Department Head for Applied Engineering Position Available In Calhoun, Alabama

Department Head for Applied Engineering
Jacksonville State University
in Jacksonville, AL

Apply Now Type:

Full-Time

Salary:

Commensurate with Experience and Education

Posted:

04/16/2025

Application Due:

05/16/2025

Category:

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering About Jacksonville State University Founded in 1883, Jacksonville State University, also known as Jax State, is a learning-centered comprehensive public university in Jacksonville, Alabama, committed to providing distinctive educational, cultural and social experiences for a diverse student population. Nestled in the Appalachian foothills of northeast Alabama, midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State is home to nearly 10,000 students from more than 60 countries. As a learning-centered university, it strives to challenge students academically in a responsive environment and supports them in achieving their educational, career and personal goals. As an institution of higher learning, it seeks to produce broadly educated graduates prepared for global engagement while promoting scholarly research and service activities that align with its academic and professional strengths. Jax State is recognized as a top-tier regional university, climbing steadily in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings over the past four years. It is ranked #55 among Best Regional Universities in the South and #25 among Best Public Universities in the South for 2025. The University is also a top producer of Fulbright Scholars, recognized by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Jax State, known as “the friendliest campus in the South,” offers a diverse and comprehensive range of academic programs designed to prepare students for successful careers and lifelong learning. The University provides 46 undergraduate degree programs, 12 undergraduate microcredentials and certificates, 64 master’s programs, three doctoral programs, seven Educational Specialist (EdS) programs and 15 graduate certificate programs and microcredentials. Many of these programs are available entirely online, offering flexibility to accommodate students’ schedules and learning preferences. The University maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, ensuring personalized instruction and mentorship in a supportive learning environment. With one of the highest percentages of accredited programs among universities nationwide, Jax State is committed to academic excellence and student success. Reinforcing its dedication to high academic standards, Jax State received a 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in 2024. This distinction demonstrates the University’s commitment to institutional integrity, academic quality and continuous improvement in higher education. On March 19, 2018, an EF-3 tornado caused more than $100 million in damage to campus. The University community came together under the “Gamecock Strong” spirit to rebuild and revitalize its facilities. Since then, Jax State has made significant investments in campus restoration, creating state-of-the-art learning spaces and athletic venues. Jax State has risen from the debris and is experiencing a transformational era with major campus developments enhancing academic facilities, student life and athletics. In Fall 2024, Jax State opened the North Village Housing Project, providing modern residential spaces designed to enhance student living, along with a new dining hall, offering expanded meal options in a dynamic, student-friendly setting. In athletics, the Loring and Debbie White Football Complex was completed in the summer of 2024, reinforcing the University’s dedication to elevating its athletic programs. Meanwhile, construction began in 2024 on the Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for the arts along the West Village Residence Housing Project. This dynamic facility will replace outdated housing on campus and provide students with an unparalleled place to connect, collaborate and grow. This period of progress and growth continues into the future, as Jax State remains committed to expanding opportunities and advancing its mission. In February 2025, the University launched its most ambitious fundraising effort to date—”It’s A Jax State of Mind,” a historic $100 million comprehensive campaign designed to support scholarships, academic programs, facility enhancements and student success initiatives. This transformative campaign ensures that Jax State will continue to evolve as a premier institution, providing cutting-edge resources, top-tier facilities and unparalleled student experiences for generations to come. To learn more about the campaign go to, It’s a Jax State of Mind – It’s a Jax State of Mind. For more information, visit www.jsu.edu About the College of Business and Industry The mission of the College of Business and Industry is to provide learners with a career-focused education emphasizing responsible judgement, innovative thinking, entrepreneurial skills and service to their communities. The College aims to serve the Southeast by being an integral, cooperative partner of the business community by assessing needs and providing the human and intellectual resources for the future. Chosen by Princeton Review as one of “The Best Business Schools”, the College is comprised of these professionally oriented academic areas – Department of Applied Engineering, Departments of Business (Gregory D. Brown Department of Finance, Economics and Accounting, and the Lyons and Company Inc. Department of Management and Marketing) and Department of Communication. All are accredited by prestigious international accrediting agencies. The College enrolled 1,720 students (1,552 undergraduate and 168 graduate) in Fall 2024. These students were supported by 67 faculty and 21 staff. Core values include teaching, intellectual contributions, external interaction and continuous improvement. In support of these values the College focuses on six goals: improving the student experience and engagement; career development; faculty engagement; community outreach; alumni involvement and support; and growth and funding. For more information visit www.jsu.edu/business/index.html About the Department of Applied Engineering The mission of the Department of Applied Engineering is to educate an undergraduate and graduate student body for successful careers in a dynamically changing global environment. Its programs are designed for those with an orientation towards the application of engineering and management concepts to solving complex real-world problems. The Department seeks to develop and maintain strong connections to industries in Northeast Alabama, for the mutual benefit of enhanced economic vitality to the region. The Department prioritizes excellence through small classes taught by faculty (not graduate students), high faculty-student interaction and an emphasis on the industrial application of engineering theory. In Fall 2024, six faculty and two staff supported 272 students in five Bachelor of Science Programs and 12 students in one Master of Science program.

