Dean Searches
Ouachita Baptist University has launched searches for the next dean of the Pruet School of Christian Studies and the next dean of the J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences. Both deans will begin serving in July 2027.
Ouachita has engaged FaithSearch Partners, an executive search firm serving Christian colleges, universities and ministries, to lead both searches. FaithSearch consultants will recruit candidates, receive nominations and screen applicants before presenting semifinalists to the search committee.
This page will be updated as the searches move forward. We invite the Ouachita family to pray for wisdom and discernment throughout the process.
The Opportunities
Dean of the Pruet School of Christian Studies
The school: The Pruet School of Christian Studies prepares students for vocational ministry, missions and faith-integrated careers through biblical foundations and practical training. Its programs span biblical studies and theology, Christian ministries, Christian missions, community & family services, and philosophy.
The role: The dean leads the school’s faculty and academic programs, champions student recruitment and builds relationships with Arkansas Baptist churches, pastors and ministry partners.
The next dean will:
- Cast a clear and compelling vision for Pruet that honors its legacy and theological commitments
- Grow enrollment in partnership with Admissions Counseling and through deeper ties with churches and pastors
- Encourage and develop faculty while strengthening students’ preparation for ministry
- Explore new opportunities, including graduate programs
Start date: July 2027
Learn about the Pruet School → obu.edu/christianstudies
Dean of the Patterson School of Natural Sciences
The school: The J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences is known for faculty-mentored undergraduate research and for preparing students for graduate and professional school, health care and research careers. Its departments include Biological Sciences; Chemistry, Physics and Engineering; Mathematics, Computer Sciences and Cybersecurity; Communication Sciences and Disorders; Dietetics and Nursing. The school also offers two graduate programs.
The role: The dean is the school’s chief academic and administrative leader, working through department chairs and the director of nursing to advance teaching, research and student success.
The next dean will:
- Sustain Patterson’s strong programs, student outcomes and student-centered culture
- Shape a strategic vision for enrollment, graduate education and new programs
- Recruit, mentor and support faculty across a wide range of disciplines
- Expand external partnerships, grants and fundraising
Start date: July 2027
Learn about the Patterson School → obu.edu/natsci
Apply or Nominate a Candidate
Ouachita has joined with FaithSearch Partners to lead the searches for these essential
positions. Those wishing to express interest, request application instructions or
nominate a candidate may contact:
DR. JACQUELINE GUSTAFSON
Senior Vice President, Higher Education, FaithSearch Partners
[email protected]
DR. ANDREW WESTMORELAND
Senior Vice President, FaithSearch Partners
[email protected]
Please note which search you are interested in. All inquiries, applications and nominations are held in confidence.
Search Timeline
Both searches follow the same projected timeline.
| LISTENING | SEPTEMBER 2026 |
FaithSearch Partners meets with administrators, faculty, staff and students to learn what each school needs in its next dean. |
| OUTREACH | OCTOBER–NOVEMBER 2026 |
FaithSearch Partners recruits, screens and interviews candidates. Nominations and expressions of interest are welcome. |
| SEMIFINALISTS | EARLY DECEMBER 2026 (estimated) |
Semifinalists are presented to the search committee. |
| COMMITTEE INTERVIEWS | EARLY JANUARY 2027 (estimated) |
The search committee interviews semifinalists. |
| CAMPUS VISITS | LATE JANUARY 2027 (estimated) |
Finalists visit campus for broader interviews. |
| SELECTION | FEBRUARY 2027 (estimated) |
Ouachita selects each new dean. |
| NEW DEANS BEGIN | JULY 2027 |
The new deans begin service at Ouachita. |
Search Updates
October 14, 2026: Ouachita has launched searches for the next deans of the Pruet School of Christian Studies and the J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences, led by FaithSearch Partners. Candidate outreach is now underway, and nominations and expressions of interest are welcome.
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