"Department Chairperson of Leadership and Teacher Education"

The University of South Alabama and the College of Education and Professional Studies invite applications for Chair of the Department of Leadership and Teacher Education. The position of department chair is a full-time, tenure-track, 12-month appointment at the associate professor or professor rank, effective July 1, 2026. The College is a vital part of the university with a dynamic set of disciplines, and the department is a leader within that context and across the R-1 aspirant campus. With strength in teaching and research, the department seeks a visionary leader to push forward on existing strengths as well as a number of exciting opportunities on the horizon.

The University of South Alabama is a diverse and vibrant public university that is making a difference in the lives of the people of Alabama and the nation through teaching, research, service, and health care. The University offers a wide range of high-quality undergraduate and graduate academic programs to approximately 14,000 students. Located in Mobile, Alabama, the University of South Alabama is the Flagship of the Gulf Coast, representing the only major public institution of higher learning on the upper Gulf Coast.

The College of Education and Professional Studies is one of nine colleges and schools of the University of South Alabama. Founded on February 1, 1967, the college serves more than 1,700 graduate and undergraduate students. The mission of the Department of Leadership and Teacher Education is to prepare highly qualified teachers, administrators, supervisors, and other professionals for jobs in many academic settings. Undergraduate students at the University of South Alabama can earn the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Education that leads to Alabama Class B certification in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education. Students can also major in Early Childhood Studies.

The department offers the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree that leads to Alabama Class A Certification in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education. Students can also earn an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in higher education leadership and school leadership. The department also offers the Educational Specialist degree (Ed.S.) that leads to Alabama Class AA Certification and a Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership, with concentrations in both higher education leadership and K-12 leadership.

The Chair of the department will report directly to the Dean, and will be responsible for curriculum development, faculty recruitment, supervising student advising, budget administration, as well as the development of interdisciplinary programs across the university.

The successful candidate will have an academic record meriting appointment at the rank of at least associate professor in one of the disciplines represented in the department. For consideration of the rank of Associate Professor, candidates must demonstrate a cohesive research agenda with a clear path to seeking full Professor. For consideration of the rank of Professor, candidates must demonstrate an established record of research and scholarly productivity.

The candidate must have meaningful higher education administrative experience. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate evidence of effective leadership in academic program administration. The successful candidate will also demonstrate a commitment to innovative approaches, outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, and a commitment to a student-centered approach that promotes success, belonging, and wellness for the wide variety of students served by the department.

Additionally, the department seeks leadership that will continue to support the department’s research profile, provide vision for educator preparation as a clinical practice profession, and work collaboratively with external constituents, including school districts and other external partners.

While applications and nominations will be accepted until a new Chair is selected, interested applicants are encouraged to submit their materials by October 15, 2025, to ensure optimal consideration. Candidate materials should include a letter of interest and current CV. Please address materials to: USA LTE Chair Search, Funk Associates, 2911 Turtle Creek Boulevard - Suite 300, Dallas, Texas 75219, Email: krisha.creal@funkassociates.com.