Job Description:The Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering (CECE) has 25 full-time faculty and 945 students enrolled in accredited BS in Civil Engineering, BS in Construction Engineering & Management, MS in Civil Engineering, MS in Construction Management, MS in Environmental Engineering, ME in Civil & Environmental Engineering, and PhD in Civil Engineering degree programs. The Department organizes and actively encourages its students to participate in its international programs, including the faculty-led study abroad programs to Brazil, Czech Republic, Mexico, Peru, as well as the Dual Master's Degrees Program in Smart Cities with Czech Technical University.
Civil engineering faculty members participate in research activities through the following centers affiliated with the Department: Center for Transportation Infrastructure Systems (CTIS); Center for Environmental Resource Management (CERM); NSF-Funded Engineering Research Center for Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification (ASPIRE); USDOT-Funded Southern Plains Transportation Center (SPTC); USDOT-Funded Center for Connected Cities for Smart Mobility towards Accessible & Resilient Transportation for Equitable congestion Reduction (C2SMARTER); USDOT-Funded Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH).
The College of Engineering at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of the Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering (CECE) Department.
The Chair serves as the academic leader and chief administrator of the department, providing strategic vision and leadership to advance excellence in teaching, research, service, student success, and community engagement. The successful candidate will build upon the department's strengths while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that supports faculty, staff, and students.
The Chair is responsible for providing academic, administrative, and strategic leadership for the department. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the development and implementation of the department's strategic vision and priorities.
- Supporting and promoting excellence in research, scholarship, innovation, and sponsored programs.
- Fostering high-quality undergraduate and graduate education and student success initiatives.
- Recruiting, mentoring, evaluating, and supporting faculty and staff.
- Managing departmental resources, including budgets, personnel, facilities, and equipment.
- Overseeing faculty workload assignments, annual evaluations, promotion and tenure processes, and professional development activities.
- Supporting accreditation activities and assessment efforts.
- Representing departmental interests within the College of Engineering, the University, and external constituencies.
- Building partnerships with industry, government organizations, professional societies, alumni, and community stakeholders.
- Advancing a culture of collaboration, shared governance, integrity, and inclusiveness.
Requirements: - Earned doctorate in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Construction Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Record of scholarly achievement and professional recognition sufficient for appointment as a tenured Professor at UTEP.
- Demonstrated record of excellence in research, teaching, and service.
- Evidence of successful leadership, management, and administrative experience.
- Demonstrated ability to promote faculty development, student success, and research growth.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaborative leadership skills.
Preferred Qualifications- Professional Engineer (PE) License
- Experience leading complex academic programs or research organizations.
- Record of securing and managing externally funded research programs.
- Experience with ABET accreditation and assessment processes.
- Experience building partnerships with AEC industry, government agencies, and community organizations.
- Commitment to broadening participation in engineering education and research.
Additional Information:In keeping with its access, excellence, and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.
Application Instructions:Applicants should submit: 1) Cover letter describing interests, qualifications, and leadership experience; 2) Curriculum vitae; 3) Vision statement addressing leadership, research, education, and departmental development; 4) research statement (up to 2 pages); 5) Teaching statement (up to 2 pages); and 6) names and contact information of at least four references.
Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
Anticipated appointment date is Fall 2027.
InquiriesNominations and questions about the position, qualifications, or search process should be directed to:
Dr. Miguel Velez-Reyes
Chair of the Search Committee
mvelezreyes@utep.edu
