Chairperson and Professor of Sociology
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan State University, USA
Applications: November 1, 2010 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified

The Department of Sociology in the College of Social Sciences at Michigan State University seeks applications and nominations for the position of Chairperson.  The department is seeking an effective and dynamic academic and administrative leader who will foster excellence in research, teaching, and outreach/service. 

Michigan State University is a research-intensive land grant university enrolling over 45,000 students. The department consists of 31 tenure track faculty members, 10 emeriti and fixed term faculty and 10 professional and administrative assistants.  The department offers bachelors and doctoral degrees.  The department emphasizes the theme of global transformations and is committed to international-global scholarship.  Most faculty and student scholarship focus in one or more of these focus areas: Family and Gender; Food, Environment, Agriculture, Science, and Technology; Health and Well-being; Urban, Race and Migration; and Population and Demography. More detail about the department can be found at www.sociology.msu.edu.

Candidates must have a PhD in Sociology and an excellent academic record commensurate with the position of tenured professor.  Successful candidates will have outstanding skills and leadership experience in administration, management, and communication. Candidates are expected to be familiar with and committed to the philosophy of the land-grant university. Successful candidates will have a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching, ample research and grant experience, a demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups, and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively represent the department in the university and community. .  Preference will be given to a scholar with international research experience or demonstrated interest in international issues.

The position is a full-time annual appointment in the tenure system.  The Chair commits to a five-year term.  The Chair reports to the Dean of the College of Social Sciences with responsibilities including overseeing departmental degree programs, hiring, evaluating and facilitating the mentoring tenure-track faculty, nurturing new research and creative scholarly initiatives, managing department resources and budgets, strategic planning, fund-raising and development, maintaining office support, promoting excellence and accountability, and building productive collaborations within the department and across the university.  Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

To apply or nominate an applicant please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae and three names for letters of recommendation to Dr. Toby TenEyck, Chair of the Search Committee, Department of Sociology.  To submit a nomination contact Dr. Toby TenEyck, Chair of the Search Committee, Department of Sociology. Initial review of applications will begin November 1, 2010 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.  Position available July 1, 2011.