"Director, School of Mathematics and Data Science, College of Arts and Sciences"

Job Details

Director, School of Mathematics and Data Science, College of Arts and Sciences

Position Type
Faculty

Faculty Track
Tenure-Track

Employment Status
Full Time

Months
12

Campus
Biddeford, ME

Description
The University of New England (UNE) is seeking dynamic and visionary candidates for the role of Director of the School of Mathematics and Data Science (SMADS) within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). SMADS is currently home to majors in Data Science, Mathematics, and Statistics, along with minors in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, and Statistics. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking leader to redefine the School's future through strategic visioning and innovative program development, including the launch of new undergraduate and graduate offerings. The Director will be instrumental in crafting and implementing cutting-edge curricula, enhancing the diversity and reach of academic programs, and driving growth in student enrollment across all levels. A top priority will be to ensure that our programs are not only aligned with current workforce demands but also at the forefront of industry trends, especially in the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In addition to program development, the Director will lead efforts to recruit and mentor outstanding faculty, cultivate a collaborative and inclusive academic culture, and champion faculty excellence in teaching, research, and service. This role offers a comprehensive 12-month administrative appointment paired with a 9-month tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor. The successful candidate should start at UNE no later than July 2026.

Director, School of Mathematics and Data Science Search Profile

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To apply for this position, please submit the following materials:

• Cover letter that includes a description of relevant experience, leadership style, teaching philosophy, and research interests
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information for three professional references

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND DATA SCIENCE.
The University of New England's School of Mathematics and Data Science is a dynamic and collaborative academic community preparing students for career success. The School explores the growing influence of data and quantitative approaches across disciplines, from algorithms that analyze financial systems to technologies that improve health outcomes through data integration. Students gain in-demand skills and the ability to leverage cutting-edge technology to excel in their disciplines.

Established through a significant transformation in 2024, the School offers three Bachelor of Science majors: Applied Mathematics, Data Science, and Statistics, and four minors are available in Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics, and Computer Science, providing flexibility for students pursuing multiple degrees or combinations.

The School provides students with access to cutting-edge facilities including the P.D. Merrill Makerspace in Decary Hall, featuring fabrication labs with laser cutters, 3D printers, and electronics stations, plus design labs with high-performance computing for AI, connected device applications, and digital prototyping. The Sustainable Innovation Center in the Arthur P. Girard Marine Science Center offers additional computing resources, data visualization tools, and GIS mapping software for interdisciplinary collaboration. Students master industry-standard tools including Python, R, SQL, MATLAB, SAS, and Tableau through curriculum designed around real-world applications, including finance, health care, and technology sectors.

Faculty research spans diverse applications including statistical modeling of health outcomes, applied mathematics in fluid dynamics and parasitology, and mathematical modeling in marine environments and other disciplines. The School's interdisciplinary integration creates research opportunities with UNE's health sciences, marine sciences, and business programs, including health care analytics, marine species tracking, and environmental monitoring systems development. Across the University, 46% of UNE undergraduates work with faculty on research projects, more than double the national average.

The completion of UNE's $93 million Harold and Bibby Alfond Center for Health Sciences triggered extensive campus renovations, freeing substantial space on the Biddeford Campus for program expansion in computer science, statistics, and data science. Current renovation projects include the Alfond Center for Arts and Sciences (2025-27) and the recently completed Sustainability Innovation Center in Girard Marine Science Center, specifically supporting quantitative programs with modern facilities and technology infrastructure.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES. The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at the University of New England is the institution's largest and most comprehensive academic unit, exemplifying UNE's commitment to providing a transformative education. With over 33 majors, 35 minors, and four master's programs spanning the humanities, arts, education, natural sciences, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies, the College is a first-choice destination for students, faculty, and professional staff. With a remarkably diverse and balanced curriculum, including robust applied and experiential options, UNE students graduate prepared for professional and personal success.

CAS offers a vibrant and supportive environment for faculty who are passionate about research, teaching, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Faculty in CAS engage in scholarship across the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts. CAS faculty benefit from a collegial atmosphere, peer mentoring, and a commitment to teaching excellence, as well as support from the Office of Research and Scholarship, which assists with funding, training, and infrastructure needs. Facilities include specialized labs in Morgane Hall, the Girard Marine Science Center, and the Pickus Center for Biomedical Research, offering state-of-the-art resources for both faculty and student research. Looking ahead, the upcoming Harold Alfond Center for Arts and Sciences will bring major renovations and new spaces designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Experiential learning is a hallmark of UNE's educational model, with undergraduates encouraged to enhance their classroom knowledge through research projects, internships, creative pursuits, and global study opportunities. No matter their discipline, students collaborate one-on-one with faculty mentors to create new knowledge and present original work. Interdisciplinary collaboration across programs is embraced. This immersive approach prepares CAS graduates for success in dynamic careers and top graduate programs upon earning their UNE degrees.

CAS faculty invest deeply in their students' growth as intellectuals, professionals, and civically engaged citizens. Our innovative teaching methods balance traditional and modern pedagogies, incorporating field work, labs, independent research, and global learning experiences. CAS graduates are intellectually curious, globally aware leaders with the creativity, ethical grounding, and passion to drive positive change.

Responsibilities
The Director will be responsible for articulating and implementing a vision focused on growth, academic excellence, and innovation, grounded in data, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to student success. The Director will supervise and mentor all faculty and professional staff within the School and lead strategic initiatives related to program development, recruitment, academic advising, retention, and assessment. They will also teach courses aligned with their expertise and are expected to maintain an active research agenda that significantly contributes to their field, including disseminating peer-reviewed scholarly work and pursuing external funding as appropriate. As the chief academic and administrative officer of the School, the Director will work to advance the missions of the School, College, and University. They will promote excellence in teaching, learning, scholarship, and service while advocating for the interests of faculty, professional staff, and students.

UNE and CAS are poised for further growth, and the next Director will play a crucial role by introducing new undergraduate and graduate programs and promoting interdisciplinary approaches. Although UNE is a comprehensive university, it has exceptional depth and breadth in healthcare and academic programs related to marine environments. Therefore, the next Director should possess the vision and skills necessary to develop and align courses and programs that complement UNE's existing strengths, such as data science and climate change. Additionally, the next Director should have sufficient fluency in AI to embed this rapidly evolving skill set into curricula to support student learning and career readiness.

Qualifications
Ph.D. in a discipline represented in the School or a related field. The ideal candidate has had at least three years of administrative experience in higher education at the level of assistant/associate department chair or above. Applications from candidates undertaking interdisciplinary research with broad potential for collaborative impact across the School, College, and University are especially welcomed. Curriculum development and assessment experience are expected, as is the ability to mentor students and faculty. The successful applicant will have a teaching and scholarly record that warrants appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor at UNE.

To apply, visit https://une.peopleadmin.com/postings/24459