Associate Professor or Professor and Head

Position Function:

With a commitment to excellence in teaching research and service the Department Head will provide visionary leadership to approximately 30 faculty members 9 staff and a diverse student body. The successful candidate will support and articulate the departments mission and strategic goals fostering an environment that promotes academic excellence scholarly productivity and community engagement.

Salary Grade:UC

For salary grade UC these positions are Unclassified and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

The Department of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) at Mississippi State University seeks an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as Department Head. TEAL encompasses four program areas: Elementary Education Secondary Education Special Education and Educational Leadership. The department offers bachelors masters specialist and doctoral degrees delivered through both facetoface and online modalities.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

July 1 2025

Tenure Track Status:

Tenured

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Faculty Leadership and Support:
Recruit retain and support a highly qualified diverse and interdisciplinary faculty committed to excellence in teacher education and educational leadership.
Coordinate and manage faculty workload assignments in alignment with department goals and accreditation requirements.
Provide mentorship and guidance to faculty throughout the promotion and tenure process.
Conduct regular evaluations of faculty performance related to promotion tenure meritbased salary increases and professional expectations.
Foster a culture of continuous professional development collaboration and innovation among faculty members.
Departmental Operations and Strategic Planning:
Lead the department in developing implementing and assessing strategic initiatives and shared governance structures.
Oversee academic programs to ensure quality relevance and alignment with state licensure requirements and national accreditation standards.
Ensure compliance with university college and state policies and procedures regarding the departments operations and service to students.
Collaborate with faculty to identify strengths address challenges and implement changes to academic programs or operations.
Administer the departments budget allocate resources effectively and develop sustainable revenuegenerating strategies.
Maintain and enhance departmental facilities instructional technologies and physical space to support teaching research and service.
Communication and Collaboration:
Convene regular departmental meetings and coordinate with program leads to support instructional and programmatic alignment.
Serve as the primary liaison between the department and the Dean of the College of Education advocating for departmental needs and initiatives.
Oversee and assist with the collection and reporting of departmental data for institutional effectiveness accreditation and strategic planning.
Encourage and support faculty in pursuing grants partnerships and external funding opportunities that enhance the departments mission.
Program Oversight and Student Support:
Work collaboratively with program coordinators to oversee undergraduate and graduate programs ensuring academic integrity and responsiveness to student needs.
Provide leadership in course scheduling and academic planning to support timely degree completion.
Support faculty and staff in advising students particularly those experiencing curricular or academic challenges.
Uphold excellence in teaching and learning in accordance with College of Education policies.
Lead departmental efforts related to program accreditation reaccreditation and continuous improvement.
Engage in professional development and service through active participation in relevant scholarly and practitioner organizations.
Lead strategic initiatives to recruit and retain a highly qualified student body enhancing the departments academic excellence.
Additional Responsibilities:
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and strategic goals of the Department College and University.

Minimum Qualifications:

Earned doctorate from an accredited university in Curriculum & Instruction Educational Leadership or a closely related field.
Qualify for tenure and the rank of Associate Professor at Mississippi State University.
Demonstrated K12 teaching experience in public schools.
Successful administrative experience in an educational environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Qualify for the rank of Full Professor with tenure at Mississippi State University.
Demonstrated record of administrative experience in a university environment.
Experience with fiscal management and oversight including foundations/giving efforts.
Familiarity with accreditation standards and processes particularly CAEP.
Success in facilitating external funding.
Membership and leadership in applicable professional societies/organizations.
History of collegiality consistency and fairness with personnel and ability to foster collaboration and team building.
Appropriate understanding of all subdisciplines and methods of inquiry represented in the Department.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrated leadership and administrative skills in higher education including strategic planning budget management and faculty development.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive departmental culture.
Comprehensive understanding of teacher education and educational leadership programs accreditation processes (e.g. CAEP) and licensure requirements.
Proven ability to support and advance research teaching and service missions within a diverse academic environment.
Experience in developing and implementing initiatives that promote student recruitment retention and success.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

The Department Head role is primarily performed in a standard office setting within an academic environment.
Duties require extended periods of sitting computer use and attending meetings.
Occasional travel may be necessary for conferences meetings and other professional engagements.
The position involves a high level of responsibility and requires the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
No unusual physical demands are associated with this position.

Instructions for Applying:

All applicants must apply online at by attaching a cover letter curriculum vitae that includes the complete contact information for at least three references and copies of transcripts. Official transcripts for the position finalists will be requested at that time. Note: Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.
The Search Committee will begin a review of applications as soon as possible and continue until a candidate is selected. For inquiries about the position and the department please contact Dr. Dan Gadke at 662.325.3312 or email

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment programs or activities based on race color ethnicity sex pregnancy religion national origin disability age sexual orientation genetic information status as a U.S. veteran or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance 231 Famous Maroon Band Street P.O. 6044 Mississippi State MS 39762 (662).

What do I do if I need an accommodation

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