Position Summary
Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.
The School of Criminal Justice is a national leader in criminal justice and criminology research and education. The School has 27 tenure-system faculty members, including some with joint appointments with other colleges and departments. Current student enrollments include 30 Ph.D. students, 183 M.S. students in both residential and online programs, and 976 undergraduate majors. The School's faculty is committed to excellence in research and publication, befitting a major research university of the first rank (see the School’s website at: http://cj.msu.edu/). Faculty and academic specialists are highly active in securing funding for research and implementation of outreach programs. The School provides experiential learning opportunities for undergraduates through internships and mentored research opportunities. Graduate students also are offered internship opportunities. The School has four full-time academic advisors and offers career counseling for undergraduate majors. For over seventy-five years, the faculty and staff of the School have worked to integrate research into their curricula offerings and offer cutting-edge outreach programs both inside and outside of Michigan.
The Director is the chief academic and administrative officer of the School, with responsibilities that include the following: managing the budget and planning process, which includes proposing and monitoring the annual budget and determining how to effectively allocate non-recurring funds; overseeing personnel; ensuring compliance with University policies and procedures; overseeing the hiring of faculty members; managing the faculty reappointment, promotion, and tenure process; overseeing the annual faculty evaluation and raise process; conducting school and advisory committee meetings; engaging faculty members in short- and long-range planning; managing school space assignments; leading school external and program reviews; and attending college and university meetings. In addition, the Director will oversee the strategic direction of the School in alignment with the college’s strategic plan.
Additional goals for the School of Criminal Justice, as part of the initial appointment as Director, include the development and refinement of the School’s research focus to direct resources toward those focus areas; to cultivate relationships with alumni and donors to increase the financial resources to support School initiatives; and to actively participate in College initiatives as described in the Strategic Plan.
The candidate should be an accomplished scholar in criminal justice or criminology and should have the ability and interest to work effectively with a diverse constituency, including faculty members from various disciplines, heads of other disciplinary units at Michigan State University, College and University administrators, students, and alumni. A successful candidate will have a significant record of scholarship, teaching, and externally sponsored research. The candidate will also have effective administrative and leadership skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and dedication to the land grant mission. International experience or demonstrated interest in international scholarship and collaboration is an advantage.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -social science discipline/field, or one closely related
Minimum Requirements
Candidates should have an earned Ph.D. in a social science discipline/field, or one closely related, and a successful record of achievement sufficient to merit appointment at the rank of a tenured advanced associate/full professor within the School.
Desired Qualifications
Preference will be given to current tenured faculty within the School of Criminal Justice. Preference will be given to tenured faculty at the rank of full professor, although candidates at the Advanced Associate rank will be considered.
Required Application Materials
Application materials must include separate statements about both of the following areas:
1). The candidate’s professional experience, expertise, professional goals, and research agenda;
2). Evidence of quality teaching experience.
In addition, please submit a cover letter, your curriculum vitae and the names and contact information for three references.
Special Instructions
Review of applications will begin September 2, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries may be directed to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Chris Melde (melde@msu.edu).
Website
cj.msu.edu
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
