"Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering"

Kennesaw State University is now accepting applications for an administrative faculty position as a tenured Professor and Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering with a preferred start date of July 1, 2026. This is a twelve-month contracted position. This position is for work to be performed in the state of Georgia.

Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Dean of the College, the Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering will guide this large and growing department in advancing its strategic priorities, including faculty development, research growth, industry engagement and student success. As a key member of the college's leadership team, the Chair will serve as an advocate for the department within the university and with external partners, while also ensuring excellence in academic programs and operations.

This position offers a unique opportunity to guide a large and dynamic department with strengths in both teaching and research. The ideal candidate is a visionary and collaborative leader with a distinguished teaching and research record, demonstrated administrative experience, and a commitment to excellence.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Shape and guide the direction of the Department as a key part of the College administrative leadership team.
• Oversee departmental academic programs (undergraduate and graduate), curriculum development, and accreditation efforts.
• Promote and support high-impact research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Manage departmental resources, budgeting, and personnel matters.
• Lead faculty recruitment, retention, mentoring, and development.
• Strengthen relationships with industry partners, alumni, and funding agencies.
• Represent the department within the college, university, and broader academic and professional communities.
• Foster an environment of shared governance and transparency.
• Lead faculty development and evaluation.

Teaching assignments will be based on earned degrees and SACSCOC Faculty Credentials Guidelines.

Required Qualifications

A terminal degree, or the foreign equivalent, in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with an academic background and appropriate credentials to be a tenured full Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Kennesaw State University is required at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated record of strong teamwork, ethical behavior, and collaboration with faculty, administrators, staff, and students.
• An ability to successfully develop and implement a strategic vision.
• Evidence of a successful scholarship program and history of grant support as PI or Co-PI for agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOD, DOE, NASA, etc.
• Administration and leadership experience in an academic setting.
• Evidence of mentoring junior faculty.
• Industry experience and/or Professional Engineering licensure.
• Record of shared governance and of advocating for students, faculty, staff.
• Experience with graduate program development and recruitment.
• Record of involvement in professional organizations at the state, regional, and national/international level.
• Experience with program assessment and accreditation.

Required Documents to Attach

1. CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Statement of Research/Scholarship Interests
4. Statement of Teaching Philosophy
5. Statement of Leadership Philosophy
6. Unofficial Transcripts (Official Transcripts and Official International Course-by-Course Evaluations Due Upon Hire)
7. Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least 5 references

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Apply Before Date

Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, please apply by January 9, 2026.