Western Kentucky University Looking for Department Chair, Applied Human Sciences Full Time

Department Chair, Applied Human Sciences

About Western Kentucky University:

Western Kentucky University
(WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social
experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the
Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 15,035 students (29% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority) and just over 2,500
faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by
building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic
education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in
our diverse and evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU’s
main campus is in Bowling Green, KY – a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85
languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University
seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU’s strategic plans and ongoing success. We
offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents
and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for
holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and
Bowling Green at wku.edu/about.

Job
Description:

College of Health and Human Services:

The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS),
founded in 2002, prepares health and human service professionals who will work to improve the quality of life in their communities and
beyond. CHHS consists of the following seven academic units, including: Departments of Applied Human Sciences, Communication Sciences and
Disorders, Physical Therapy, Public Health, Social Work, and Schools of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport and Nursing and Allied Health.

CHHS offers 16 undergraduate majors leading to baccalaureate degrees. Some majors offer concentrations, which provide additional options
within these programs. Two (2) associate degree programs, 12 undergraduate certificates, and 12 minors are also offered. At the graduate
level, there are 9 master’s degree programs and 11 graduate certificates. In addition, 2 professional doctoral degrees, the Doctor of
Nursing Practice and the Doctor of Physical Therapy are offered.

CHHS oversees the South-Central Area Health Education Center (AHEC),
the Center for Applied Science in Health and Aging (CASHA), the Center for Environmental and Workplace Health (CEWH), and the LifeSkills
Center for Child Welfare Education and Research (LCCWEAR). Centers or clinics reporting to a unit within CHHS include the Institute for
Rural Health, the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training Center, the Training Resource Center, the Dental Hygiene Clinic, and the
Communication Disorders Clinic. These clinics and centers provide on campus applied learning opportunities, including clinical experiences,
field work, and/or internships, where students apply the theories and concepts discussed in the classroom.

The Health Sciences
Complex, a 73,471 square-foot, three-story facility, on the Medical Center’s campus, is home to WKU’s nursing and physical therapy
programs.

Department of Applied Human Sciences:

The department of Applied Human Sciences views the family, in
all its diverse forms, as the cornerstone of a healthy society.

• Our mission is to improve the well-being of the family through
  programs that educate and influence public policy, career paths and family life.
• Our vision is to be recognized as preparing the
  best-qualified graduates in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
• Our focus is on preparing students for living, learning, and leading in
  global communities and career endeavors.

Since its beginning in 1911, many changes have occurred in the department; however,
one thing that remains is the high standard of academic quality offered through dynamic majors, minors, certificate programs and involved
student organizations. Students in the Department of Applied Human Sciences are consistently awarded top honors by the college and
frequently receive local national and international recognition, scholarships and awards for their hard work. Students are well prepared for
careers in a wide variety of fields and compete successfully in the global market. The department offers three undergraduate majors leading
to baccalaureate degrees. These majors are Child and Family Services, Hospitality Management and Dietetics, and Interior Design and Fashion
Merchandising. The department also offers two undergraduate certificates, one graduate certificate, and two undergraduate minors.

Accreditations within the department include:

• Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and
  Dietetics (ACEND) – Nutrition & Dietetic concentration in the major of Hospitality Management and Dietetics and the Dietetic Practice
  graduate certificate
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – Child Development Pathway in the major and
  concentration of Child and Family Services
• National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) – Interior Design program

Position Description:

This position is an 11-month administrative appointment. Department chairs are
appointed for four-year terms, subject to annual reviews as well as a comprehensive review in the fourth year. The Chair is responsible for
leadership of the Department of Applied Human Sciences, faculty personnel actions, mentorship and development, evaluation of faculty and
staff, programmatic and budgeting administration, curriculum development and revision, course and class scheduling, student affairs, office
organization, representation of the Dean and statesmanship. The Chair reports to the Dean of the College of Health and Human
Services.

Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership in the areas of curriculum planning, workload
  assignments, personnel matters, budget administration, facilities management, student issues, and faculty development.
• Oversees
  program assessment, improvement and, reporting activities.
• Prepares reports and provides data and other information as requested by
  the Dean or Provost.
• Recruits, develops, and retains faculty committed to strong teaching, scholarship, and service.
• Advocates for supportive teaching, research, and service environments.
• Evaluates faculty and staff.
• Develops
  constructive external relationships with individuals, organizations, agencies, and other resources considered advantageous to the university
  and the school.
• Performs classroom instruction.
• Represents AHS at Dean’s Leadership Team and University level
  meetings.
• Approves degree programs for majors/certificates/minors in the academic department.
• Conveys concerns to the Dean
  and other administrative personnel.

Requirements:

• Hold a doctorate or other terminal degree
  relevant to discipline.
• Qualified for appointment as an associate professor or professor with tenure.
• A minimum of six
  years full-time teaching experience at the university or college level.
• Budgeting experience.
• Experience in the
  development of innovative programs, distance learning, and/or collaborative endeavors.
• Successful record of relevant academic
  leadership experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Considered Essential for Success:

• Demonstrated excellence in teaching in undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Exemplary record of scholarship and community
  service.
• Ability to attract and retain innovative and creative faculty.
• Ability to serve as an advocate for faculty and
  students.
• Commitment to building and enhancing collaborations within the school and across campus.
• Strong commitment to
  community engagement.
• Demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary and multicultural settings. 
• Excellent
  interpersonal and communication skills.

Additional Information:

Kentucky state law requires all public
institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to
all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972,
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or
harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth
or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities,
or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or
selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions
regarding WKU’s Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via
email at [email protected] or by phone at (270) 745-6867.
Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University’s response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional
information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU’s https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are
provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email [email protected].

Application
Instructions:

The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system by February 15,
2024, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled:

• Letter of Intent
• Curriculum Vita
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy

Names and contact information of
three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee
through an online process at a later date.

You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application
process.

Quicklink to apply: https://wku.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp;jsessionid=B040FD3C1007C54CFF2906EB1E06A270?JOBID=171008