Director: Center for Virtual Expression

To Apply

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Applications will need 4 Documents: 1. Current VIta with References, 2) Teaching Philospophy Statement, 3) Research Statement, 4) Job Letter

Description 

The Director of the Center for Virtual Expression (CVeX) will lead and manage all aspects of the center, overseeing the integration of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), artificial intelligence (AI), gamification, and motion capture technologies into the curriculum and research of the College of Liberal Arts (CoLA). The Director will spearhead initiatives that position CVeX as a central hub for innovative educational practices and research in the humanities and social sciences, aligning the center's activities with both the SIU Imagine2030 strategic plan and CoLA's strategic vision. This role will require strong leadership in research, curriculum development, collaboration, and grant acquisition.  

Examples of Duties 

• Oversee the development and implementation of the Center's mission and strategic plan. 

• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to design and implement new and existing curriculum that integrates cutting-edge digital technology in liberal arts education. 

• Promote the Center to the University community and encourage participation in its activities, including workshops, lectures, and demonstrations.  

• Maintain an active and productive research/creative agenda in the areas of virtual expression and multimodality in general, and promote research/creative collaborations with other institutions and organizations.  

• Secure external funding to support the Center's operations, including grants and partnerships with industry and non-profit organizations.  

• Hire and manage staff and student workers to support the Center's operations, including technology specialists, instructional designers, and administrative staff.  

• Develop and maintain partnerships with local, regional, and national/international businesses to provide students with opportunities for internships and experiential learning.  

• Organize and host summer programs, including summer camps and workshops, for high school students interested in digital technology and game development. 

• Actively recruit and help retain students by engaging in various outreach activities such as visiting regional high schools and community colleges to promote the Center and the liberal arts generally.  

• Assist faculty in the College of Liberal Arts to integrate VR/AR and AI into their syllabi and curricula in order to enhance student engagement.  

The Director of the Center for Virtual Expression (CVeX) will be responsible for leading the development and use of cutting-edge digital technology, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (Al), game development, and gamification of new and existing curricula, in liberal arts education. The Director will serve as a full-time professor with a nominal load of two courses per semester within their tenured home, and will receive a one-course release per semester for the Directorship. The Director's role will be to direct the development, maintenance, and use of the Center, which is a hub for creative and pedagogical work within the College of Liberal Arts--as well as engage in recruitment and retention activities within the College. The directorship will involve summer duties and summer salary in addition to the duties of the academic year.  

Qualifications 

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. by time of appointment in relevant area tenurable within the College of Liberal Arts. Significant experience teaching with VR/AR and Al technologies (2 years or more). Evidence of strong research potential. 

Preferred Qualifications: Experience teaching at the university level. Evidence of leadership and administrative skills, preferably in an academic or research setting. Experience in managing academic centers or similar units. Familiarity with the latest trends in virtual education and the “metaversity” concept. Experience in building partnerships with external organizations, both academic and industry-based. Experience in securing grants and external funding. Strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in pedagogy. Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. 

Supplemental Information 

College of Liberal Arts Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a Carnegie Doctoral Research University offering 200+ undergraduate degrees, minors and specializations, 79 master’s degrees, and 40 doctoral degrees. Our main campus is 1,136 acres, with additional acreage in University Farms, Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, and other facilities. The university is an essential part of the city of Carbondale and an important contributor to the culture of the entire region. While Carbondale includes many of the amenities of urban life, it retains its small-town flavor. Cost of living is considerably lower in the region than similar areas elsewhere, and many employees commute from nearby counties.     

 
The Southern Illinois region is distinct from the rest of the state, boasting considerable natural beauty including the Shawnee National Forest, many state parks, national wildlife areas, and several lakes beloved for recreation. Local foods are readily available in the area, with a variety of eateries and a growing specialized food truck presence. The area is home to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, an official wine appellation designation. The wineries extend the cultural reach of the community, hosting live music and continual art exhibits. The campus itself is a microcosm of the area, with a lake and forest on campus, as well as traditional collegiate architecture, quad, and residential halls. Students enjoy outdoor study areas as well as specialized computer labs scattered across campus, including in the three million volume Morris Library. To learn about employee benefits and find resources about Carbondale and the Southern Illinois region, visit: https://jobs.siu.edu/.  
 
Contact: Dr. Joshua Daniel (joshua.daniel@siu.edu 

SIU Carbondale, member of the SIU System, is an anti-racist community that opposes racism, discrimination and inequity in any form, and embraces diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice for all people. 

SIU Carbondale is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans that strives to enhance its ability to develop a diverse faculty and staff and to increase its potential to serve a diverse student population. All applications are welcomed and encouraged and will receive consideration.