Open Rank Professor in Higher Education (Urban Research Cluster)

The Higher Education Program of the Department of Education Policy & Leadership at Southern Methodist University (SMU) invites applications for an Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor (#53750). This is a tenure-track position slated to begin in August of 2024. SMU’s Department of Education Policy & Leadership is a dynamic and collegial environment where research, policy, and practice are valued in the preparation of future leaders. Our faculty have extensive expertise in both research and practice drawing on a variety of experiences. The Higher Education Program engages in continuous assessment and improvement in our courses and organizational structures with an emphasis on incorporating diversity and equity and is committed to providing mentoring support to new members of the department commensurate with their rank.

We seek applicants who have an earned doctorate in higher education or a related field. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, maintaining an active research agenda, seeking external funding, teaching courses in the doctorate of education (Ed.D.) and master’s of education programs, advising Ed.D. dissertations, and providing service to the program, department, college, university, and community. There is the opportunity to teach and advise PhD students as well. We seek a collaborative colleague to join our community.

As one of eight tenure-line positions associated with Southern Methodist University’s faculty cluster in urban research, this position offers opportunities for rich interdisciplinary connections among new and existing SMU faculty (www.smu.edu/Dedman/Research/Clusters). The cluster fosters research on cities and urbanization from local and global perspectives. SMU’s location in Dallas, the fourth largest metropolitan area in the country, is an ideal setting for studying the opportunities and inequities that individuals, groups, and communities confront as they navigate and shape urban life.

Minimum Requirements:

• Earned doctorate in higher education or a related discipline, such as education policy, sociology, economics, political science, or public policy by August 1, 2024 Demonstrated commitment to equity and justice in research, teaching, and service that has prepared the candidate to contribute positively to the department’s commitment to diversity and equity Expertise or research agenda with an emphasis on higher education in urban/metropolitan environments.  This can include, but is not limited to, expertise/research on community or place-based engagement, anchor institutions, higher education economic development, urban education ecosystems, historical factors shaping urban higher education, technology transfer, and place and space of higher education

Preferred Qualifications (expectations for each point are commensurate with candidate’s rank):

• Expertise or experience teaching courses in ideally two or more of the following areas: public policy, research methods and evaluation, or organizational theory and governance Experience and commitment to teaching, advising, and/or mentoring graduate students Demonstrated record of seeking and/or securing research funding

Application Procedure:

Applicants should submit their materials online at http://apply.interfolio.com/132455. The application materials should include:

1. A cover letter highlighting the candidate’s qualifications with specific reference to research and teaching experience/approach as well as outlining their demonstrated commitment to equity and/or justice Curriculum vitae One writing sample in the form of a published article, submitted manuscript, or manuscript in preparation Name, title, and contact information (email address) for three references.

For questions or to discuss the position, contact search co-chairs, Dr. Willis Jones (wajones@smu.edu) and Dr. Sondra Barringer (sbarringer@smu.edu). 

To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by October 11, 2023, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. The start date for the position is Fall 2024. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.