Director, School of Engineering and Computing
Gannon University , in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates , invites applications and nominations for the newly created position of Director, School of Engineering and Computing. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Engineering and Business, the new Director will be a strategic leader who manages the School of Engineering and Computing (SEC) operations as a champion for the successful future of the programs, faculty, staff, and students.
The SEC Director will have the opportunity to lead a talented team of colleagues in the refinement and implementation of the new Strategic Action Plan "Articulating and Delivering on a Shared Vision." We are eager for a passionate leader who is committed to our University's Mission and hungry to take on the challenges and build on the momentum in the School and the University. The Director will foster an inclusive culture where high-quality teaching, community engagement, and scholarship are at the core of a positive learning environment where all students, staff and faculty thrive.
Aligned with Gannon's commitment to promoting respect and collaboration, the Director will apply their ingenuity to maximize the use of exceptional capital and human assets to grow the School's enrollment and mold its programs. Opportunity exists for honing and fully integrating the emerging signatures of the School into its programs, entrepreneurial ventures, and industry and community partnerships in Erie, PA, Ruskin, FL and the coming new campus in Pepper Pike, OH. A creative spirit of systems-thinking and reimagination is essential to our intentional efforts to design and achieve our vision.
Responsibilities:
- Develops and implements the school's strategic plan, aligning it with the college's and university's overall mission and goals.
- Provides academic leadership for the school's faculty and programs, ensuring collaboration and coordination across programs emphasizing developing career-ready professionals through multidisciplinary learning embedded in industry and in our communities.
- Oversees the daily operations, managing budgets, resource allocations, and personnel as well as review of programs and related activities to meet the needs of students, industry and community partners, the university, accrediting bodies, and society.
- Seeks new and expanded entrepreneurial ventures to maximize the utilization and contributions of the physical and human resources to grow the school and its impact.
- Actively engages in developing and implementing student and employee recruitment, engagement, and retention activities fostering a positive learning and work environment and student and employee success.
- Teaches periodically in keeping with their faculty status and supports faculty and staff growth and development to ensure high-quality teaching and scholarly productivity linked to industry and community partner and societal needs.
- Maintains close communications and relationships in representing and promoting the school to external stakeholders, including alumni, students, partners, and the wider community.
Qualifications:
- Strong interpersonal skills with ability to serve as the face of the School and to build relationships internally and externally that promote mutually beneficial collaborations.
- Successful managerial, financial, supervisory, and operational experience of academic and related programs and services.
- Competence in and dedication to recruitment, retention and success of employees, colleagues, and students from diverse backgrounds.
- Deep knowledge of trends and best practices in engineering and computing education and professional practice.
- An earned doctoral degree in engineering, computing, business or a related discipline is preferred. Respected scholars and practitioners with a master's degree and exceptional record of achievement in academic or industry leadership will also be considered.
- Minimum of 5 years of teaching and administrative experience including demonstrated effectiveness in: building collaborative teams, designing and delivering engaging learning experiences, identifying, developing and managing new business ventures, and facilitating commitment to service.
About Gannon and Our School of Engineering and Computing
Gannon University has a strong history of educating engineers and computing professionals while serving a racially and culturally diverse population of students from across the globe. As Gannon celebrates its centennial year, the new Director will join a leadership team in expanding student learning across its campuses in Erie, PA, and Ruskin, FL, and in Ohio at the Ursuline campus in 2026.
Inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, the University offers a comprehensive, values-centered learning experience that emphasizes faith, leadership, inclusiveness, and social responsibility. Faculty and staff prepare students to be global citizens through programs grounded in the liberal arts and sciences as well as professional specializations, creating a healthy campus learning and work environment where students and employees alike feel a sense of belonging. With nearly 1,000 employees, including more than 600 full-time, Gannon has established intentional plans to propel the student experience forward and to inspire and transform lives.
With Gannon as an anchor institution, the Erie region is experiencing a season of renewal with tens of millions in private and public dollars being reinvested in our downtown urban university home to develop an enlivened residential, retail and commercial central core. Gannon has been a key part of a significant investment along West 10th Street to establish a technology and innovation hub, which includes Gannon's stunning new Institute for Health and Cyber Knowledge.
The School of Engineering and Computing has done an exceptional job of preparing students to enter their professions, advance their learning, and enjoy successful careers and fulfilling lives for over seven decades. Our programs in engineering and computing have consistently earned ABET accreditation through a curriculum delivered by a competent and caring team of faculty and staff. Close faculty and staff partnerships with students have been a hallmark of the learning experience and our institutional culture.
The new Strategic Action Plan, " Articulating and Delivering on a Shared Vision", builds on this tradition by expanding multidisciplinary learning in extraordinary new facilities on campus and integrating real-time industry and community challenges into learning opportunities both on campus and at partner locations.
About the Community:
Erie, Pennsylvania , is a vibrant city located on the shores of Lake Erie, offering stunning natural beauty and a wealth of outdoor activities. Residents and visitors can enjoy the sandy beaches of Presque Isle State Park, as well as opportunities for boating, skiing, biking, and hiking. The city is known for its lively cultural scene, featuring numerous festivals, outdoor music venues, wineries, breweries, and a thriving arts community. With a population of about 100,000 in northwestern Pennsylvania, Erie provides affordable living and a welcoming community while blending industry, agriculture, three large hospitals, and four universities into a thriving regional hub. Erie's convenient location also allows easy access to Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Buffalo (each within a two-hour drive) for big-city experiences while enjoying a relaxed lakeside lifestyle.
Tourism plays a major role in Erie's economy, fueled by the region's rich natural resources, enduring beauty, and the seven miles of sandy beaches at Presque Isle State Park. The city also benefits from a strong economy driven by healthcare, manufacturing, and education, offering both opportunity and quality of life. Today, this vibrant lakeside community continues to grow and thrive while celebrating the traditions and natural beauty that make it unique.
An Opportunity to Lead and Make a Difference
This new role as Director is an exciting opportunity to lead a growing School of Engineering and Computing as Gannon approaches its centennial and launches a new plan for a bright future. We invite energetic leaders to apply and join us in shaping the next century of engineering and computing education.
Application and Nomination Process:
Applications should be submitted online at .
Inquiries and correspondence relating to the position of Director, School of Engineering and Computing at Gannon University should be directed in confidence to the University's executive search consultant:
Christopher S. Healy, President
Scott Healy & Associates
A complete application should include:
- Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
- Updated Curriculum Vitae;
- Contact information for three (3) professional references with title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)
Applications received by November 14, 2025 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
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