Department Chair, Data Science

Employer: Valdosta State University

Location: Valdosta, Georgia

Salary: See job description.

Closing date: Mar 21, 2026

Job Details

Valdosta State University (VSU) invites nominations and applications for the inaugural Department Chair of the newly created Data Science Department within the College of Science and Mathematics. Reporting directly to the Dean, this is a transformative leadership opportunity to shape the future of a department and position VSU as a regional hub for computational and statistical data science.

This is an administrative fiscal (12-month) faculty position that will carry the rank of Associate or Full Professor, with the possibility of tenure upon appointment. The chair will lead a dynamic team of faculty and guide the department's growth, which currently offers a Bachelor of Science in Data Science with tracks in Business Analytics, Supply Chain & Logistics, and Computational Science & Engineering. The successful candidate will have the unique privilege of building upon this foundation to expand interdisciplinary collaboration, innovate curriculum, and advance research in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics.

Required Qualifications

• Academic Excellence: A strong record of teaching, scholarship, and service that demonstrates commitment to student success and faculty development.
• Leadership Experience: Proven ability to lead in an academic or research setting, including experience managing faculty and staff, fostering collaboration, and guiding departmental initiatives.
• Expertise in Data Science: Deep knowledge of computational methods, statistical modeling, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics.
• Curriculum Development: Demonstrated success in designing and implementing innovative academic programs that respond to industry trends and accreditation standards.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional ability to articulate vision, build consensus, and engage stakeholders across diverse disciplines.
• Commitment to Shared Governance: A consultative leadership style that values transparency, collaboration, and inclusivity.

Candidates must hold an earned terminal degree in Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Applied Computational Physics, Applied Statistics, Operations Research, or a related field from an accredited university. In addition, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong background in Data Science, including experience in course development and research publications in the field. This role calls for a visionary leader who combines academic distinction with strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, and a passion for preparing students for competitive careers in a rapidly evolving data-driven world.

Please direct all applications, nominations, and inquiries to Christy Pratt or Toni Davis by e-mail to: ValdostaDataScience@wittkieffer.com.

Christy Pratt - Consultant
cpratt@wittkieffer.com | m: 301-788-7883

Toni Davis - Senior Associate
tdavis@wittkieffer.com | o: 678-302-1554 | m: 404-399-0438