Position Announcement
Head, Department of Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT)
James Madison University’s Department of Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT), a unique and multifaceted academic unit, seeks applicants for the position of Department Head. The Department Head reports directly to the Dean, College of Integrated Science and Technology. ISAT’s innovative nature applies a systems approach to scientific, technical and policy problem-solving that is not constrained by disciplinary boundaries. We produce graduates who are flexible critical thinkers who can solve real-world problems in their social, international and economic context. Our faculty members have terminal degrees in many different fields, representing various areas of science, engineering, social science, law, business and humanities, giving the Department a broad range of expertise and the ability to promote active real-world problem solving among our students. The Department contains several degree-granting programs: BS in Integrated Science and Technology, MS in Integrated Science and Technology, BS and BA in Geographic Science, and BS in Information Analysis. The ISAT BS program is ABET accredited. Strategic curriculum concentrations among the various degree programs include biotechnology, energy, engineering and manufacturing, environmental science, information and knowledge management, telecommunications, applied geographic information systems, environmental conservation and sustainable development, national security analysis, and global competitive intelligence.
ISAT is a unique department at a university with a strategic STEM emphasis. Our campus has strong basic science and math programs, an emerging engineering program, and a nationally ranked College of Business. There is a university-wide emphasis at JMU on instructional innovation at both the classroom and program levels, data-focused approaches to instructional improvement (program assessment), research experiences for undergraduates, and graduate programs of distinction. Interdisciplinary work is encouraged on our campus and ISAT has long been a model program that values a multidisciplinary approach to teaching students to solve real-world problems with the approaches and information provided by many disciplines. ISAT is also extensively involved in international programs and experiences, including study abroad, an international master's degree, and outreach service projects overseas. For further information see http://www.isat.jmu.edu.
The ideal candidate will be able to understand, embrace, and advocate the ISAT culture. In addition to representing the department within the university, to parents and students, and to business and government entities, the Department Head will help faculty define, articulate, and implement a vision that will garner national attention. Candidates should demonstrate leadership skills and experience, especially in situations requiring a collaborative leadership style. Experience both inside and outside of academia, and working with varied business, industry, or government partners, is strongly desired. The successful candidate will demonstrate prior administrative and/or management experience, and the ability to cultivate relationships within the university and with external partners. Because of the unique nature of the Department, the position requires a history of rigorous and creative scholarship and teaching in fields related to or presently a part of the ISAT department. A Ph.D. in a field related to a departmental program is required.
The Department Head is responsible for the administration and leadership of the Department. This includes curriculum development, personnel, and budgeting. The position is a 12-month, tenure-track faculty appointment (with the possibility of tenure upon initial appointment given appropriate credentials).
JMU is a comprehensive university, with an enrollment of 16,619 undergraduate and 1,136 graduate students, located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley approximately 2 hours from Washington, D.C., Richmond, and Roanoke. JMU is regarded as one of the finest regional universities in the nation and has been cited in U.S. News and World Report, Changing Times, and Money Magazine as an outstanding public university. For 15 consecutive years JMU has been ranked as the top public, master’s level university in the South by the annual poll on academic quality conducted by U.S. News and World Report for its guidebook, America’s Best Colleges. In 2009 JMU had the highest graduation rate among both public and private colleges in the South (80%) and we are one of our nation’s top 35 colleges in undergraduate research. For additional public recognitions of our university see http://www.jmu.edu/jmuweb/aboutJMU/national_recognitions.shtml. JMU highly values quality teaching, the university has substantial technological infrastructure, and JMU’s Center for Faculty Innovation , and the Center for Instructional Technology support teaching, instructional technology, and faculty development. For more information about JMU see http://www.jmu.edu.
HOW TO APPLY:
Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc. is assisting JMU in the search. Review of applications will begin immediately and the search will remain open until the position is filled. All communications, including inquiries, nominations, and applications, will be held in strict confidence. For best consideration, materials should be received by October 2, 2009. Application materials should include a letter addressing how the candidate's experiences match the position requirements, curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least five references. Submission of materials as an MS Word attachment is strongly encouraged.
Confidential inquiries, nominations, and application materials should be directed to:
Dr. Jan Greenwood or Dr. Betty Turner Asher
Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc.
42 Business Center Drive, Suite 206
Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Phone: (301) 292-6615; (850) 650-2277
Fax: (301) 292-1006; (850) 650-2272
jangreenwood@greenwoodsearch.com
bettyasher@greenwoodsearch.com
James Madison University encourages applications from all qualified individuals. JMU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) with respect to employment or admissions, or in connection with its programs or activities.
