Full Professor - Endowed Chair of Online Learning, Educational Technology, & Professional Development

Full Professor - Endowed Chair of Online Learning, Educational Technology, & Professional Development

Company:

Western Michigan University

Job Location:

Category:

Social Work

Type:

Full-Time

Western Michigan University (WMU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Full Professor in the School of Social Work, based at the main campus in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This is an academic year faculty position that also carries the role of The Clair & Clarice Platt Endowed Chair of Online Learning, Educational Technology, and Professional Development. This is a three-year strategic leadership appointment, with the possibility of a two-year renewal based on performance and available funding. The position reflects the School of Social Work’s strong commitment to online education, digital innovation, workforce development, and academic excellence in the digital era. The Endowed Chair will play a transformative role in shaping the future of social work education at WMU. Key responsibilities include: (a) leading the design, development, marketing, implementation, assessment, accreditation, outreach, recruitment, and continuous quality improvement of online social work degree programs; (b) advancing cutting-edge professional development initiatives for faculty, students, alumni, social work professionals, and community partners; and (c) guiding the ethical and strategic integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the social work curriculum and research initiatives. This is a unique opportunity for an innovative and visionary leader to make a significant impact on the delivery of social work education and professional training. Applicants must meet the criteria for appointment at the rank of Full Professor. Please note that this position is not a tenure-track appointment.

Major Responsibilities:

The Clair & Clarice Platt Endowed Chair of Online Learning, Educational Technology, and Professional Development will provide visionary academic and administrative leadership across several critical areas. Responsibilities include:

• Leading the design, development, marketing, implementation, assessment, accreditation, outreach and recruitment, and continuous quality improvement of the School of Social Work’s fully online BSW, MSW, and DSW programs, ensuring alignment with CSWE accreditation standards.
• Overseeing the creation, launch, and management of a comprehensive professional development portfolio, including CEU-certified short courses, micro-credentials, and executive certificates.
• Advancing ongoing faculty development initiatives focused on online teaching excellence, digital pedagogy, AI fluency, and instructional technology.
• Supporting the adaptation and development of online curricula that meet emerging needs in the profession and reflect current best practices in digital education.
• Leading the ethical and strategic integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into social work education and research, fostering innovation while upholding the profession’s core values.

This position requires a dynamic and future-focused leader who can guide transformational change in digital education while maintaining a strong commitment to academic rigor, equity, and community engagement.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

The ideal candidate should,

• Hold a doctorate in Social Work or a related field, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program.
• Possess a minimum of 10 years of experience in social work higher education, including at least 5 years of school- or departmental-level leadership.
• Demonstrate proficiency with Learning Management System platforms and digital instructional tools (e.g., virtual simulations, multimedia development, Canva, Microsoft Teams, WebEx, Zoom, Google Classroom), as well as familiarity with Online Learning Consortium and Quality Matters (QM) principles and rubrics.
• Demonstrate experience in developing, launching, leading, and assessing online graduate social work programs.
• Demonstrate experience with online curriculum management, including course development and delivery that meet CSWE competency standards.
• Demonstrate experience with CSWE accreditation and reaffirmation processes, including competency-based curriculum design.
• Demonstrate the ability to mentor a diverse faculty with varying levels of technological proficiency and the ability to plan, organize, and lead complex projects with multiple deadlines.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and experience with market analysis, strategic planning, program assessment, quality management, and data-informed reporting.
• Demonstrate experience with innovative and effective pedagogical applications of technology in online/hybrid course delivery, including instructional design principles and curriculum adaptation for online/hybrid formats.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to candidates who,

• Demonstrate expertise in AI applications, digital and new media literacies, digital innovation, or technology in social work or human services, along with a strong understanding of AI ethics and data equity in marginalized communities.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational, analytical, and planning skills, as well as experience with collaborative leadership, including managing online and hybrid initiatives.
• Demonstrate outstanding oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal and presentation abilities, and a proven capacity to remain current with rapidly evolving technologies.
• Have a record of peer-reviewed scholarship related to technology, digital social work education, or closely aligned areas.
• Demonstrate a sustained commitment to advancing equity, access, and inclusion in social work education.

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, with an excellent benefits package.

Expected Start Date: August 15, 2026

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Required application documents: Cover Letter, Teaching Philosophy, Curriculum Vitae, and References

• Cover Letter: Include information related to the reason for interest in the position, and a description of the qualifications, accomplishments, and professional experiences related to the position (address the items listed under the major duties, minimum qualifications, & desired qualifications sections). Detailed leadership experience is in social work education, vision for online and AI-integrated education/pedagogy, and experience with assessment and CSWE accreditation requirements.
• Teaching philosophy: include an overall teaching philosophy that should contain information regarding online pedagogy and AI integration.
• Curriculum Vitae: include information related to, but not limited to, education, work history, leadership and mentorship experience, teaching history, research, and scholarship, and grantsmanship.
• References: include at least two professional references (e.g., academia, field, community, colleague). The references should include names, titles, telephone number/s, and postal & e-mail addresses.

Chair of Search Committee: Dr. Mioara Diaconu

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