Founding Chair of the Department of Engineering

Drury University seeks a visionary leader with a strong technical foundation to serve as the Founding Chair of the Department of Engineering. Programs in mechanical and electrical engineering are slated to begin in August 2024 and will be the first engineering programs in the School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences at Drury. The successful candidate will 1) be an experienced leader who will oversee the program development, including fiscal planning, curriculum development, and hiring of principal faculty; 2) provide direction in facilities and laboratory renovations; 3) coordinate the preparation required for ABET accreditation; and 4) grow and lead the new engineering programs to meet Drury's purpose of transforming student lives through personalized education.

Drury University: 

Drury University, a small liberal arts institution located in Springfield, Missouri, is known for its student-centered approach to education. The University's rigorous academic environment, intentional professional development experiences, and many professional clubs and organizations produce students who are prepared to be the next generation of leaders in their chosen careers. Drury's dedicated and conscientious mentoring of students allows them to explore their personalities and many career options to find their best professional paths.

Drury is regularly recognized by national publications for its high-quality programs, highlighting it as the private university of choice in the Midwest for ambitious students seeking a liberal arts education integrated with selective professional programs. The University has been a catalyst for progressive changes in the region since its inception in 1873 and continues to be a leader in transformative educational experiences. Drury recently developed a number of new undergraduate and graduate programs, completed the construction of a nearly 60,000-square-foot Enterprise Center and Executive Conference Center, and procured resources for the new School of Health Sciences. Importantly, planning is underway for a major capital campaign to mark Drury's 150th anniversary in 2023. These efforts, along with many other initiatives, position the University to expand its work to equip graduates for meaningful lives of work and service for generations to come.

Springfield, MO: Springfield is the third largest city in the state of Missouri and the county seat of Greene County. With more than 456,000 people in the metro area and millions of tourists each year, Springfield is rich with interesting and entertaining attractions, more than 850 dining options, and a variety of shopping and cultural activities. Living in Springfield is easy. It has a plentiful and growing job market, great schools, excellent health care, distinctive entertainment, and a wonderful culture—overflowing with abundant character and friendliness. All at the same time, you can fast-track your career, afford the home you’ve always wanted, simplify your commute, and enrich your life amid the natural beauty of the Ozarks. Among Springfield's finest assets are its scenery and clean environment, something community leaders are striving to maintain through a variety of programs and sustainable building projects.

Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field;

• Record of scholarly research and publication or comparable entrepreneurial successes;

• Leadership and administrative experience;

• Experience in developing collaborations with industry partners;

• Commitment to excellence in teaching;

• Ability to recruit and mentor a diverse group of talent;

• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conveying the mission and vision of the program;

• Providing effective leadership and management of all facets of the program;

• Recruiting quality program faculty and support staff;

• Designing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating the curriculum;

• Supervising and evaluating all program faculty and staff;

• Leading program development, planning, and quality enhancement activities;

• Overseeing fiscal resources and development of facilities needed for the program;

• Developing collaborations with regional industry partners;

• Teaching in areas of expertise; and

• Representing the program within the community.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, statement outlining a commitment to fostering and engaging with a diversity of ideas and experiences, and five references to Jeff Riggins, Director of Academic Support Services (jriggins01@drury.edu). Review of applications will begin February 1, 2023 and continue until the position is filled.

Drury University is an open and welcoming community from a rich variety of cultures, races, and socio-economic backgrounds. The mission and goals of the university dedicate the institution to being a community that “affirms the quality and worth of all peoples” and appreciates the “diversity of human culture, language, history, and experience.”
Drury University does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or veteran status in its programs and activities.