Chair, Department of Race, Religion, Gender and Multidisciplinary Studies

Chair, Department of Race, Religion, Gender and Multidisciplinary Studies

Category: Administrative, Professional & Staff Positions
Department: Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Locations: Macomb, IL
Posted: Oct 5, 2022
Closes: Open Until Filled
Type: FT - Continuous


About Western Illinois University:

Western Illinois University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, serves more than 7600 students at its traditional, residential four-year campus in Macomb, IL and its metropolitan, non-residential campus in Moline, IL. Compliance to state and federal hiring standards is coordinated through WIU's Office of Equal Opportunity & Access.


Job Description:

APPOINTMENT: July 1, 2023

RESPONSIBILITIES: The responsibilities of the department chair include: recruitment and supervision of faculty and support staff; evaluation of faculty for promotion, retention and tenure; long-range and short- term planning; management of the departmental budget; support of faculty development; promotion of excellence in teaching; coordination of efforts to recruit and retain undergraduate and graduate students representing all the diverse segments of the U.S. and international populations; promoting curricular development; maintaining clear and open communication within the Department; successfully mediating student concerns; representing the Department both within and beyond the university; communicating expectations of the university administration to the Department and some teaching of appropriate courses in the Department. This is an 11 month, 100% position.

RANK & SALARY: Full professor rank with commensurate salary. Western Illinois University offers a competitive benefits package including domestic partner benefits. For full benefit information visit: http://www.wiu.edu/vpas/human_resources/benefits/


Requirements:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in African American Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, English, Ethnic Studies, Foreign Languages and Literatures, History, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Women's Studies or other related field with a demonstrated teaching and research focus in African American Studies.
• A record of academic and professional achievement warranting tenure at the rank of full Professor at Western Illinois University.
• Demonstrated record of excellent teaching, research/scholarship, and service.
• Experience with curriculum development, budgets and scheduling essential.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellence and innovation in teaching at all levels
• Leadership in new initiatives
• A commitment to involvement of undergraduate and graduate students in research
• Direct experience in managing and directing teams of scholars in both research and educational endeavors
• A commitment to diversifying faculty and staff and nurturing the department's collegial intellectual community is highly desirable
• Preference will be given to candidates with evidence of involvement in successful outreach and recruitment activities (particularly as they relate to growing small programs)
• Excellent communication skills and experience working with external constituencies (other institutions, funding agencies, state and federal agencies)
• Experience working with accrediting agencies, such as NCATE, and a readiness to work cooperatively in consultation with faculty and to foster partnerships with other academic units within the University also preferred

For a degree to be considered, it must be conferred from a regionally accredited degree-granting institution of higher education (or equivalent from an international accrediting body). Unless otherwise stated, the degree must be "in hand" at the time of appointment.


Additional Information:

THE DEPARTMENT: The Department of Race, Religion, Gender and Multidisciplinary Studies offers a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences with two options, including a new option in African American Studies. The department is home to four tenured professors who offer courses in support of the interdisciplinary LAS major, as well as minors in African American Studies, Religious Studies, and Women's Studies. The undergraduate degree is offered on both the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses. The department also offers an interdisciplinary master's degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences on the Macomb campus. There are approximately 22 undergraduate majors and 2 graduate majors. For more information about the University and our Department, visit our website at http://wiu.edu/cas/liberal_arts_and_sciences.

About WIU (wiu.edu/about/)

Since 1899, Western Illinois University has provided outstanding educational opportunities to individuals in west central Illinois and well beyond our region and state. WIU's traditional residential campus in Macomb, Illinois, is the educational, cultural and athletic center of the region, while the WIU-Quad Cities non-residential branch campus in Moline, Illinois, is the only public university in the immediate Quad Cities region.

