Calling all big shots: University of Texas administrators have begun the search for the inaugural dean of the Dell Medical School, hoping to fill the office by early next year.
UT released a 21-page document Monday detailing the necessary qualifications for applicants. The document describes the ideal candidate as an inspiring “leader among leaders,” comfortable with serving in the public eye and representing the school to local media and community leaders.
The ideal candidate is something of a chimera: The dean must possess the head of a businessman; the curiosity of an intellectual; the drive of a visionary; the spirit of a philanthropist; and the eyes of an architect to oversee construction of the facilities. And as the face of the Dell Medical School, the dean must maintain important relationships with partners including the Seton Healthcare Family – which has vowed to build a new teaching hospital – and Central Health (new funding for which voters approved in November).
Here’s one part of the job description:
The successful Inaugural Dean candidate will possess a medical degree from an accredited medical school and a substantial record of leadership and achievement in academic medicine, medical education, and medical research. The Dean must demonstrate the ability to effectively steward medical school resources; understand, appreciate and wisely guide the development of the medical education and research programs; effectively support the distinct academic and clinical partnerships; be able to represent the medical school in the various regional and national communities; and successfully raise funds from a variety of sources including private philanthropy.
The document identified Austin as an “educational Mecca” which offers a historic opportunity for the inaugural deal to make their mark in the field.
The document also identifies the 18 members of the search committee – two of them UT undergraduate students – who will begin reviewing applications for the dean position this December.
The new dean will be responsible for upholding the goals and aspirations of the Dell Medical School, including building a new teaching hospital to replace the University Medical Center Brackenridge and collaborating with other UT departments such as engineering and social work to create innovations in health care.
The search team is currently accepting applications and nominations.
The school is set to welcome its first class of 50 students in 2016.
