Job description

Tenured, Associate Professor/Professor Chair position beginning July 1, 2025. The position will lead the Department of Applied Design with programs in Apparel Design and Merchandising, Industrial Design and Interior Design.
We are looking for a proven leader who possesses a deep understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of the programs; is committed to excellence in education, research, and service; and possesses the ability to work effectively with stakeholders including faculty, staff, students, alumni, industry representatives, public and private funding agencies and other units within the college and university. The Chair’s duties include:
Demonstrate and provide academic leadership, act as advocate and liaison for the department, support student achievement, administer and manage the academic unit, lead departmental personnel matters, foster collegiality, celebrate successes, and contribute to the development and articulation of a vision for a diverse multi-disciplinary department.
Develop and maintain contacts with external professionals and industry connections, engage alumni in active participation with program areas, and assist in the recruitment of donors and fundraising.
Manage faculty appointments and development including, but not limited to, recruitment, re-appointments, promotion and tenure, annual faculty evaluation, and demonstrate knowledge about current technology.
Maintain oversight of all financial matters of the department. Demonstrate experience with external accreditation processes (e.g. SACS, NASAD, CIDA), maintain productive scholarship, and teach one course per semester.
Qualifications: Applicants must have an earned terminal degree in one or more of the department’s program areas with a distinguished record of teaching, service, and scholarly/creative activity to merit appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor. Applicants should also have demonstrated experience in university administration and professional practice, or industry experience within one or more of the department’s program areas.