Chairperson Electrical and Computer Engineering

Western Michigan University - Kalamazoo, MI

Full-time - Executive

Kalamazoo, MI

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Western Michigan University (WMU) is seeking a dynamic and accomplished individual to serve as the Department Chair, starting January 2025. This position is pivotal in leading the department within a strong learner-centered research university environment. WMU is recognized as one of the top 100 public universities in the U.S. and has been classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having high research activity. The department currently comprises 12 full-time faculty members and serves a diverse student body of 203 undergraduate, 8 master's, and 18 doctoral students. The successful candidate will be expected to support the undergraduate and graduate teaching mission of the department, which includes curriculum development, assessment, and accreditation of its programs. The Chair will also play a crucial role in mentoring faculty to achieve research excellence and enhance existing external funding. A strategic vision for the department will need to be developed and implemented, aligning with the university and college strategic plans. The Chair will be responsible for communicating department achievements, cultivating relationships with other WMU departments, industry partners, and the community, and fostering governance within the department. The department's research areas include flexible hybrid electronic smart sensors, communications and signal processing, health monitoring systems leveraging AI and IoT technologies, and more. The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) is housed in a state-of-the-art facility on a 270-acre engineering campus, surrounded by a Business Technology and Research Park. WMU is located in Kalamazoo, a vibrant metropolitan area that offers a low cost of living, rich cultural experiences, and numerous recreational opportunities. The university is committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse institution and seeks candidates who can contribute positively to its diverse community.

Responsibilities

• Support the undergraduate and graduate teaching mission of the department, including curriculum development, assessment, and accreditation of its programs.
• Mentor faculty to achieve research excellence and augment existing external funding.
• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the department.
• Support university and college strategic plans.
• Communicate department achievements effectively.
• Cultivate relations with other WMU departments, industry, and the community.
• Foster governance within the department.

Requirements

• Established and sustained record of research, teaching, service, and professional accomplishments that merits tenure at the rank of professor.
• A Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Electrical Engineering and/or Computer Engineering or in a related field from an accredited institution.

Benefits

• Excellent benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.