Position Function:
Reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (https://www.cas.msstate.edu), the Department Head is a 12-month appointment charged with responsibilities for all departmental operations.
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 Psychology at Mississippi State University (MSU) is pleased to invite applications for the position of Department Head. The department is at a critical juncture in its growth and seeks a dynamic, collegial, and effective leader to help the department faculty, staff, and students reach their full potential.
The department, with approximately 800+ undergraduates (in-person and online) and 47 graduate students, forms a major component of the science, technology education, and research across a thriving and entrepreneurial campus that values and supports interdisciplinary and collaborative studies and transformative research.
This vibrant and growing department houses 19 tenured/tenure-track faculty, 6 full time professional track faculty, and 3 professional staff members. Faculty in the Department of Psychology conduct research in the broad areas of clinical psychology and cognitive science, including psychopathology, health and community psychology, family systems research, cognitive neuroscience, sleep research, and the science of learning, memory, and problem-solving. The researchers are dedicated to improving lives by tackling society's most pressing challenges, from enhancing children's education in STEM fields and supporting veteran mental health to preventing suicide and advancing public health policy. Utilizing the latest technology and scientific methods, our faculty strive to comprehend the human mind and foster well-being in our communities and beyond
The department houses both in-person and Distance Education undergraduate BS degrees, Ph.D.s in both APA-accredited Clinical Psychology and in Cognitive Science, and undergraduate minors in Psychology, Cognitive Science, and Applied Neuroscience. Faculty and students collaborate widely across departments, colleges, and institutes, with established national and international collaborations. Our faculty conduct both basic science and applied research supported by grants from various federal agencies and foundations. The Department also houses a Psychology Clinic that provides scientifically-informed psychological services for the Golden Triangle community. Additional information on the Department of Psychology is available at https://www.psychology.msstate.edu/.
MSU is the leading research university in the state, a comprehensive Carnegie R1 (Very High Research Activity) campus that serves more than 23,000 students. Known for its campus beauty and as the home of the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, MSU is enhanced by robust relationships with the surrounding area and is further recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for the strength of its community engagement. For seven consecutive years MSU has been named as a “Great College to Work For” by the Chronicle of Higher Education and featured in their higher distinction category of “Great Colleges Honor Roll” list. A founding member of the Southeastern Conference with a strong athletic heritage, MSU thrives on its land-grant mission to serve and inspire the people of Mississippi and is proud to be among the 10 percent of U.S. colleges and universities that shelter a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. Located in the growing city of Starkville, Mississippi’s College Town, we are situated within a short drive of more than 120,000 acres of state and federal natural areas, with abundant opportunities for recreation.
Area of Specialization:
Psychology
Anticipated Appointment Date:
July 1, 2026
Tenure Track Status:
Tenured
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department Head is responsible for all departmental operations including: strategic planning, fiscal and personnel management, academic scheduling, resource allocation, and fundraising. The successful candidate will have strong administrative skills, academic leadership experience, a national/international reputation in the discipline, and a track record of excellence in research, teaching, and professional service consistent with an appointment at the rank of full professor.
Minimum Qualifications:
*The successful candidate must have a PH. D in a related discipline.
*A national/international reputation in the discipline.
*A track record of excellence in research, teaching, and professional service consistent with an appointment at the rank of full professor
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The Successful Head will provide:
1.) A bold strategic vision for academic administration, research, and teaching.
2.) Strong administrative skills
3.) Academic leadership experience
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
Limited physical effort required.
Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
At this time, MSU is unable to offer H-1B visa sponsorship for this role. This applies until further notice.
Instructions for Applying:
Applicants must apply online at explore.msujobs.msstate.edu (Parf # 509834 under the careers tab). Complete applications must include a cover letter, a CV, a statement of administrative experience and philosophy (2-page maximum), a statement of research and teaching expertise and goals (2-page maximum), a vision statement for promoting growth while maintaining a collegial and respectful atmosphere that ensures equal opportunity for all (2-page maximum) and contact information for five references
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.
