Head, Hospitality and Tourism Management (White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School)

City: West Lafayette

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

White Lodging Services Head

White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

The White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management invites applications and nominations for the position of the White Lodging Services Head of the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM), College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University. Purdue University seeks an accomplished, dynamic, energetic, and visionary leader who fosters innovation and collaboration in a shared governance environment.

POSITION SUMMARY AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The White Lodging Services Head (Head) is part of the college's leadership team and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of school operations at both the West Lafayette and Indianapolis campus locations, including faculty/staff development, alumni relations, and advocacy for the School to the College, University, and larger community. The Head will be an internationally recognized academic scholar, providing leadership and vision, while facilitating excellence in research, teaching, and engagement activities in the School.

We seek a leader with a strong record of excellence in the academy and enthusiasm to grow the School's academic and research programs, with an additional focus on advancing program reputation and opportunity at the Indianapolis location. The next Head will have a history of accomplishment in strong educational programming, research productivity, and an excellent record of service. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all aspects of the School's programs, including education, program accreditation, faculty recruitment and retention, engagement, and development of educational and relevant research programs.

The Head will work closely with the Dean and faculty to strengthen and expand interdisciplinary educational programs to support the academic missions of the University and be committed to nurturing programs and School faculty activity. The Head will have dedicated time for administrative, educational, strategic, and research initiatives.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

EDUCATION

The Head supports and oversees the delivery of comprehensive and state-of-the-art educational programs and ensures compliance with accrediting organizations and promotes the delivery of a curriculum and learning environment designed to produce graduates of the highest caliber. The Head enhances the graduate programs of the School and makes necessary changes to ensure excellence of graduate training and research in the School.

TALENT DEVELOPMENT

The Head assures that key leadership roles within the School are filled by a group of dedicated and talented faculty and staff who are mentored and supported to deliver excellent educational programs, cutting-edge research, and professional development.

The Head should recognize the nuances of Hospitality and Tourism Management, actively recruiting and working to motivate and retain top-quality faculty and program leaders so that the School has the talent to carry out strategic plans.

RESEARCH ADVANCEMENT

The Head supports the pursuit and advancement of world-class research by assisting principal investigators and other faculty in efforts to secure grant funding. The Head fosters growth in interdisciplinary research activities beyond the School.

FISCAL OVERSIGHT AND COMPLIANCE

The Head leads the financing and budgeting processes for the School, taking divergent views on financial decisions into consideration while effectively managing and leveraging allocated resources. The Head ensures that applicable policy, procedures, regulations, and laws are followed.

PHILANTHROPY AND ALUMNI RELATIONS

Working with University leaders and building upon a future for the School that is as illustrious as its past will require continued fundraising activities. The Head will work with fellow institutional leaders to facilitate advancement programs and present the School's case for major financial support to potential donors. The Head also helps lead alumni relations engagement programs focused on increasing the depth and scope of the relationships within the School and on behalf of the University.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The preferred candidate will have scholarly credentials commensurate with the rank of Full Professor (clinical or tenure track), including an earned Doctorate in HTM or related consumer-focused disciplines from an accredited school or program. Regardless of academic specialty, candidates should have a strong understanding of and appreciation for hospitality and tourism management issues and concerns. Desirable attributes include a strong record of published research, external funding, and industry partnerships; prior experience in academic administration and undergraduate and graduate education; excellent communication skills; commitment to teaching;, and the development and advancement of individual faculty, staff, students, and the School as a whole. This position is a full-time, 12-month, position.

ADDITIONAL PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated record of successful academic leadership and administration in higher education, supported by strong academic and research accomplishments, with demonstrated success in strategic planning, fiscal management, resource development, and advancing the strategic priorities of an academic unit.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and success for faculty, staff, and students, with a record of recruiting, retaining, mentoring, and developing outstanding faculty and staff; building effective teams; and advancing student-centered education and student success through active engagement in student programs, initiatives, and learning experiences.
• Strategic national academic and research leader, grounded in personal integrity with the ability to energize, inspire, and encourage faculty and student innovation as well as interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a complex academic organization while building and sustaining productive, mutually beneficial partnerships across campus and with industry, professional organizations, community stakeholders, and other external constituencies.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate key constituencies; lead the development of mutually beneficial relationships with partners; and recruit, retain, and develop superb academic faculty and leaders.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

Applicants should include a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled. Review of applications will begin November 2, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries/questions may be directed to Dr. Laura Murray-Kolb ([redacted]), Chair of the Search Committee.

A background check is required for this position.

Career Stream

Faculty 6