"Department Chair of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering"

Hiring Department

Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of Missouri - Columbia

Job Description

The University of Missouri (Mizzou) & Mizzou Engineering invite nominations and applications for the Department Chair of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering.

Mizzou Engineering enters a new era with the launch of its five-year strategic plan, built around three pillars: Educate Future Leaders, Drive Engineering Impact, and Foster Engineering Connections. This plan charts an ambitious course for growth in faculty, research, and student success—expanding the college’s tenure-track faculty by 30% through the Mizzou Forward initiative and strengthening its role as a driver of innovation and economic development for Missouri and beyond.

Within this momentum, the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (MAE) stands at a pivotal point of transformation. As one of Mizzou Engineering’s largest and most dynamic departments, MAE is central to preparing the next generation of engineers, advancing cross-disciplinary research, and building partnerships that translate discovery into real-world impact. The department contributes to the college’s growth through its leadership in major university initiatives—including the Center for Energy Innovation, the Mizzou Research Reactor (MURR), the NextGen Precision Health Initiative, and the Materials Science & Engineering Institute—that position Mizzou at the forefront of energy, health, and advanced materials research. At the same time, MAE is broadening its educational reach with the launch of a new B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and the integration of the B.S. in Engineering Technology that strengthen hands-on learning and workforce readiness.

The next MAE chair will have a rare opportunity to guide a collaborative, high-performing department at the heart of Mizzou Engineering’s transformation—advancing excellence in education, research, and engagement while helping define the college’s next decade of impact.

Mizzou is the flagship university of the four-campus University of Missouri System and one of the most comprehensive universities in the United States. Mizzou is a member of the prestigious AAU (Association of American Universities) and is designated as a Carnegie R1 and Land-Grant University. It prioritizes interdisciplinary collaboration, creativity, and investments in hands-on learning to prepare students to become professionals who transform lives locally and globally. It is home to numerous major research centers and the world’s first journalism school. The University is also one of only six public universities in the country with schools or colleges of engineering, medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, arts and science, law, and a powerful research reactor—the largest university-based nuclear research reactor in the United States— all on one campus. Mizzou is centrally located in Columbia, Missouri, a place consistently ranked as one of America’s best places to live.

Departmental Priorities

• Drive strategic innovation by developing and executing a long-term strategic plan that aligns with the college and university pillars for excellence and impact.
• Build a mentoring culture that sets clear expectations, strengthens faculty development, and enhances student-centered graduate support— fostering an environment of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth
• Grow the graduate program by expanding M.S. and Ph.D. enrollments and aligning academic offerings with interdisciplinary and applied research priorities and enhancing graduate student success and visibility.
• Shape and expand academic programs through the successful launch of the B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and growth of the Engineering Technology program, ensuring accreditation compliance and curricular alignment across all degree offerings
• Deepen industry partnerships to expand research collaborations, experiential learning opportunities, and workforce pipelines—positioning MAE as a key contributor to Missouri’s innovation economy.

Responsibilities

• Develop a shared vision and strategy for the MAE Department by actively engaging faculty, staff, and College leadership
• Serve as a leader, role model, and advocate for the Department to achieve the highest possible level of excellence in teaching, research, and service
• Provide effective mentorship for early- and mid-career faculty members to enhance their teaching, and scholarly accomplishments, and external funding
• Drive the strategy for program innovations and curricula development to ensure an exceptional teaching and learning experience
• Promote interdisciplinary and collaborative research within the Department, the College, and across Mizzou
• Recruit and retain Tenure Track and Non-Tenure Track faculty with track records of excellence in teaching, research, and service
• Manage the day-to-day operations, including personnel and resource management
• Strengthen existing campus and community partnerships, as well as develop new relationships and partners
• Participate in advancement activities, including pursuing development opportunities for scholarships, endowed chairs, and professorships
• Enhance the Department's presence and influence within mechanical and aerospace engineering professional societies through engagement, representation, and strategic collaborations
• Cultivate industry and alumni partnerships to enhance entrepreneurial and hands-on learning opportunities for students
• Maintain ABET accreditation standards

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
• Doctorate in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or closely related field
• Academic accomplishments that merit an appointment at the rank of Full Professor

Candidates will be evaluated on:
• Visionary academic leadership, demonstrated through successful strategic planning, implementation, and organizational growth.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire collaboration and build trust among faculty, staff, and students.
• Experience mentoring faculty and supervising staff, fostering professional development and an inclusive, high-performing culture.
• Evidence of program innovation and curricular development, including leadership in undergraduate and graduate education within mechanical and aerospace engineering or related fields.
• An active, externally funded research program and a proven record as a principal investigator leading interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to student success, with a record of advancing high-impact educational practices.
• Commitment and understanding of the mission of an AAU University, Mizzou’s institutional values, and the land-grant mission.

Application Materials

Please provide current CV and letter of interest

Application Deadline

Priority consideration will be given to materials received by Wednesday, January 12, 2026. Applications should include a CV/resume and a letter of interest.

Nominations and inquiries of interest may be sent in confidence to the college’s search partners:

Erin Teeple, Senior Human Resources Consultant, College of Engineering

Patrick Arens, Director of Industry Engagement
College of Engineering

mucengrmaechairs1@missouri.edu