WIU-Macomb, IL (Student Population: 6,539): A traditional, residential four-year campus offering a comprehensive slate of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a doctorate in education, WIU-Macomb is located in the heart of west central Illinois in Macomb. Amtrak provides twice-daily service from Macomb to Chicago (and point in-between). Macomb is located approximately 75 miles from the Quad Cities International Airport (Moline, IL) and 70 miles from the Greater Peoria Regional Airport (Peoria, IL).

WIU-Quad Cities (Student Population: 916): The only public university in the Quad Cities area, WIU-QC offers select undergraduate and graduate programs, including a doctorate in education and a doctorate in environmental studies, at its metropolitan, non-residential campus in Moline, IL.

WIU Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (wiu.edu/dei)

Western Illinois University fosters respect, equity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. WIU is committed to anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity, social justice, and diversity. We value inclusion as a core value and as an essential element of Western's public service mission. WIU embraces individual uniqueness and a culture of inclusion that supports broad and specific diversity initiatives. Western believes in the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society as integral to the success of all individuals.

At WIU, we will:

Maintain a safe and secure environment for all members of our University communities.
Educate and empower students, staff, and faculty to be social justice advocates.
Provide curricula, programs, training, resources, and environments that reflect and strengthen the diversity of our communities, and to elevate cultural awareness and understanding.
Ensure fair, equitable, and inclusive access to University facilities, programs, resources, and services.
Create inclusive and equitable policies and practices.
Diversify the University's workforce by assessing hiring practices to attract, retain, and develop talented staff and faculty from diverse backgrounds.
Address intergroup disparities through areas as representation, retention, learning outcomes, and graduation rates.
Create a Universitywide diversity plan to ensure a continued commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity, social justice, and diversity.

Academics (wiu.edu/academics)

More than 61 undergraduate degree programs, 40 graduate programs, two doctoral programs and 13 post-baccaulaureate certificate programs prepare students for a successful career after graduation.

Student Resources

There are more than 200 student organizations at Western that provide social, academic, recreation, sports, service, and many other opportunities for students to grow and learn, develop leadership skills, and much more. Numerous concerts, lectures, films, dance performances, cultural events and more are presented and performed each year, along with numerous major theatrical and dance productions and studio shows, and a variety of service-oriented projects and activities, all in a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The Multicultural Center is home to four cultural and resource centers: The Gwendolyn Brooks, Casa Latina, the Women's Center, and the LGBT*QA Resource Center. These cultural and resource centers promote WIU's goal of enhancing justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion through educational programming and advocacy.

WIU Intercollegiate Athletics (wiu.edu/athletics)

The University's athletics program, based on the Macomb campus, sponsors 17 NCAA Division I intercollegiate men's and women's varsity sports. Football competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision through the Missouri Valley Football Conference; all other varsity sports compete at the Division I level through The Summit League.


Application Instructions:

APPLICATION: Complete applications include:

1) a letter of application

2) current curriculum vita or resume

3) the names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three current professional references

4) official transcripts will be required for selected candidate

5) statement of administrative philosophy and goals

6) statement regarding your commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

Please upload the requested documents by clicking APPLY NOW or by navigating to the WIU Employment page at the following URL http://www.wiu.edu/employment/

**Note** Individual documents must be under 2 MB in size in order to upload.

Screening will begin on December 1, 2022 and continue until the position is filled.

Questions regarding the search may be directed to the chair of the search committee:

Dr. James A. Schmidt, Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences and Acting Chair, Department of Race, Religion, Gender and Multidisciplinary Studies (JA-Schmidt@wiu.edu).

For assistance with the online application system, please contact the Human Resources Office at hr-recruitment@wiu.edu or 309-298-1971

Western Illinois University fosters respect, equity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. WIU is committed to anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity, social justice, and diversity. We value inclusion as a core value and as an essential element of Western's public service mission. WIU embraces individual uniqueness and a culture of inclusion that supports broad and specific diversity initiatives. Western believes in the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society as integral to the success of all individuals.



To apply, visit https://wiu.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=154158&CNTRNO=26&TSTMP=0



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