A 4+1 MBA

program allows applied engineering undergraduates to seamlessly transition into the Master of Business Administration – General Concentration program. Also the Department works in collaboration with the JSU Center for Manufacturing Support and its four staff members. All undergraduate programs as well as the graduate program are accredited by

ATMAE:

The Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering. For more information, visit www.jsu.edu/applied-engineering About the Position Jacksonville State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Department Head of Applied Engineering beginning August 1, 2025. The Department Head of Applied Engineering is the educational and chief administrator responsible for the Department and reports directly to the Dean of the College, who is responsible to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs for the successful management of the Department. The Department Head provides vision, leadership, direction, and expert administration and ensures the participation of faculty in teaching, research, publication and community service.

The Department Head may be required to teach courses within his/her concentration area on campus, off-campus, online and possibly via videoconferencing depending on need of location. Essential Responsibilities Lead Departmental growth with respect to students, faculty, programs, resources and academic quality Manage the Department’s resources in consultation with the Dean Manage and administer programmatic accreditations with ATMAE and eventually ABET Provide advisement and collaboration on projects with the JSU Center for Manufacturing Support Foster a Departmental culture of discovery, innovation and collegiality Encourage faculty in areas related to pedagogical improvement and professional development, including scholarly work and applied research and other internally or externally funded activities Monitor student enrollment numbers and work with Enrollment Management to extend, expand and ensure Departmental participation in recruitment efforts appropriate to the programs Develop and expand relationships with industry partners to increase opportunities for faculty professional development, applied research, work-based learning opportunities for students and educational partnerships for regional employers Perform other duties as assigned Required Qualifications An earned doctorate in industrial engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, occupational safety or a closely related field
A minimum of one year of experience in a manufacturing or similar field
A minimum of one year of administrative experience such as department head, assistant department head, director, assistant director, program leader/coordinator or similar responsibility
Accomplishments and credentials sufficient to meet the requirements of the rank of Associate Professor or Professor at JSU in teaching, service and scholarly publications, which includes a minimum of five years of experience in higher education Preferred Qualifications Experience administering Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) or Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited programs To view this position, visit https://www.highereducationleadershipsearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/JSU-DepartHead_DAE-APR25.pdf To apply for this position, visit https://www.highereducationleadershipsearch.com/candidate-portal-form. To nominate someone for this position, e-mail: nominations@highereducationleadershipsearch.com Geralyn McClure Franklin, Ph.D. will be assisting Jacksonville State University with this search. If you have questions or would like to have a confidential conversation about the position, call 936-371-0549 (cell) or e-mail geralynf@highereducationleadershipsearch.com Jacksonville State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and specifically invites applications from women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities. Candidates for this position will be considered through May 16, 2025. Apply Now