Job description
The University of South Alabama and the College of Education and Professional Studies invite applicants for the Chair of the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport. The College is a vital part of the university with a dynamic set of disciplines, and the department is a leader within that context and across the R-1 aspirant campus. With strength in teaching and research, the department seeks a visionary leader to advance existing strengths as well as a number of exciting opportunities on the horizon.
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMAis a diverse and vibrant public university that is making a difference in the lives of the people of Alabama and the nation through teaching, research, service, and health care. The University offers a wide range of high-quality undergraduate and graduate academic programs to approximately 14,000 students. Located in Mobile, Alabama, the University of South Alabama is the Flagship of the Gulf Coast, representing the only major public institution of higher learning on the upper Gulf Coast.
THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES is one of nine colleges and schools of the University of South Alabama. Founded on February 1, 1967, the college serves approximately 1,700 graduate and undergraduate students. The College offers undergraduate and graduate education certification programs, as well as programs that are outside of the public-school arena. These areas include health, kinesiology, sport and recreation, mental health, instructional design, hospitality and tourism, and interdisciplinary studies.
The College is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, with programs accredited by the Alabama State Department of Education, the American Psychological Association, and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Across all program areas, the College of Education and Professional Studies is committed to preparing exemplary professionals committed to life-long learning who are leaders in contributing to the betterment of our dynamic world.
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, KINESIOLOGY, AND SPORT currently has 12 full-time faculty, 7 tenured faculty, 3 tenure-track faculty, 2 non-tenure track instructional faculty, 3 staff members, 17 graduate assistants, and over 650 students. The Department offers undergraduate programs in Exercise Science, Health and Physical Education teacher education, Sport Management and Recreation Studies, Recreational Therapy, and Health Promotion. Graduate programs include master’s degrees in Exercise Science, Health and Physical Education teacher education, Health Promotion, and Sport Management, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise Science and Performance Nutrition (first implemented Fall 2023). The Department is home to the Exercise and Nutrition Research Group (ENRG) at the University of South Alabama, which is comprised of a cluster of well-equipped, collaborative laboratories capable of supporting a wide array of exercise- and nutrition-related research, teaching, community outreach, and service-learning activities. Current laboratory capabilities include equipment for body composition (BodPod, DXA, 3D scanner, BIA/BIS, hydrostatic weighing), neuromuscular (HUMAC Norm dynamometer, EMG, nerve stimulation, force plate,Tensiomyography via the TMG S2 device, Magstim BiStim2 for peripheral nerve and transcranial stimulation, and MyotonPro, a portable device for measuring biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of soft tissue), cardiovascular (NIRS, ultrasound, blood flow restriction cuffs, SphygmoCor, EKG), metabolic/pulmonary (metabolic cart with exercise and REE capability, spirometry), and biochemical/molecular (rtPCR system, microplate reader, pipetting robot, electrophoresis, microscopy equipment, freezers) assessments. An assortment of other equipment is available for exercise testing, including cycle ergometers (Velotron, Monark, iWorx equipment), treadmills, a fully equipped collegiate weight room, and other basic exercise and laboratory equipment.
THE CHAIR OF THE DEPARTMENT will report directly to the Dean, and will be responsible for curriculum development, faculty recruitment, supervising student advising, and budget administration.
The successful candidate will have an academic record meriting appointment at the rank of at least associate professor in one of the disciplines represented in the department. For consideration of the rank of Associate Professor, candidates must demonstrate a cohesive research agenda with a clear path to seeking full Professor. For consideration of the rank of Professor, candidates must demonstrate an established record of research and scholarly productivity.
The candidate must have meaningful higher education administrative experience. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate evidence of effective leadership in academic program administration. The successful candidate will also demonstrate a commitment to innovative approaches, outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, and a commitment to a student-centered approach that promotes success, belonging, and wellness for all students served by the department.
Additionally, the department seeks leadership that will continue to support the department’s research profile, provide vision for securing external funding, and work collaboratively with external constituents.
How to apply
APPLICATION materials must include a letter of interest and current CV. These materials should be sent via email to Carjetta Taylor, Assistant to the Dean, College of Education & Professional Studies at [email protected]. Please include “HKS Department Chair Search” in the subject line.
For full consideration, applicants must submit materials by October 15, 2025, and the search will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries about the position should be directed to Dr. Shelley Holden at (251) 460-7131 or email: [email protected].
The University of South Alabama is an EO/AA employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected status basis.
