Department Chair/Associate or Full Professor of English

Duties Performed in the Usual Course of the Job:

The Department of English at Sam Houston State University invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of English. This full-time, tenured position will begin Fall 2024. Administrative expectations of the chair include leadership of the departmental faculty, staff, and students and programmatic and academic leadership of the department’s academic programs: three master’s degrees (English MA, Creative Writing, Editing and Publishing MFA, and Technical Communication MA), a dual MA in literature/MFA in creative writing degree, a Graduate Certificate in English, one bachelor’s degree, five undergraduate minors, and one undergraduate certificate.

Supports the multiple disciplines that compose the department, sustaining core academic areas while also developing linkages and collaborations between the department’s different components. Serves as an active role model of effective teaching, innovative research, mentorship of early career scholars, and dedicated service while also overseeing the strategic recruitment and development of outstanding faculty as well as the management and advancement of the department’s budget. Documented success in leading strategic initiatives and a strong record of scholarship and research in the discipline (specialization open) are required. Ideal candidates will have a demonstrative record of innovative, transformative leadership; experience developing and expanding relationships inside and outside of the university; experience working within a multidisciplinary department; and experience supporting scholars to enhance teaching, research, and service. Fosters a collaborative culture and environment with transparency, champion the humanities in the university and community, demonstrate a commitment to serving students with various backgrounds and ability levels, and facilitate the recruitment of students.

Educational Requirements for the Position:

• Earned doctorate in English or related field.

Experience Required for the Position:

• University teaching experience at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Three years of leadership experience in academic affairs.
• Experience chairing committees for master’s theses, capstone projects, portfolios, and/or other similar projects.
• A strong record of publication.
• Qualifications for appointment at the level of Associate Professor/Professor.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience as a department head or director in English or closely related department, or program is preferred.
• Demonstrated capability to manage large budgets, schedules, and projects.
• Experience as an effective communicator, office supervisor, and advocate for staff and faculty.
• Leadership involvement in professional organizations.
• Experience supporting and mentoring faculty through the tenure and promotion process.
• Demonstrated leadership in a research area within English or a related field.

Interested applicants should apply online at https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/37147

Special Instructions Summary:

Please note: References provided in the References section of the application will receive an automated email reference request at the time the application is submitted.

Interested candidates must submit a statement of leadership that articulates their understanding of the current and future landscape of English studies and speaks to their approach to working with a variety of disciplines and specializations within a single department.

Review of applications will begin January 16, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Jason Enia, Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science at jason.enia@shsu.edu. 

Home to a distinctive student population of over 22,000, Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is in Huntsville, Texas, on the rapidly developing Interstate-45 corridor between Houston and Dallas. SHSU is 70 miles north of downtown Houston and 170 miles south of Dallas, ideally situated between the 4th and 9th largest cities in the country and two of the 10 fastest-growing cities in the U.S. SHSU. SHSU is designated a Hispanic Serving Institution, and the university has been identified as a national leader for Latino student success. The university has a large contingent of military veterans. G.I. Jobs, an organization dedicated to aiding vets in their transition from military to civilian life, has recognized SHSU Online as a Military Friendly School. In Fall 2023, SHSU welcomed its largest first-year class in history and celebrated a retention rate of over 75% for returning students.

A great name in Texas education, Sam Houston State University offers over 85 bachelor’s degree programs, more than 60 master’s degree programs, 10 doctoral programs, and 1 professional doctoral program (DO), including award-winning programs, nationally and internationally recognized scholars, and innovative initiatives to help students develop and succeed. SHSU is classified as a “R2: Doctoral University—High Research Activity” by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, and it was recently recognized by U.S. News and World Report for being one of the top performers in social mobility. In addition, the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education classified SHSU as a “Community Engaged” university. This honor has been awarded to 311 public institutions nationwide, and it acknowledges SHSU’s significant commitment to serving the community.

The Department of English is a large, multidisciplinary department composed of over 40 full-time and 45 part-time faculty members across specializations in literature, creative writing, technical communication, composition and rhetoric, secondary education, and language and linguistics. Students pursue degrees in English across the department’s various graduate programs in literature, creative writing, and technical communication, and the undergraduate degree in English. Additionally, the department houses the first-year composition program and the integrated reading and writing program that assists developmental students in their first-year composition classes. The department is located on campus in the Evans Complex, which contains dozens of classrooms designed for close discussion, dozens of faculty offices, two computer labs, a maker space, the award-winning Texas Review Press, a recently remodeled “engaged” classroom space, two conference rooms, a student lounge, faculty breakroom, and a 100+ seat auditorium capable of holding large lectures and film screenings.

Open Until Filled: Yes

EEO Statement:

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity or expression. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code § 51.215.

Candidate Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae (Faculty)
3. Statement of Teaching Philosophy
4. Statement of Research & Goals
5. Reference Contact Information
6. Transcripts

Optional Documents

1. Letter of Recommendation 1
2. Letter of Recommendation 2
3. Letter of Recommendation 3