Western Kentucky University, Department of Mathematics

Position ID: 1872-CHAIR [#18506]
Position Title: Department Chair
Position Type: Tenured/Tenure-track faculty
Position Location: Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101, United States
Application Deadline: 2021/12/01 11:59PMhelp popup finished (2021/10/06, finished 2022/06/04, listed until 2021/12/01)
Position Description:    

*** this position has been closed. ***

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 17,500 students (32% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority) and nearly 2,900 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. With an ethnically and diverse population, more than 85 languages are 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 at wku.edu/about.

The Department of Mathematics at Western Kentucky University is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Department Chair. The Department is housed in the Ogden College of Science and Engineering, and it has 32 diverse faculty representing all major research areas in mathematics. The Department serves 161 undergraduate Mathematics majors, has graduate MS and MA programs, and teaches mathematics service courses to WKU students. The Department Chair is expected to manage department operations (including the departmental budget), facilitate the direction of undergraduate and graduate programs, uphold and enhance the excellency of the department faculty's teaching and research, and represent the department within the college, across the university, and in the community.

Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success:

A demonstrated record of excellence in teaching, research, and service. A demonstrated and sustained commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education with a focus on increasing the participation of underrepresented students and faculty in the Department of Mathematics. Administration and leadership skills, which includes, but is not limited to, budget management, personnel evaluation, and problem resolution. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to lead faculty who specialize in pure or applied mathematics, statistics, and/or mathematics education. Ability to effectively negotiate with administration and other academic units. Ability to work effectively in a diverse multi-ethnic/multicultural environment.

Requirements: Earned doctorate in Mathematics, Statistics, Mathematics Education, Statistics Education, or a closely related field. Ability to meet departmental standards for tenure and hold the rank of Associate or full Professorship at the time of hire. Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching, research, and service. A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education with a focus on increasing the participation of underrepresented students and faculty in the Department of Mathematics. Demonstrated administration and leadership skills, which includes, but is not limited to, budget management, personnel evaluation, and problem resolution. Demonstrated ability to build trust through collaborative decision making and an in-depth understanding of current trends in mathematics research, teaching pedagogy, and best practices. Experience in applying for and obtaining external funding. Demonstrated ability to foster a culture of accountability in which departmental goals are specified and strategies are articulated.

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 Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services (EEO). To request an accommodation, report/express a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU''s Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Mr. Joshua Hayes, EEO Director/Title IX Investigator/University ADA Coordinator, via email at joshua.hayes@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-5121.

The University is also required to investigate complaints of sex and gender-based harassment, also a form of discrimination, and has designated the Title IX Coordinator as the individual responsible for coordinating the investigation and response to such complaints. The Title IX Coordinator for the University is Ms. Deborah Wilkins, who can be contacted via email at deborah.wilkins@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-5396. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU''s https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

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

Application Instructions: The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system by December 1, 2021 (formerly March 5, 2021), 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 statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion in mathematics and mathematics education (up to 3 pages) that includes: your values related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, your experiences working with diverse populations, and your future plans related to inclusivity. A vision statement (up to 4 pages) that includes: a statement of your leadership style and how your experience reflects that style and your goals for the department, with particular attention to undergraduate and graduate programs (including enhancing student recruitment and retention), service courses, teaching pedagogy, research (including the enhancement of external funding), and service (internal and external). 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.

Duties begin July 1, 2022. The initial appointment is for 4 years, with renewal for additional 4 year terms possible after a performance review as prescribed by University policy.

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


We are not accepting applications for this job through MathJobs.Org right now. Please apply at http://wku.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=126768 external link.
Postal Mail:
1906 College Hgts. Blvd. #11078
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Web Page: www.wku.edu/math