Dean, School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.

Benefits

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.

Job Summary

The School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Dean. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please submit application materials by Friday, October 30, 2026 for full consideration.

Point Loma Nazarene University
PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled and/or demonstrating great potential in the practice of teaching and scholarship.

The School of STEM serves over 440 students and has 35 faculty and staff that collaborate to offer traditional undergraduate, graduate, and adult undergraduate degrees in Biology B.A. or B.S., Biology-Chemistry B.S., Environmental Science B.S., Chemistry B.S., Computer Science B.S., Data Science, B.S., Information Systems, B.S., Mathematics, B.A. or B.S., Engineering, B.S.E., and Physics, B.A. or B.S.

Benefits
We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes health insurance, dental insurance, competitive retirement matching, and tuition benefits for employees and dependents. There may also be opportunities for university assistance with the cost of housing in Southern California. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community, including faculty chapel, weekly faculty lunches, and a robust wellness program.

Salary:
Pay range $150,000 - $175,000
Actual salary offered is determined by the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and other factors, including internal equity and university funding resources.

Job Status

Full time

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Job Description

General Responsibilities:

Under the general direction of the Provost, the Dean of the STEM School will oversee the academic and administrative leadership of the school, including such areas as mission alignment; program development; strategic planning; course scheduling; assessment and improvement of curriculum and instruction; faculty recruitment, development, and retention; budgeting; and overseeing resource maintenance. The Dean will help shape a distinctive vision for Christian STEM education in which rigorous scientific inquiry, academic excellence, and deep Christian faith are brought into meaningful conversation. The Dean will serve as a strong advocate to enhance the profile, visibility, and effectiveness of the school and the programs housed within it by creating and strengthening partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders as well as accrediting organizations. In addition, the Dean will collaborate as part of the Provost’s Council with the Vice-Provosts as requested in carrying out school and university-wide assignments, policies, and initiatives beyond the scope of the STEM School.

Specific Duties to Include:

• Encourage a culture of discipleship and faith expression within the school that supports and advances PLNU’s core commitment to be a vital Christian learning community.

• Provide leadership in cultivating a robust integration of Christian faith and learning across the STEM disciplines, equipping and encouraging faculty and students to engage thoughtfully with areas of perceived tension between scientific understanding, Christian faith, and contemporary culture. Foster an environment marked by intellectual rigor, theological depth, humility, and faithful dialogue.

• Foster an environment of excellence and innovation in academic teaching, research, and intellectual achievement of the faculty.

• Manage academic program planning, faculty matters, and administration (i.e. Associate Dean(s), Assistant Dean(s) and Program Directors), including staffing, budgets, and facilities.

• Actively foster a culture of respect, openness, and opportunity for all individuals.

• Oversee current academic programs housed in the school, ensure they maintain high quality and relevance, and develop new and vibrant programs in related disciplines in consultation with the Strategic Enrollment Planning Committee.

• Cast short- and long-term vision for the School of STEM to ensure that we continue to align with PLNU’s priorities, mission and attract and send students.

• Support academic programs through monitoring of annual program metrics, yearly and periodic assessment and review to ensure regional and discipline-specific accreditation success.

• Encourage interdisciplinary engagements within the school and with programs in other schools within the university.

• Administer the school’s budgets and oversee the effective use of university resources to meet university-established targets.

• Enhance the University and school profile with university partners to increase PLNU’s reputation within and contribution to the community and region.

• Ensure the successful recruitment, onboarding, and orientation of new faculty members.

• Work with associate/assistant deans to encourage faculty development and professional improvement.

• Oversee the faculty evaluation process for the STEM school and recommend continuation of faculty contracts to the Provost.

• Collaborate with Enrollment and Marketing to promote the school's academic programs and ensure their success.

• Partner with Advancement on specific fundraising projects, building and cultivating alumni networks, and identifying grants and resources for investigation.

• Seek and respond to feedback about significant issues facing the School of STEM and  help with resolving conflicts that arise among academic unit leaders, faculty, staff and students.

• Ensure that faculty and student grievances are processed and appealed in a timely manner according to university policy and procedures.

• Oversee and suggest improvements to the physical learning environment for students.

• Attend STEM student events when possible.

Required Qualifications

• Terminal degree in one of the disciplines (or a closely related discipline) represented within the School.

• Understanding and appreciation for the Wesleyan tradition and theological commitments of the Church of the Nazarene.

• Demonstrated commitment to PLNU’s Christian mission and to the meaningful integration of faith and learning, with the capacity to lead faculty and students in thoughtful engagement at the intersection of Christian faith, scientific inquiry, and contemporary cultural questions.

• Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, staff agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant .

• ​The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU  will consider qualified applicants, including those wi