Position Description

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 third largest public four-year institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16,293 students and nearly 2,612 faculty and staff employees.  
 
Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community. 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 ever-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 at wku.edu/about.

Job Description:

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 25 faculty representing a variety of backgrounds and major research areas in mathematics. The Department offers a variety of both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The Department also provides general education mathematics 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 excellence of the department, and represent the department within the college, across the university, and in the community.

Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success:

• Administration and leadership skills, which could include 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 multi-ethnic/multicultural environment.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a culture of accountability in which departmental goals and expectations are specified, and strategies are articulated.
• Demonstrated experience with managing grants or contracts.

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.
• Demonstrated ability to apply for, obtain, and administer 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 at ena.demir@wku.edu or 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's https://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 email employment@wku.edu.

Application Instructions:

The following items must be submitted through WKU's electronic talent management system  by January 23, 2026, 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 and leadership statement (up to 4 pages) that substantially address both:
• 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, 2026. 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.