Department Head - Data Science

Location: Valdosta State University

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 289228

About Us

As a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, Valdosta State University (VSU) is a welcoming, aware, and vibrant community founded on and dedicated to serving our communities' rich and diverse heritages. Through excellence in teaching, basic and applied research, and service, VSU provides rigorous programs and opportunities that enrich our students, our university, and our region. As such, the VSU mission consists of three interrelated parts that includes a student mission, university mission and regional mission. The university is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity and citizenship. As members of this community and proud Blazers we strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University, as stated in the Blazer Creed and reflected in our commitment to the University System of Georgia's Core Values.

Blazer Creed

Valdosta State University is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The University is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity, and citizenship. As members of this community, and proud Blazers, we will strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University.

Civility - A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.

Integrity - Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.

Citizenship - Every Blazer has an interest in the well-being of the community, and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.

As a Blazer, we pledge to uphold the core principles of Civility, Integrity, and Citizenship.

Job Summary

The College of Science and Mathematics seeks visionary applicants for Department Head beginning July 1, 2026. This is an administrative fiscal (12-month) faculty position that will carry rank of either Associate or Full Professor, with the possibility of tenure upon appointment. This is a transformative opportunity for a dynamic leader to shape the future of a department and contribute meaningfully to the growth of computational and statistical data science at Valdosta State University.

The newly established Data Science Department offers a BS degree in Data Science with three tracks: Business Analytics, Supply Chain & Logistics, and Computational Science & Engineering. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead the department's transformation into a hub for computational and statistical data science, fostering interdisciplinary innovation and positioning the department at the forefront of modern academic and industry trends.

Department Vision and Opportunities

The department is embarking on an ambitious journey to redefine itself as a leader in computational and statistical data science. Our vision is to cultivate an environment integrating advanced computation, statistical methodologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration to solve pressing local, regional, and global challenges. This transformation will empower faculty and students to excel in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and systems modeling.

The new Department Head will have the opportunity to:

• Extend Current Curriculum: Working with faculty in the department, spearhead the development of innovative tracks and concentrations within our existing Data Science degree that align with job market demands and applications of data science in various disciplines.
• Expand Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Partner with other departments in the College of Science and Mathematics, such as Computer Science & Engineering Technology, Biology, Chemistry & Geosciences, and beyond, to enhance research and academic offerings.
• Enhance Research Impact: Position the department as a computational and statistical applied research leader, attracting external funding and increasing student participation in high-impact projects, including internships.
• Prepare Students for the Future: Develop initiatives that equip students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in competitive data science careers, including experiential learning and mentorship opportunities.

Application Instructions

Full consideration will be given to completed applications received by October 1, 2025. For more information, contact Dr. Andreas Lazari, Search Chair/Professor, Department of Data Science, at 229-333-7154 or alazari@valdosta.edu. Applicant materials should include:

• Cover letter detailing your vision for transforming the department into a Computational and Statistical Data Science hub
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of teaching philosophy that includes strategies for creating curricula to meet a diverse student body's needs and career goals
• Research statement outlining interests and plans to enhance the research mission of a regional public institution
• Leadership statement addressing contemporary challenges facing departments at regional comprehensive universities

Responsibilities

Department Summary

Reporting directly to the Dean, the department head is responsible for the overall day-to-day functions of the department and serves as its primary spokesperson and advocate. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Hiring, managing and evaluating faculty and staff members in the department;
• Conducting regular departmental meetings;
• Fostering a positive department environment that supports excellent teaching, scholarship and service;
• Establishing a collaborative department vision and agenda that is aligned with the university and college strategic plans;
• Scheduling classes and sections for each faculty member in each academic semester;
• Supporting students through mentoring, overseeing internships and providing curricular overrides, where appropriate;
• Teaching necessary courses throughout the academic year;
• Participating in research and scholarly activities;
• Attending required conferences, including those associated with academic presentations;
• Supporting department experiential learning activities, including undergraduate research;
• Facilitating departmental curriculum reviews to maintain program viability and alignment with both industry trends and accreditation requirements;
• Participating in College Executive Committee meetings;
• Attending monthly Council of Department Heads meetings;
• Promoting interdisciplinary research and external partnerships;
• Maintaining a wide variety of service courses in mathematics, physics, and astronomy;
• Serving as Budget Manager for the department.

Typical Allocation of Duties:

• Teaching and scholarship - 30%: Teach classes and conducts/presents research in the employee's academic discipline.
• Recruit and supervise - 20%: Recruit and supervise the work of full- and part-time faculty and staff. Evaluate the work of faculty and recommend faculty for tenure and promotion.
• Curriculum development - 20%: Coordinate the development of department curriculum, courses, and schedules. Oversee clinical programs as appropriate.
• Administrative functions - 20%: Direct the department's business and administrative functions.
• Student services - 10%: Coordinate the delivery of student services within the department.

Required Qualifications

• An earned terminal degree in Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Applied Computational Physics, Applied Statistics, Operations Research, or a related field from an accredited university;
• A strong background in Data Science, including course development and research publications in data science;
• A proven track record of fostering innovation in teaching and learning;
• A record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service;
• Demonstrated leadership experience in academic or research settings;
• An awareness of current trends in higher education and a commitment to innovation in teaching and learning;
• A commitment to shared governance and a consultative leadership style;
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with grant writing and extramural funding;
• Record of successful outreach to community;
• Experience with faculty evaluation and promotion and tenure processes;
• Experience as a department head;
• Accreditation experience.

Proposed Salary: Commensurate with experience.