Dean, School of Public Health
Dean, School of Public Health: Position Profile
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) seeks a strategic and innovative leader to serve as dean of its renowned School of Public Health (SOPH).
The next dean will have an exciting opportunity to advance a compelling vision for the school’s future, building on a tradition of excellence in public health education, research, and practice to elevate the school’s visibility and impact locally, nationally, and globally.
The dean will inspire and catalyze the ongoing growth of a robust research enterprise, enhance educational opportunities and student success, and expand strategic partnerships and community engagement. To ensure the school’s long-term success, the dean will diversify revenue streams while working together with constituents across the school to further strengthen a culture of inclusion, transparency, and partnership.
Founded in 1978, the School of Public Health works to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities across Alabama and around the world. Home to more than 1,100 students, 90 full-time faculty, and 218 staff, it remains the only accredited school of public health in the state. U.S. News & World Report ranks the school No. 14 nationally and No. 7 among schools of public health at public universities.
The School of Public Health occupies a prominent place within UAB’s health ecosystem. Among the university’s 12 schools, the School of Public Health ranks second only to the School of Medicine in extramural research funding. In addition to collaborations across the university and UAB Health System, the school benefits from strong partnerships with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders.
Located in the heart of Birmingham, the School of Public Health is uniquely positioned to propel applied learning, interdisciplinary research, and community-engaged scholarship while strengthening the economic and social vitality of the region.
UAB seeks a dean with a distinguished record of research and scholarship and a demonstrable commitment to advancing the field of public health. A doctoral degree in public health or a related discipline is required along with qualifications for appointment as a tenured full professor in the School of Public Health.
UAB has retained WittKieffer, a national executive search firm, to assist in this search. For fullest consideration, candidates should submit a CV and cover letter by October 15, 2026, using the WittKieffer Candidate Portal. References will be requested of finalists and will only be contacted with candidates’ permission.
Confidential nominations and inquiries can be directed to Philip Tang and Sarah Seavey at UAB-SoPHDean@wittkieffer.com.
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.