Chair, Department of Arts and Languages

Chair Department of Arts and Languages

Position Type: Full-time Tenured (Associate or Full Professor) of English Start Date: August 8 2025 or later

Shape the Future of Arts and Languages at Fisk University!

Fisk University a distinguished and historic institution invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Arts and Languages within the School of Humanities & Behavioral Social Sciences. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and visionary leader to guide and elevate our vibrant programs in English Art and Modern Languages.

We seek a Chair who will play a pivotal role in fostering academic excellence promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and nurturing a supportive environment for faculty and students. Youll provide administrative leadership for the department champion innovative teaching methodologies and contribute to the intellectual vitality of our campus community through your own teaching and scholarship.

What Youll Do:

Lead:

Provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the Department of Arts and Languages encompassing the disciplines of English Art and Modern Languages.

Supervise and mentor faculty to foster their professional development and scholarly pursuits.

Supervise the English Art and Modern Languages Discipline Coordinators

Manage Departmental budgets and resources effectively.

Develop and implement innovative curricula that reflect current trends and pedagogical best practices.

Display excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Have experience working with diverse student populations including racial ethnic cultural and socioeconomic diversity.

Advise mentor and support students from underrepresented groups

Teach a reduced number of courses within the English Discipline to maintain active engagement with students

Continue an active research agenda:

Engage in scholarly activities including conference presentations and publications.

Support student research and student professional development.

Promote interdisciplinary connections and collaborations within the Department and across the University.

Facilitate student recruitment retention and success.

Represent the Department within the University and to external stakeholders.

Contribute to the Universitys shared governance through committee participation.

Serve:

Serve on department college and university committees.

Advise and mentor students pursuing careers in related fields.

Engage in community outreach and partnerships

Contribute to program development and student recruitment.

Collaborate with the tandem units such as the W. E. B. Du Bois Honors Program John R. Lewis Center for Social Justice and the Office of Global Affairs among others.

Integrate Technology:

Demonstrate proficiency in data collection and management

Utilize digital tools and data analytics to enhance student learning.

Stay current with emerging technologies in English the arts and languages.

Required Qualifications:

An earned doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree) in English or a closely related field.

A distinguished record of teaching scholarship and service commensurate with appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.

Demonstrated administrative and leadership experience preferably at the department/director level or higher for at least three years.

Supportive skills in guiding junior faculty: encouraging their professional growth and facilitating the tenure and promotion processes.

Knowledge of how English Art and the Modern Languages intersect toward cross-disciplinary faculty collaboration.

Experience with online/hybrid instruction and technology-enhanced learning.

Excellent communication interpersonal and collaborative skills.

Diplomatic skills in team building student relations and creative problem solving.

A strong commitment to the mission and values of Fisk University.

A visionary approach to the future of English the arts literature and the modern languages in higher education.

Preferred:

Familiarity with the mission and culture of HBCUs.

Active participation in professional organizations.

Record of successful grant writing and budget management.

Experience developing and implementing culturally responsive teaching practices.

Join the Legacy:

Fisk University a historically Black university has a rich history of cultivating exceptional talent and fostering intellectual growth. As Chair of the Department of Arts and Languages you will have the opportunity to build upon this legacy and shape the next generation of artists writers scholars and global citizens.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a letter of application outlining their vision for the Department and relevant experience a curriculum vitae a statement of teaching and research philosophy unofficial transcripts and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will commence immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

All materials must be submitted electronically via Paycom the Universitys electronic HR hiring system. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Fisk University is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in higher education.