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 department's 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 bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees, delivered through both face-to-face 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, merit-based 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 department’s operations and service to students.
• Collaborate with faculty to identify strengths, address challenges, and implement changes to academic programs or operations.
• Administer the department’s budget, allocate resources effectively, and develop sustainable revenue-generating 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 department’s 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, re-accreditation, 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 department's 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 K-12 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 www.msujobs.msstate.edu 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 dgadke@colled.msstate.edu.
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) 325-5839.
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.
