INDIANA UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY-DEAN

Indiana University seeks nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the School of Optometry. The School combines academic education and clinical practice in optometry with research in a comprehensive program that takes advantage of opportunities for interdisciplinary studies with other academic programs at the University.

After a period of growth in research and clinical innovation, student enrollment, and facilities, the School has had a productive year of reflection and planning.  To achieve the School’s aspirations and the potential of its distinguished faculty and students, it seeks a dynamic, ambitious leader with a compelling view of the future of optometry.  The successful candidate will be committed to enhancing the national and international stature of the School, to developing further opportunities for clinical and laboratory research and teaching, and to delivering superb patient care.  The candidate will also be an engaging and effective leader of faculty, staff, students and alumni and an articulate ambassador to university administrators and colleagues, the profession, and the community at large.

The candidate will have a record of administrative success, as well as distinction in research, teaching, and service sufficient to merit the rank of professor in a major academic and professional program.  He or she must have an O.D. or its equivalent.

As the School’s chief executive officer, the Dean is responsible for providing academic and administrative leadership, strategic planning, fund raising and resource development, staffing, and fiscal and facility management; for representing the School to the University, the profession, alumni and the community; and for cultivating close relationships with other academic and professional disciplines.   Indiana University operates under responsibility-center management, which provides the Dean significant financial authority and autonomy. The Dean reports to the Chancellor of IUPUI (Indiana University’s Indianapolis campus) as well as to the Provost of the Bloomington campus. 

The School offers the degrees of Doctor of Optometry, Bachelor of Science in Optometry, and an Associate of Science in Optometric Technology/Opticianry.  In conjunction with the Graduate School, the School grants the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Vision Science.

The School occupies two adjacent buildings on the Bloomington campus.  The five-story Optometry Building houses classrooms, a library, administrative suites, and clinical and basic laboratories.  The new two-story Atwater Eye Care Center houses clinics, business offices, and a state-of-the-art video-conferencing facility.  The School also operates the Community Eye Care Center on the west side of Bloomington, the Indianapolis Eye Care Center near IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis), and a clinic in Guanajuato, Mexico in collaboration with the Guanajuato state government.  In addition to its vibrant clinical and research programs, the School works closely with institutions in Thailand, Hong Kong, China, The Netherlands and other countries. The establishment of the Glick Eye Institute within the Indiana University School of Medicine provides an opportunity for expanded collaboration.

Indiana University is internationally recognized for the excellence and diversity of its academic and professional programs.  Founded at Bloomington in 1820, it is one of the oldest state-supported universities, attracting students from throughout the United States and around the world.   More than 31,000 undergraduates and 8,700 graduate and professional students are enrolled on the Bloomington campus.  IUPUI enrolls more than 30,000 students and is the site of the medical, dental, nursing and other health professional schools.  In addition, there are six other campuses for a total of 95,000 students in the IU System.

The search committee has explicitly endorsed efforts to increase the diversity of the School.  Accordingly, applicants whose work incorporates a global perspective and a demonstrated commitment to issues of diversity in higher education are particularly encouraged to apply.  Successful candidates should possess specific competence and demonstrated expertise in multicultural settings.

Additional information on the School is available at www.opt.indiana.edu.  Information about Indiana University is available at www.indiana.edu.

The Search Committee will begin considering applications on August 15, 2009, and will continue until the position is filled.  Please submit nominations or a curriculum vitae and a letter of application to:

            Dr. John DiBiaggio, Senior Consultant
            Academic Search, Inc.
            jad@academic-search.com or (617) 335-2020

Indiana University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and encourages applications from candidates with diverse cultural backgrounds.

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