Location : JSU Main Campus, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:College/Division: Sociology & Criminal Justice
Opening Date: 11/12/2026
DescriptionThe Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology at Jackson State University invites applications and nominations for the 12-month position of Chair beginning July 1, 2027. We seek an outstanding candidate to lead the faculty in teaching, research, and service. This position will be filled at the Associate or Full Professor rank. The substantive area is open. The Department, the largest in the College of Liberal Arts, offers the B.A. in Sociology, B.S. in Criminal Justice, and M.S. in Criminology and Justice Services. The Interdisciplinary Alcohol/Drug Studies Center is also housed in this department. The Center provides substance abuse prevention services throughout the state and has a long history of alcohol prevention geared toward college students.
Examples of Duties The Chair's responsibilities will include:
• Reporting to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, the Department Chair represents the Department to the College, other administrators, in the community. and throughout the state of Mississippi.
• In collaboration with faculty and staff, the Chair leads the Department in all aspects of program and curriculum development, scholarly/creative activity,
advocacy, and service.
• The Chair schedules and staffs all classes, supervises departmental employees, administers performance evaluations, and recommends faculty for promotion and tenure as outlined by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL).
• The Chair also develops and manages departmental budgets, oversees facilities and equipment, and responds to concerns referred by faculty, students, University officials, and outside constituents.
• The Chair organizes recruitment, retention, and advising efforts and supports those established by the University and/or College.
• The Chair will be required to maintain appropriate teaching responsibilities, an active research and publication agenda, grantsmanship, and service.
• Participation in community service and service-learning projects is strongly promoted.
Typical Qualifications Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, Administration of Justice. Criminology, Juvenile Justice, or Sociology and a record of academic excellence
consistent with an appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level, The Chair is expected to have a record of high-quality research, demonstrated success in obtaining external funding, a commitment to academic excellence, and strong administrative skills. Preference will be given to those candidates that have experience in the accreditation process. In addition, the Chair is expected to be active nationally and regionally in Criminal Justice and/or Sociology professional organizations.
Supplemental Information Completed applications should include current curriculum vitae, transcripts, a statement of administrative philosophy, teaching and research goals, and supporting materials demonstrating administrative, teaching, service, and research achievements as well as a list of at least three references. Application materials should be submitted online at after creating an account and logging on to Jackson State University's Human Resources online employment. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees, including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for the complete benefits package.
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01
Can you, if hired, provide proof of education?
02
Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
- Associate degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- Specialist degree
- Ph.D
- G.E.D.
- Juris Doctorate
03
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship to work in the United States?
Required Question
