PRESS RELEASES

Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) selected by St. Mary’s University for Dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology Search

(August 20, 2026, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, has been selected to recruit the next Dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology at St. Mary’s University.  Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, will be leading the search.

The School of Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) at St. Mary’s University is uniquely positioned at the intersection of Catholic higher education, scientific discovery, technological innovation, and the rapidly growing innovation ecosystem of South Texas. With a new University strategic plan, significant recent investments, and strong institutional support, the next Dean will be well positioned to build upon the School’s momentum and help define its future. Recent milestones include the opening of the $20 million Blank Sheppard Innovation Center, the launch of a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, the only program of its kind at a private Catholic university in Texas, and continued growth in externally funded research spanning engineering, cybersecurity, the natural sciences, and health-related disciplines. Reporting to the Provost, the Dean of SET serves as the School’s chief academic and administrative officer, providing strategic leadership for academic programs, enrollment, faculty development, research, and operational excellence. Working collaboratively across the University and with external partners, the Dean will strengthen industry and community partnerships, expand research and philanthropic support, champion interdisciplinary collaboration, and advance the School’s regional and national reputation while preparing graduates to lead with integrity and purpose. To learn more about this opportunity, view the full Leadership Profile.

St. Mary’s University, founded in 1852, is the oldest Catholic university in the Southwest and a Hispanic-Serving Institution grounded in the Catholic and Marianist traditions. The University enrolls approximately 3,500 students across four schools, offering more than 40 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, including doctoral and professional degrees. Guided by the five Characteristics of Marianist Universities, St. Mary’s integrates rigorous academics with faith, service, leadership, and community, creating an educational experience that prepares graduates to lead lives of purpose and impact. Students benefit from close faculty mentorship, undergraduate and graduate research opportunities, experiential learning, and a vibrant campus community that extends to a global network of more than 36,000 alumni. Nationally recognized for academic quality and value, St. Mary’s is ranked the No. 1 Best Value School in the West and has been recognized among the region’s top universities by U.S. News & World Report for more than three decades.

Affordable Excellence 

Academic Career & Executive Search, a higher education focused search firm, specializes in affordable excellence, providing perfectly matched candidates to institutions quickly and accurately. Their methodologies, based on frequent touchpoints, pinpoint ideal candidates with speed and meticulous care resulting in highly successful placements.

They offer flexible service/pricing levels for all positions, ensuring affordability.

Contact Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, at 860-740-2600 or Jennifer@ACESrch.com, or visit https://acesrch.com/.