Professor and Chair of Mechanical Engineering

The Department Chair will provide strategic leadership and promote excellence in departmental programs. The Chair’s responsibilities are classified as professional duties requiring leadership and mentoring of faculty, long term and short-term planning, administrative expertise to include vision, decision-making, coordination of instruction and the daily operation of the department and its programs.The Chair will collaboratively lead and grow departmental academic, research, and outreach activities in the context of the vision and strategic plan laid out by the Department, the College, and the University. The leadership responsibilities of the Chair fall under four primary categories: Budget & Planning, Student & Alumni Affairs, Personnel, and Administration & Service. The Chair will support the Department’s mission in a variety of ways, including:Collaborate and engage with faculty, staff, advisory board members, and students in the development and implementation of long-term strategic plans for continued excellence in academics and research.Advance department, college and institutionally aligned research and pedagogy initiatives through the recruitment of new faculty, and the development and support of current faculty.Increase the Department’s national recognition and identify new funding opportunities for student and faculty support through continued engagement with government agencies, alumni, industry, and other external stakeholders.Ensure the continued success and retention of our students through curriculum evaluation, and implementation of curriculum innovations.Oversee daily departmental operations including budget and resource management, personnel supervision, and continued institutional and academic programming compliance.Develop strategies to broaden participation and increase enrollment in graduate and undergraduate programs in alignment with the College and University initiatives.Advance departmental operations by supporting staff in their professional development activitiesPerform research and dissemination of scholarly work in relevant field(s) of expertiseTeach courses in related areas at both the undergraduate and graduate level.Support the College and University missions by conducting services for the public and profession, and by participating in other Department and University activities.