"Chairperson, Department of Physical Therapy (Tenure-Track, Associate/Full Professor)"

Job Description

Chairperson, Department of Physical Therapy (Tenure-Track, Associate/Full Professor)

Posting Number: F-0982

College/Unit: The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions

Home Department: Department of Physical Therapy

Employee Group: Tenure-Track Faculty - 12 month

Employment Status: Full-Time

Position Type: 12 month

Position Classification: Tenure Track Faculty

Position Begin Date: 01/05/2026

Position End Date:

Position Summary:

The Department of Physical Therapy at Central Michigan University (CMU) is seeking an experienced and dynamic faculty member committed to working in a collaborative, interprofessional teaching and learning environment. As a member of the regular faculty, the ideal candidate embraces the core mission and vision of the department, college, and university through collaboration and innovation in teaching, research, and service. Additionally, this position will include an initial appointment as Department Chairperson. The Department Chair will provide leadership and direct day-to-day activities for the entry-level physical therapy program while upholding the core values of CMU, which include integrity, respect, compassion, equity, inclusiveness, social responsibility, excellence, and innovation.

The Department Chair reports directly to the Dean of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions and oversees the Department of Physical Therapy faculty and staff. This is a twelve-month (12), tenure-eligible position with a desired start date of January 2026, or as negotiated. This position offers an attractive benefits package, a generous retirement plan, and potential research support. Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Required Qualifications:

• Post-professional/academic doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DSC, or equivalent) from an accredited university.
• Active and unrestricted physical therapy license in Michigan or obtain licensure within six (6) months of hire.
• Evidence of teaching, scholarly/creative activity, and service consistent with the criteria and/or standards of an Associate or Full Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy within The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions.
• Six (6) years full-time higher education experience, with a minimum of three (3) years full-time experience as a core faculty member in a CAPTE-accredited, entry-level physical therapy program.
• Established research agenda demonstrated by published works and/or external funding.
• Demonstrated commitment to students and the profession of physical therapy.
• Commitment to providing a sense of belonging in all aspects of practice.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in academic program administration.
• Record of active involvement in the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in securing extramural grants and/or contracts.
• Work experience in, or knowledge of, collective bargaining agreements.
• Previous successful experience in the following areas:
  • Classroom/clinical teaching, including the ability to engage learners through interactive curricula and pedagogy.
  • Adept leadership, communication, supervisory, and organizational skills.
  • Knowledge of contemporary issues in physical therapy education.
  • Budget development, planning, and management.
  • Supervision of faculty and staff, including support for faculty development.

Message to Applicants:

Applications will be reviewed immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The desired start date of the position will be January 2026, or as negotiated. Electronically attach a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, statement of leadership philosophy (under Other Document (1)), and a list of three professional references, including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses.

Inquiries may be sent to Kate Hodgkins (kate.hodgkins@cmich.edu).

Central Michigan University (CMU) is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU’s mission, vision, and leadership standards.

Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.

About the Department:

About the Department of Physical Therapy

The Physical Therapy Program has a history of producing excellent graduates and is well respected in the physical therapy community throughout the nation. With excellent facilities and enhanced commitment to research in The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions, opportunities for growth are plentiful. Please visit the Department of Physical Therapy’s website for more information.

About the College of Health Professions

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions consists of five academic units: the Department of Physical Therapy, the Department of Physical Education and Sport, the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, the School of Health Sciences, and the School of Rehabilitation and Medical Science. It offers undergraduate and/or graduate degree programs in athletic training, audiology, communication sciences and disorders, exercise science, environmental health and safety, health administration, physical activity specialist, physical education, physical therapy, physician assistant, public health, school and public health education, speech-language pathology, and sport management, delivered by 100+ faculty/staff. To learn more about The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions, please visit www.chp.cmich.edu.

Posting Begins: 08/29/2025

Posting Ends:

Open Until Filled: Yes