Director of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

About Western Kentucky University:

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 15,035 students (29% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority) and just over 2,500 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about.

Job Description:

The Ogden College of Science and Engineering (OCSE) at Western Kentucky University (WKU) seeks a dynamic and experienced individual as director for its School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) (https://www.wku.edu/seas/).  The director, reporting to the Dean of the College, serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of SEAS with responsibility for planning, management, and quality of the school's research and academic programs.

SEAS prides itself on curricula built around project-based learning and other experiential learning elements.  It benefits from a formal industrial partnership program that offer multiple internship opportunities to students. The school views itself as a key element in WKU's status as an emerging research university.

As the fastest growing academic unit in the College, SEAS is considering an internal reorganization; the Director will help define and lead that effort.  We anticipate positions being available to build the leadership team in conjunction with this reorganization.  Responsibilities of the director include maintaining and promoting a culture of multidisciplinary collaboration, prudent fiscal and facility management, faculty and staff development, oversight of program and curriculum development (including the creation of new academic programs),  oversight of ABET and ATMAE accreditation while pursuing other accreditations at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, student support, research leadership, and building relationships with internal and external partners.

Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success:

• Record of excellence and extensive experience in academia.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to academic excellence, including research and student mentorship.
• Experience in the creation of new academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate level.
• Commitment to student recruitment and retention.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education and in the programs in the school in particular.
• Administration and leadership skills, which includes, but is not limited to, budget management, personnel evaluation, and problem resolution.
• Ability to lead faculty from multiple disciplines.
• Experience with accreditation processes.
• Ability to effectively negotiate with administration and other academic units.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse multi-ethnic/multicultural environment.

Requirements:

• An earned doctorate in one of the disciplines represented in the school, or a closely related discipline, from an accredited institution.
• Ability to meet standards in the home department for tenure and hold the rank of Associate or full Professor at the time of hire.
• Demonstrated record of excellence and leadership in teaching, research, and service.
• Demonstrated administration and leadership skills, which includes, but is not limited to, budget management, personnel evaluation, problem resolution, leading faculty from multiple disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust through collaborative decision making and an in-depth understanding of current trends in research and education in the disciplines represented in the school.
• Demonstrated significant experience in applying for, obtaining, and managing external funding.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a culture of accountability in which school goals are specified and strategies are articulated.
• Demonstrated experience in recruitment and retention of students.

Additional Information:

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.

Application Instructions:

The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system by January 13, 2025, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled:

• A Cover letter (up to 2 pages) highlighting important aspects of the applicant's experience and background.
• Curriculum Vita.
• A vision statement (up to 4 pages) that includes:

• A statement of your leadership style and how your experience reflects that style.
• Your goals for the school.

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.

You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process.

Quicklink to apply: https://wku.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp;jsessionid=440043BACB1BB1141E07DCAFE0001C85?JOBID=182250