Position Function:
The position functions as the department head and a full professor for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The Department Head, who reports to the Dean of Bagley College of Engineering, is responsible for the overall administration of the department, and is expected to be a dynamic and collaborative leader working closely with the Dean, faculty, and staff to promote the department and the college missions. This position also holds the James W. Bagley endowed chair in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
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 Electrical and Computer Engineering is one of eight academic departments in the Bagley College of Engineering. The Department offers ABET-accredited undergraduate programs in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering, which the latter is jointly offered with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. It also offers graduate studies leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Programs are offered in Starkville, MS Gulf Coast, and Online campuses. The Department is composed of 614 undergraduates, 131 graduate students (70% PhD seeking), 28 faculty members (including 6 endowed professorships, 4 IEEE Fellows), and 7 staff members. Research expenditures total approximately $15 million annually. Faculty members have developed a strong research program spanning the areas of computer systems, microelectronics, communications, electromagnetics, signal processing, machine learning, remote sensing, power, controls, high voltage, and engineering education. The Department houses the largest university operated high voltage laboratory in North America. Additionally, faculty in the department are active in many University research centers (www.research.msstate.edu/ci/).
Area of Specialization:
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Anticipated Appointment Date:
July 1, 2025
Tenure Track Status:
Tenured
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Provides vision and leadership for nationally recognized education and research programs.
2. Provides leadership and mentoring to all faculty, staff, and students.
3. Responsible for overall administration of faculty and staff activities.
4. Responsible for recruitment of a diverse community of students, faculty, and support staff.
5. Maintains and participates actively in ongoing departmental research program and seeks new areas of research funding.
6. Conducts research leading to scholarly publications.
7. Participates in fundraising activities, including solicitation of gifts for scholarships, professorships, chairs, etc.
8. Works with the Dean of the Bagley College of Engineering and university administration in establishing goals and objectives for the college, department, and in meeting the university missions of teaching, research, and service.
9. Serves as a liaison with faculty, administrators, alumni, students, and community.
10. Academic responsibilities include planning, reviewing, and updating the curriculum, academic programs, and course content.
11. Personnel responsibilities include promotion and tenure, performance evaluation, and workload management.
12. Fiscal responsibilities include preparing and overseeing departmental budget and other budgets for research funding.
Minimum Qualifications:
The successful candidate must hold an earned doctorate in Electrical and Computer Engineering or a closely related field, must qualify for the rank of professor with tenure, and as such must have earned national recognition by a distinguished record of accomplishments in electrical and computer engineering research and education. A strong record of scholarly publications in archival literature, funded research, and significant teaching experience are required. Demonstrated success and leadership in obtaining and executing government and industrial research grants and contracts are expected. In addition, previous experience in successful leadership in an academic unit is desirable.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The successful Department Head will provide:
1. Vision and leadership for nationally recognized education and research programs,
2. Exceptional academic and administrative skills,
3. A strong commitment to faculty recruitment and development, and
4. A strong commitment to promoting access, opportunity, inclusion and success for students, staff, and faculty.
5. Effective communication skills with a wide range of audiences.
Instructions for Applying:
Applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu by submitting a cover letter outlining your experience and vision for this position, a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of at least three professional references. Screening of candidates will begin March 1, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries and nominations should be directed to Dr. Rani Sullivan, Department Head of Aerospace Engineering and Search Committee Chair (sullivan@ae.msstate.edu or 662.325.3623).
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
