Job description
Level: Experienced
Position Type: Faculty
Category: Education
Description
Shape the Future of Arts and Languages at Fisk University!
Fisk University, a distinguished and historic institution, invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Arts and Languages within the School of Humanities & Behavioral Social Sciences. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and visionary leader to guide and elevate the vibrant degree programs in English, Art, and Modern Languages.
We seek a Chair who will play a pivotal role in fostering academic excellence, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and nurturing a supportive environment for faculty and students. The incoming Chair will provide administrative leadership for the Department, champion innovative teaching and learning methodologies, support the faculty, and contribute to the intellectual vitality of our campus community through teaching and scholarship.
Join the Legacy:
Fisk University, an historically Black university, has a rich history of cultivating exceptional talent and fostering intellectual growth. The Chair of the Department of Arts and Languages would have the opportunity to build upon this legacy and shape the next generation of artists, writers, scholars, and global citizens.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae and a letter of application that outlines their relevant experience, alignment with Fisk University’s mission, and vision for the Department of Arts and Languages. Upon request, applicants who advance to the interview stage would also submit a statement of teaching and research philosophy, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three professional references.
Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled.
All materials must be submitted electronically via Paycom, the University’s electronic HR hiring thru Paycom
Specifically, the Chairperson will lead:
- Provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the Department of Arts and Languages, encompassing the disciplines of English, Art, and Modern Languages.
- Mentor faculty to increase their professional development and scholarly pursuits.
- Supervise the English, Art, and Modern Languages Discipline Coordinators
- Manage Departmental budgets and resources effectively.
- Develop and implement innovative curricula that reflect current trends and pedagogical best practices.
- Display excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Have experience advising, mentoring, and working with underrepresented student populations.
- Teach a reduced number of courses within the English Discipline to maintain active engagement with students and the English sub-fields.
Continue an active research agenda:
- Engage in scholarly activities, including conference presentations and publications.
- Bolster student research and professional development.
- Promote interdisciplinary connections and collaborations within the Department of Arts and Languages and across the University.
- Facilitate student recruitment, retention, and success via on-campus partnerships.
- Represent the Department within the University and externally to stakeholders.
Serve:
- Serve on departmental and university-wide committees.
- Advise and mentor students who are pursuing careers in fields related to the performing and studio arts, humanities, and modern languages.
- Engage in community outreach and partnerships.
- Contribute to program development and student recruitment.
- Contribute to the University’s shared governance through committee participation.
- Collaborate with tandem units on campus, such as the W. E. B. DuBois Honors Program, John R. Lewis Center for Social Justice, Office of Career Planning and Development, and Office of Global Affairs, among others.
Integrate Technology:
- Demonstrate proficiency in data collection and management.
- Utilize digital tools, software programs, and analytics to enhance student learning.
- Stay current with emerging technologies in English, the arts, and languages.
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Preferred:
- Familiarity with the mission and culture of HBCUs.
- Active participation in professional organizations.
- Record of successful grant writing and budget management.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- An earned doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree) in English, American Literature, or a closely related field.
- A distinguished record of teaching, scholarship, and service commensurate with appointment at the university rank of Associate or Full Professor.
- Higher education teaching experience for a minimum of five years.
- Demonstrated administrative and leadership experience, preferably at the department/director level or higher for at least three years.
- Supportive skills in guiding junior faculty: encouraging their professional growth and facilitating the tenure and promotion processes.
- Knowledge of how English, Art, and the Modern Languages intersect to encourage cross-disciplinary faculty collaboration.
- Experience with online/hybrid instruction and technology-enhanced learning.
- Experience developing and implementing culturally responsive teaching practices.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills.
- Diplomatic skills in team building, student relations, and creative problem solving.
- A strong commitment to the mission and values of Fisk University.
- A visionary approach to the future of English, the arts, literature, and the modern languages in higher education.
