a position to better serve these underrepresented communities. CWU's ongoing, intentional efforts to provide equal access to postsecondary education for all learners are ingrained in the Vision and Mission statements, which call for the campus to become a "model learning community of equity and belonging." Through a multi-pronged approach, including intensive outreach work, innovative financial aid solutions, and a variety of continuing education programs like Running Start and College in the High School, CWU is building the bridges necessary to deliver higher education access to the communities we serve. <