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Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies - Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

 

Clemson University, College of Arts and Humanities

Description

Launched on July 1, 2023, the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies at Clemson University seeks an exceptional academic leader for the position of Department Chair, a tenure-line position with faculty rank of Professor, to begin August 15, 2024. Advanced Associate Professors with an exemplary record of achievement in university research, teaching and service at a level sufficient to qualify for appointment as a tenured Professor will also be considered. We seek candidates with a PhD in at least one of the areas represented in the department with teaching and research records commensurate with an appointment as a Professor at a Carnegie R1 institution. Candidates should have at least three years of department-level or higher administrative experience.

The Chair will provide visionary and collaborative administrative leadership that engages the goals of Clemson's bold new strategic plan, Clemson Elevate. The Chair will also:

• promote excellence in current undergraduate and graduate programs;
• provide strategic leadership in fiscal planning and management of a revenue-based budget;
• recruit, develop, and retain excellent faculty and staff; foster interdisciplinary research, transdisciplinary teaching, and experiential learning;
• support and lead efforts to advance Clemson's commitment to inclusive excellence;
• advance engagement with local, state, and global communities; cultivate and nurture donor relations and promote grant-funding opportunities; and
• work closely with directors to support and develop innovative programs

Housed in the College of Arts and Humanities, the new Department of Interdisciplinary Studies currently offers three distinctive BA degree programs in Global Black Studies, Women's Leadership, and World Cinema and a nationally prominent PhD program in Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design for residential and online students. Beginning in Fall 2024, the Department will also offer courses in professional communication and information design that support Clemson's new Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) in experiential learning and meet the diverse curricular needs of disciplines across the university. Affiliated and core faculty from across the university teach and mentor students in each of the department's programs.

In addition to housing these existing programs and curricular initiatives, Interdisciplinary Studies will serve as an incubator for future programs and as a platform for faculty and students from across Clemson to meet, exchange ideas and engage in meaningful study and research that demonstrates the value of the humanities for students at a comprehensive university, as well as for diverse local and global communities. For more information about Interdisciplinary Studies, see the departmental page linked here.

The College of Arts and Humanities is home to six academic departments, the Humanities Hub, and the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts. In addition to Interdisciplinary Studies, the Departments of English, History and Geography, Languages, Performing Arts, and Philosophy and Religion boast world-class faculty. CAH students enjoy the tight-knit learning community of a small liberal arts college situated within the vibrant campus experience of a leading public research university. CAH students and faculty actively participate in the robust Pam Hendrix Center for Education Abroad program.

Clemson University is the top-ranked land-grant institution in South Carolina. The University has significantly increased its investments in graduate education and research. In 2023, it was recognized by Forbes as one of the best employers in the state of South Carolina. The main campus is located in the Upstate region, an area with a relatively low cost of living, great natural beauty, and easy access to the nearby cultural and economic hubs of Greenville, Atlanta, Asheville, Charlotte, and Columbia.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• A terminal degree in women's, gender, and sexuality studies, film and media studies and production, rhetorics (digital, theoretical, applied), digital humanities, Africana studies, or related fields.
• A scholarly record commensurate with the rank of tenured professor in the College of Arts and Humanities at Clemson.
• At least three years of department, college, or university-level administrative experience and a record of visionary leadership, effective budget management, and supportive mentorship of diverse faculty across all ranks.

Desired Qualifications

• Innovative leadership in an interdisciplinary academic context.
• Experience with new program development to meet emergent opportunities Demonstrated commitment to transdisciplinary networks of collaboration.
• Prior success with fundraising, grant development, community engagement, and industry/nonprofit organization partnerships.
• Ability to attract and engage research and teaching faculty members from various disciplines. Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Demonstrated success in fostering a culture of collegiality and transparency among a large and diverse faculty and staff.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit all application materials via Interfolio. Required materials include 1) a cover letter detailing the applicant's qualifications for the position and vision for leading an interdisciplinary department during a period of dynamic growth; 2) a current curriculum vitae; and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Applications received by December 10, 2023, will be given full consideration. Salary is competitive and negotiable, based on experience. The position will remain open until filled.

Application letters should be addressed to Dr. David Blakesley, Search Committee Chair. For inquiries or nominations please contact Executive Talent Partner, Brennan Ledford, at [log in to unmask].

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Clemson University is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, pregnancy, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or genetic information. Clemson University is building a culturally diverse faculty and staff committed to working in a multicultural environment and encourages applications from minorities and women.