Job Details

Overview

Georgia College invites applications for the position of chair of the Department of History and Geography. The department chair provides leadership for the department and works collaboratively with the faculty to meet the academic needs of students and foster excellence in programs, instruction, scholarly activity, and service. The position is a 12-month appointment reporting to the dean of the college. As a member of the faculty, the department chair contributes to the work of the department through teaching, remaining active as a scholar, and through service. The department chair must have the ability to effectively manage course scheduling, budgets, personnel and facilities; lead curriculum development; and carry out other department leadership functions in addition to performing other duties as assigned.

The department supports the mission of the university by providing courses for the core and by providing a wide range of history and geography courses in support of its majors and minors as well as for innovative certificate programs and courses that can be used as electives for many majors. These courses are also useful for students in other majors, especially those with plans to pursue careers in teaching. We also offer two innovative certificate programs: one in Global Foodways Studies and one in Geographic Information Science.

Responsibilities

• Implementation of a Department mission including short and long term plans based on The Universitys Vision Statement and Goals and the mission of the College.
• Responsible for the recruitment, orientation and advisement of students, staff and faculty in collaboration with the faculty, including an assessment and recommendation of faculty candidates.
• Administration of faculty and staff development programs, and recommendations regarding faculty reappointment, tenure, and promotion.
• Administrative responsibility in staffing classes along with the scheduling and collaborating with department faculty in planning the schedule
• Administration of the departmental budget and collaborating with the department faculty in the planning of the budget.
• Supervision of all employees in the Department including administration of performance evaluations.
• Conduct program reviews to evaluate existing degree, accreditation, certification, and other academic programs and to include development of new programs and implementation of improved programs to enhance the quality of instruction, academic programs, and research.
• Management of facilities and equipment in a manner that promotes quality learning in classroom and laboratories, where applicable.
• Support of graduates in their efforts to secure employment or gain admission to graduate or professional schools.
• Serve as the Departments representative and liaison with other University offices and departments.
• In conjunction with the chair responsibilities, the department chair is expected to carry a 50% teaching load during the academic year, either at the undergraduate or graduate level.
• Serve on elected and appointed committees and acceptance of other duties as assigned by the Dean.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
PhD in History or Geography or a related discipline
Must meet SACSCOC accreditation requirements stated in the appropriate policy, including 18 graduate credit hours in the discipline taught

Other Required Qualifications
Evidence of strong communication skills (verbal and written) and strong organizational skills
Evidence of a collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively with a team of faculty and support staff and with campus partners

Required Experience
Experience and documented achievements appropriate for consideration of a tenured appointment at the rank of Full Professor
A record of effective teaching, service, and scholarly activity within the candidate's area of specialization
Relevant administrative experience

Preferred Qualifications
Experience serving as an academic department chair or a record of success in academic leadership at the program level or higher
Experience or strong interest in teaching at a liberal arts institution
Demonstrated evidence of significant involvement in curricular development, implementation, and assessment
Experience with integrating high impact, engaged pedagogies into the curriculum
Successful experience with personnel management
Experience with student, faculty, and staff evaluation, recruitment, and retention

Required Documents to Attach
Please provide:

• CV
• a Statement of Leadership Philosophy
• a list of references

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

SKILLS
Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, including a well-developed sense of fairness and integrity
A strong commitment to the college and university mission and a passion for working with and mentoring faculty and students
A commitment to fostering academic excellence

USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia comprises 26 institutions of higher education and the System Office. Core values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. More details on the USG Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG policy. Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom are also supported by USG policy.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Georgia College & State University is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and equal treatment for every prospective and current employee. No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, be excluded from employment or participation, or be denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination, under any program or activity conducted by GCSU. GCSU is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment to support the success of its community members.

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