"Founding Director and Chair of Engineering"

McPherson College invites applications for the position of Founding Director and Department Chair of Engineering, a rare opportunity to shape and lead a brand-new program from the ground up. We are seeking an entrepreneurial academic — a builder at heart — who thrives in the creative and collaborative work of launching something meaningful and lasting.

Modeled after the success of our nationally recognized Automotive Restoration Program, McPherson College’s new Engineering Program will blend academic and immersive, hands-on experiences. The Founding Director will guide this new initiative through its startup phase, shaping curriculum, building industry partnerships, and mentoring students who will design, test, and build in a uniquely engaged learning environment.

Why McPherson College?

McPherson College is a career-focused liberal arts institution that educates whole people through scholarship, participation, and service. Located in Central Kansas with convenient access to Wichita, Manhattan, Lawrence and Kansas City, McPherson is an up-and-coming community that provides endless possibilities locally and in the immediate region. The college has set an ambitious vision through its Community by Design 2.0 strategic plan and has recently announced the formation of the Ward-Burkholder endowment of $1.5 Billion in estate gift commitments.

Nationally recognized for its innovative and entrepreneurial approach to education our campus is home to the only Automotive Restoration bachelor’s degree in the nation. Here, students, faculty, and industry partners come together to build, experiment, and explore how tradition and technology intersect.

The Founding Director and Chair will:

• Provide academic and operational leadership in establishing the new Engineering Department.
• Collaborate with the Vice President for Automotive Restoration and Engineering to design and refine curriculum aligned with ABET accreditation standards.
• Develop industry partnerships that provide internships, co-op opportunities, and real-world projects for students.
• Serve as the external face of the program — engaging with donors, partners, and employers to build visibility and support.
• Advise on trends in engineering education, workforce needs, and pathways to graduate study or employment.
• Cultivate a vibrant learning culture that values innovation, collaboration, and craftsmanship.

About our ideal candidate:

The successful candidate will combine professional expertise with a startup mindset — a balance of academic credibility and entrepreneurial drive. They will be motivated by the challenge of creating something new, from building labs and designing courses to forging connections across campus and industry.

A genuine interest in the automobile and its broader ecosystem — as a platform for design, technology, and innovation — is essential. The Founding Director will see the car as both inspiration and teaching tool.

Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Mechanical, electrical, or other engineering field is required.
• Experience in academic leadership, curriculum design, and/or program development is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplines and with external partners.
• Strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.