Florida Southern College invites nominations and applications for a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the inaugural Dean of the School of Architecture. Set to open in fall 2025, this groundbreaking program marks a significant milestone in the College’s commitment to architectural education and presentation. The new School will offer students unparalleled opportunities for learning and excellence in the field of architecture.
Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College is the oldest private college in the state. The School of Architecture will be located on the College's iconic Frank Lloyd Wright campus, renowned for its innovative designs and historical significance. The campus boasts the largest single collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world. The architecture program will be housed in the Ordway Building, one of 16 structures on the campus that were designed by Wright. This historic building will serve as an inspiring and fitting backdrop for the education of future architects. It will provide a living laboratory that contributes to the development and honing of preservation philosophies along with the skills and techniques necessary for successful architectural practice. Additionally, the new program will incorporate state-of-the-art facilities, including design studios, fabrication labs, and a research center.
The School of Architecture program will offer a unique blend of academic rigor, experiential learning, and a deep appreciation for architectural heritage. The curriculum will meld new design skills and sensibilities with historic preservation principles in a way that is unique in the industry, with emphasis on the interpretation and perpetuation of Wright’s architectural principles for the improvement of the architectural profession as a whole. Upon graduation from the program, students will be considered scholars of Wright’s work, his practice, and his design principles. They will possess the skills necessary to incorporate Wright’s principles into practice. Architecture students will have opportunities to study abroad in Florence, Italy and Tokyo, Japan and to complete immersive internships with leading architectural firms in the region.
The School of Architecture will begin by offering an undergraduate architecture degree program. A master’s architectural degree program will follow in 2028, thereby allowing students to progress seamlessly through completion of a graduate degree.
With the support of exceptional faculty and staff within the School and the overall College community, the next Dean will provide creative and strategic leadership that places the School on an upward trajectory and guides it to the highest levels of excellence.
The inaugural Dean will serve as the chief academic and administrative officer of the School of Architecture providing operational, fiscal, and strategic oversight. The incumbent is responsible for developing and maintaining the highest standards for academic excellence and accomplishment. The Dean reports to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and is in charge of all School programs, personnel, facilities, and funds in accordance with Florida Southern College’s policies and procedures. The Dean serves as the spokesperson for the School to external partners and is the direct supervisor of the School staff and faculty.
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, available at wittkieffer.com/positions/200272.
WittKieffer is assisting Florida Southern College in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by September 30th. Application materials should be submitted to WittKieffer’s candidate portal.
Florida Southern College is committed to diversity and inclusion in hiring, campus life, and intellectual engagement and welcomes applications from all interested candidates. The college actively seeks a wide variety of candidates and enthusiastically looks to diversify our workforce.
Florida Southern College has a strong commitment to the principles of equal employment opportunity. The college recruits, hires, trains, transfers, promotes and compensates individuals and makes all personnel decisions without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, marital status, veteran status, or physical or mental disability unrelated to an individual’s ability to perform the job, in accordance with applicable law.
