Chair, Department of Economics

General Summary

The Department of Economics at Illinois State University (ISU) seeks applications for the position of Chair, to begin July 1, 2023. Applicants must have a doctorate in Economics or a related discipline, an active research agenda, an established teaching record, and successful administrative experience commensurate with the rank of Professor or senior Associate Professor. Applicants must also have evidence of strong leadership skills, resource building, interpersonal skills, and commitment to shared academic governance. The department seeks a dynamic chair, supportive of the faculty’s diverse research, teaching, and service contributions, and who fosters a collegial atmosphere that supports the department’s mission and vision. The initial review of applicants will begin on December 1, 2022, and continue until the position is filled.

ISU recognizes that a diverse faculty, staff, and student body enriches the educational experiences of the entire campus and the greater community. Candidates with experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students who can contribute to the inclusivity climate are especially welcome. Women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and people of color are encouraged to apply.

The department seeks a dynamic chair, supportive of the faculty’s diverse research, teaching, and service contributions, and who fosters a collegial atmosphere supporting the department’s mission and vision. The chair administratively leads a comprehensive and diverse program of research, teaching, and extension/outreach. The chair must also have evidence of strong leadership skills, resource building, interpersonal skills, and commitment to shared academic governance. The chair must possess both a scholarly record and a skill set that would lead to effective faculty mentoring and development. In addition, the Chair is expected to work with other unit leaders and administrators to advance the department’s vision and mission, optimize department resource needs and promote the Department and College with local, state, national, and international organizations. The Chair reports to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

The position is a twelve-month tenured appointment. The salary and rank are commensurate with qualifications and experience. A competitive comprehensive benefits package is included.

Additional Information

Department of Economics: The Department of Economics (https://economics.illinoisstate.edu/) has a longstanding reputation for excellence in research, education, and service to the profession and community. Faculty members are engaged in research across a wide range of interests, and, based on research productivity alone, the department consistently ranks among the top non-doctoral economics programs. Research seminars provide an opportunity for additional interaction with colleagues and visiting scholars. The undergraduate program is noted for its exceptional commitment to teaching quality and innovative curriculum. The department’s stated mission is to provide its students with a premier undergraduate education in Economics in the State of Illinois. The curriculum is highlighted by a senior project required of economics majors that allow each student to work with an individual faculty member on a research project selected by the student. The graduate program offers a Master’s degree with concentrations in applied economics, electricity, natural gas & telecommunications, financial economics, and applied community & economic development. The department hosts the Institute for Regulatory Policy Studies (IRPS). This non-profit organization conducts conferences on electricity, natural gas & telecommunications issues and supports student internships in industry. The department is a co-sponsor of the Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development (https://stevensoncenter.org/), which offers internships and assistantships for students in the applied community and economic development sequence. The faculty members have been recognized internationally and nationally for their teaching, research efforts, and community outreach. The department is currently staffed with 11 tenure-track faculty. In addition, there is one administrative staff member and three adjunct/non-tenure track faculty. The current enrollment is 103 undergraduate majors, 54 minors, and 36 graduate students.   

Illinois State University: Illinois State University is committed to fostering a small-college atmosphere with large-university opportunities. Founded in 1857, ISU is the oldest public university in Illinois, with an enrollment of approximately 20,500 students in its six colleges. Economics is housed with the College of Arts and Sciences (http://www.cas.ilstu.edu), home to 16 academic Departments/Schools and additional Interdisciplinary Studies Programs. Illinois State University made U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 rankings of America’s best public national universities based on academic quality and excellence, the Chronicle of Higher Education has consistently named Illinois State University one of the “Great Colleges to Work For,” and Washington Monthly recently ranked the University 57^th out of all national universities for the institution’s contribution to the public good through social mobility, research, and public services. 
 
Bloomington-Normal Community: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a population of approximately 132,000. The community is home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, GROWMARK, the Illinois Farm Bureau, Rivian Motors, Country Financial, and State Farm Insurance Corporate Headquarters. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems and educational attainment, parks and recreation, health care, job growth, economic opportunity, and low crime. Forbes magazine ranked Bloomington-Normal as the 66^th best small place for businesses and careers and the 13^th best for education. Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis, two hours from Chicago and St. Louis, and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield, many of which are accessible by Amtrak Train. For more information on our community, please visit http://www.visitbn.org/. 

Required Qualifications

1. Must hold a Ph.D. in Economics or a related discipline, and with academic achievements in both scholarship and teaching that merit appointment with tenure at the rank of Professor or senior Associate Professor.
2. Ability to work collegially and effectively with faculty, students, staff, administrative colleagues, alumni, and professional communities served by the department.
3. A significant record of research and teaching excellence, demonstrated leadership abilities, and a commitment to shared academic governance.
4. Must be able to demonstrate oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position, as mandated by state law.

Work Hours

Varies

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without reasonable accommodation:

1. Ability to communicate effectively daily.
2. Ability to conduct or attend meetings in various locations across campus.

Proposed Starting Date

07/01/2023

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

Commensurate with experience and qualifications. A competitive comprehensive benefits package is included.

Required Applicant Documents

1. Cover letter
2. Statement of Administrative Philosophy
3. Current Curriculum Vitae
4. Diversity Statement
5. Research Statement
6. Statement of Teaching Philosophy
7. Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses for three academic references.

PLEASE NOTE:  These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.

Contact Information for Applicants

Search Committee Chair 
Dr. Cheri Simonds cjsimon@ilstu.edu 

Human Resources 
Lexi Marquez emmarq1@ilstu.edu 

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.