Department Chair - Psychological Sciences

About Western Kentucky University:

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 15,035 students (29% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority) and just over 2,500 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green atwku.edu/about.

Job Description:

The Ogden College of Science and Engineering (OCSE) at WKU seeks a dynamic and experienced individual as Chair for its Department of Psychological Sciences (https://www.wku.edu/psychological-sciences/). The Chair, who reports to the Dean of the College, is expected to manage department operations (including the departmental budget), facilitate the direction of undergraduate and graduate programs, uphold and enhance the excellence of the department faculty's teaching and research, and represent the department within the college, across the university, and in the community. The Department of Psychological Sciences has 15 faculty representing the breadth of the discipline, including clinical, cognitive, developmental, industrial-organizational, social, and neuroscience. Many of our research-active faculty have a history of securing external grants from funding agencies such as NIH and NSF.

The Department offers both a BS in Psychological Science as well as an MS in Psychology. With approximately 170 undergraduate majors, the BS in Psychological Science affords students an outstanding opportunity to engage with faculty via small class sizes as well as hands-on research experiences. The two-year, in residence, MS in Psychology program has two tracks: Industrial/Organizational and Psychological Science. With approximately 20 students, the program offers students the opportunity to work closely with faculty in their graduate training and in developing a research thesis. The Department is also partnering with the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Computer Science on establishing a BS in Neuroscience. The Department prides itself on the close mentoring provided to students via advising, in the classroom, and in faculty member's research labs.

Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success:

• Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, research, and service.
• Commitment to supporting a culture of academic excellence, including research and mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students.
• Demonstrated administration and leadership skills, which includes, but is not limited to, budget management, personnel evaluation, and problem resolution.
• An in-depth understanding of current trends in research and education.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to enhancing student recruitment and retention.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education with a focus on increasing the participation of underrepresented students and faculty in the Department in particular.
• Ability to effectively negotiate with administration and other academic units, mediate between faculty and administration, and communicate administrative changes and requests in a timely manner.
• Willingness to strategically plan within a department that allows for flexible faculty workloads that leverage the strengths of each individual.
• Embrace collaborative decision making and foster a culture of mutual respect and accountability in which departmental goals are specified and strategies are clearly articulated.
• Commitment to uphold the Department's collegial atmosphere.
• Dedication to transparency through open communication and leadership within the Department.
• Interest in supporting the development of an interdisciplinary BS in Neuroscience.

Requirements:

• Earned doctorate in Psychology, or a closely related discipline, from an accredited institution.
• Ability to meet departmental standards for tenure and hold the rank of Associate or Full Professor at the time of hire.
• Experience in applying for, obtaining, and managing external funding.

Additional Information:

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email atena.demir@wku.eduor by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU'shttps://www.wku.edu/titleix/website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at:http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please emailemployment@wku.edu.

Application Instructions:

The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system by January 13, 2025, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled:

• A cover letter (up to 2 pages) highlighting important aspects of your experience and background.
• Curriculum vitae.
• A vision statement (up to 3 pages) that includes:
  -A statement of your leadership style and how your experience reflects that style.
  -Your goals for the department, with particular attention to undergraduate and graduate programs (including enhancing student recruitment and retention), curriculum, teaching pedagogy, research (including the enhancement of external funding), student mentorship, and service.

Names and contact information of three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee through an online process at a later date.

You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process.

For additional information, please contact Stuart Burris, Search Committee Chair, atstuart.burris@wku.edu.

Quicklink to apply: https://wku.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=182668