Department Chair of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (LAN)

Illinois State University (ISU) invites applications for the position of Chair in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (LAN). Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in an area appropriate to LAN with a specialization in literature, theoretical or applied linguistics, cultural studies, or a related field, and with academic achievements in both scholarship and teaching that merit appointment with tenure at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor. The Department seeks a dynamic Chair with administrative experience and a strong record of academic achievement and teaching excellence. The Chair will provide academic and administrative leadership, manage and secure resources for the Department, promote excellence in research and teaching, and foster a collegial atmosphere that supports the Department’s mission and vision. The preferred start date for this position is July 1, 2022.

ISU recognizes that a diverse faculty, staff, and student body enriches the educational experiences of the entire campus and the greater community. Candidates who have experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students, and who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity are especially welcomed. Women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and people of color are encouraged to apply.

The position is a twelve-month tenured appointment. The salary and rank are commensurate with qualifications and experience. A competitive comprehensive benefits package is included.

Additional Information

The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures: Our Department is committed to providing all students at Illinois State, including majors, minors, teacher education majors, and graduate students, with educational opportunities of the highest possible quality; fostering and promoting research on the part of our faculty that is recognized at the national and international level; and offering our service and expertise as appropriate to the university, the public, the Illinois educational community, and the academic profession. Our faculty of active scholars in the humanities and social sciences play a central role in fulfilling the University’s commitment to the liberal arts and international education. We offer majors and minors in Spanish, French and

Francophone Studies, and German; minors in Spanish, French and Francophone Studies, German, Italian Studies, Classical Studies, and East Asian Studies, and we collaborate with other interdisciplinary programs across campus, including European Studies, Latin American and Latino/a Studies, African Studies, Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies, Women’s and Gender Studies, International Studies, and Religious Studies. We contribute numerous courses to the University’s general education program and offer study abroad programs in Europe, Latin America, North America, East Asia, and Africa. For more information, see http://www.visitbn.org/

Illinois State University: Illinois State University is committed to fostering a small-college atmosphere with large-university opportunities. Founded in 1857, ISU is the oldest public university in Illinois with an enrollment of approximately 20,500 students in its six colleges. LAN is housed with the College of Arts and Sciences (http://www.cas.ilstu.edu), which is home to 19 academic Departments/Schools and Interdisciplinary Studies Programs. Illinois State made U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 rankings of America’s best public national universities based on academic quality and excellence, the Chronicle of Higher Education has consistently named Illinois State University one of the “Great Colleges to Work For,” and Washington Monthly recently ranked the University 57th out of all national universities for the institution’s contribution to the public good through social mobility, research, and public services.

Bloomington-Normal Community: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a population of approximately 132,000. The community is home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Lincoln College, Heartland Community College, OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, GROWMARK, the Illinois Farm Bureau, Rivian Motors, Country Financial, and State Farm Insurance Corporate Headquarters. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems and educational attainment, parks and recreation, health care, job growth, economic opportunity, and low crime. Forbes magazine ranked Bloomington-Normal the 66th best small places for businesses and careers and 13th best for education. Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis, two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield, many of which are accessible by Amtrak Train. For more information on our community, please visit http://www.visitbn.org/.

Required Qualifications

1. Must hold a Ph.D. in an area appropriate to LAN with a specialization in literature, theoretical or applied linguistics, cultural studies, or a related field, and with academic achievements in both scholarship and teaching that merit appointment with tenure at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor.
2. Ability to work collegially and effectively with faculty, students, staff, administrative colleagues, alumni, and professional communities served by the Department.
3. A significant record of research and teaching excellence, demonstrated leadership abilities, and a commitment to shared academic governance.
4. Must be able to demonstrate oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position, as mandated by state law.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:

1. Ability to effectively communicate on a daily basis.
2. Ability to conduct or attend meetings in various locations across campus.

Proposed Starting Date

07/01/2022

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

Pay is commensurate with qualification and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package.

Required Applicant Documents

1. Cover letter
2. Current Curriculum Vitae
3. Statement of Administrative Philosophy
4. Diversity Statement
5. Research Statement
6. Statement of Teaching Philosophy
7. Writing Sample (25-30 pages, preferably in English)
8. Names and contact information for three academic references.

PLEASE NOTE:  These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Application Procedure: To assure full consideration, please complete an online faculty application for posting 512287 at https://jobs.illinoisstate.edu/, and attach (1) cover letter, (2) current CV, (3) statement of administrative philosophy, (4) diversity statement, (5) research statement, (6) statement of teaching philosophy, (7) writing sample, and (8) names and contact information for three academic references. Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.

Contact Information for Applicants

Search Committee Chair
Dr. Cheri Simonds cjsimon@ilstu.edu

Human Resources
Kami Grant klgran1@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.


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