Job Description:The Department of Mathematics at Western Kentucky University is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Department Chair. The Department is housed in the Ogden College of Science and Engineering, and has 25 full-time faculty representing a variety of backgrounds and major research areas in mathematics. The Department offers a variety of both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The Department also provides general education mathematics courses to WKU students. The Department Chair is expected to manage department operations (including the departmental budget), facilitate the direction of undergraduate and graduate programs, uphold and enhance the excellence of the department, and represent the department within the college, across the university, and in the community.
Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success:
- Administration and leadership skills, including budget management, personnel evaluation, and problem resolution.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to lead faculty who specialize in pure or applied mathematics, statistics, and/or mathematics education.
- Ability to effectively negotiate with administration and other academic units.
- Ability to work effectively in a multi-ethnic/multicultural environment.
- Demonstrated ability to build trust through collaborative decision making.
- An in-depth understanding of current trends in mathematics research, teaching pedagogy, and best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to ensure a culture of accountability in which departmental goals and expectations are specified, and strategies are articulated.
- Demonstrated ability to support faculty in applying for, obtaining, and administering external funding.
Requirements: - Earned doctorate in Mathematics, Statistics, Mathematics Education, Statistics Education, or a closely related field.
- Ability to meet departmental standards for tenure and hold the rank of Associate or full Professor at the time of hire.
- Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching, research, and service.
Additional Information:Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.
Application Instructions:The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system by October 1, 2026, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled:
- A cover letter (up to 2 pages) highlighting important aspects of your experience and background.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Unofficial Transcripts
- A vision and leadership statement (up to 4 pages) that substantially addresses both:
- (1) a statement of your leadership style and how your experience reflects that style; and
- (2) your goals for the department, with particular attention to undergraduate and graduate programs (including enhancing student recruitment and retention), service courses, teaching pedagogy, research (including the enhancement of external funding), and service (internal and external).
Names and contact information of three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee through an online process at a later date.
Anticipated start date is July 1, 2027.
You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process.
URL: www.wku.edu/math/
