The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Savannah State University, a unit of the University System of Georgia, seeks four academic leaders to serve as Department Chairs at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor and invites applications and nominations. The Department Chairs will report to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.

For complete information, see the Search Profile at http://www.myersmcrae.com/skins/userfiles/file/SSU-Chairs-CLASS.pdf

The Opportunity

The Chair serves as the chief academic and administrative officer for the department. This administrator has the authority and responsibility for delivery of academic programs in accordance with the department’s, college’s, and university’s strategic plans. 

Principle functions include:

• Hires and evaluates department personnel
• Manages the budget and resources
• Oversees curriculum development and revisions
• Manages course schedules, registrations, and instructor assignments
• Coordinates departmental activity with the activities of other units, subject to approval of the Dean and Provost
• Assists in the development and implementation of College initiatives in collaboration with faculty, other department chairs, and members of the administration

Qualifications

Candidates should present an established research and practice record in the teaching discipline and show a history of service at the university and community levels. Experience in developing and supporting distance education, acquiring grants, securing external funding, and developing resources is preferred for all Chair positions.

I.    Department of Journalism and Mass Communications

The Chair will have administrative responsibility for the Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications with concentrations in Print Journalism, Public Relations and Advertising, and Audio and Video Production. The Department currently has an enrollment of 448 students.

Minimum Qualifications for Position

The candidate must possess a master’s degree in Journalism, Mass Communications, or closely related field. Successful experience in academic administration and demonstrated evidence of a minimum of five years of effective teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels in a Journalism or Mass Communications program are required.

Preferred Qualification

Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC) structures, procedures, and reaffirmation standards are required.

II.   Department of Political Science and Public Affairs

The Chair will have administrative responsibility for the undergraduate degree programs in Political Science and Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and graduate degree programs in Public Administration and Urban Studies and Planning. The Department currently has an enrollment of 281 undergraduate and graduate students.

Minimum Qualifications for Position

The candidate must possess a doctorate or other appropriate terminal degree in Political Science, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Public Administration, Urban Studies and Planning, or closely related field. Successful experience in academic administration and demonstrated evidence of a minimum of five years of effective teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels in Political Science, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Public Administration, or Urban Studies and Planning are required.

Preferred Qualification

Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with Network of School of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) structures, procedures, and reaffirmation standards.

III.  Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Chair will have administrative responsibility for the Bachelor of Arts degree programs in Africana Studies, Behavior Analysis, Criminal Justice, History, and Sociology. The Department currently has an enrollment of 681 students.

Minimum Qualifications for Position

The candidate must possess a doctorate or other appropriate terminal degree in Africana Studies, Behavior Analysis, Criminal Justice, History, or Sociology or closely related field. Successful experience in academic administration, and demonstrated evidence of a minimum of five years of effective teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels in Africana Studies, Behavior Analysis, Criminal Justice, History, or Sociology are required.

IV.  Department of Social Work

The Chair will have administrative responsibility for the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs and is expected to lead the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) reaffirmation of the BSW and MSW programs. The Department currently has an enrollment of 228 BSW students and 70 MSW students.

Minimum Qualifications for Position

The candidate must possess a doctorate in Social Work or closely related field and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Successful experience in academic administration and demonstrate evidence of a minimum of five years of effective teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels in a Social Work program are required.

Preferred Qualification

Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) structures, procedures, and reaffirmation standards.

The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences is the largest college of the University and is housed in a new state-of-the-art facility. With a diverse offering of programs, the College provides the largest number of core courses for undergraduates across the University.

The College has six departments:

• English, Languages, and Cultures
• Fine Arts, Humanities and Wellness
• Journalism and Mass Communications
• Political Science and Public Affairs      
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Social Work

Leading to a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, or Bachelor of Social Work degree, the College offers majors in English Language and Literature, Mass Communications (with concentrations in Print Journalism, Public Relations and Advertising, Radio and Television), Behavior Analysis, History, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Political Science (with concentrations in Pre-Law, Public Administration, and International and Comparative Politics), Africana Studies, and Visual and Performing Arts.

Additionally, the College has three graduate programs: Master of Public Administration, Master of Social Work, and Master of Science in Urban Studies and Planning.

The programs in Social Work, Journalism and Mass Communications, and Public Administration are professionally accredited.

Savannah State University

Founded in 1890, Savannah State University holds the distinction as the oldest public historically black university in Georgia. While meeting the educational needs of an increasingly diverse student population today, Savannah State serves the community and region with distinction. The University provides a comprehensive higher education experience for the academic, personal, social, and cultural growth of its students.

The University’s mission and educational goals are realized through comprehensive program offerings in the College of Business Administration, the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, the College of Sciences and Technology, and the School of Teacher Education that lead to 30 baccalaureate majors and degrees and six graduate degrees. The University has several new programs in the high-need professional fields, such as the STEM disciplines (sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

The University aggressively seeks funds from federal sources, including NIH and NSF research and program development grants. Presently, the university has approximately $43.7 million approved external funding for multiple years (2015-2020). These grants support curriculum enhancement, faculty and student research, student scholarships, presentations at conferences and other scholarly activity.

Savannah State provides a supportive yet challenging learning environment with opportunities to establish close student-faculty relationships and relevant social/professional networks. In addition to its academic support programs and extracurricular activities, the University has exhibits, performances, sport teams, concerts, and community volunteer service projects geared to improving relationships with neighborhoods in the greater Savannah area.

The University is located on a beautiful 201-acre tract adjacent to a salt-marsh estuary. Resplendent with moss-laden oak trees, expansive marsh, and historic architecture, Savannah State is considered one of the most picturesque campuses in the state of Georgia.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah State University is located in Savannah, Georgia, a historic city with a revered past, a vibrant present, and an exciting future. Known as one of the “World’s 30 Friendliest Cities” by Condé Nast Traveler readers, this coastal town has a world-class reputation for hospitality and grace.

With nearly 300,000 area residents, Savannah has maintained steady growth, with the economy based mainly on ports, manufacturing, tourism, and the military. The city offers a high quality of life and a family-friendly lifestyle.

Applications & Nominations

Confidential inquiries are welcomed; nominations are invited.

 Application packet must include:

a)   A letter of interest

b)   Current curriculum vitae

c)   At least five references with full contact information (references will not be contacted without consent from applicants)

d)  Your answers to the required questions at:      www.myersmcrae.com/skins/userfiles/file/MMQuestions.pdf  

 2.   Submit application packet to: SSU-Chair@myersmcrae.com  

For best consideration, submit materials by November 9, 2016. Review of applications is underway.

Submit nominations to the SSU-Chair-Nominate@myersmcrae.com. Nominations should include full contact information of nominated individual.

Emily Parker Myers, Chief Executive Officer, and Bobby Pope, Vice President, of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting are assisting Savannah State University with this search.

Savannah State University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative-Action Institution committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, genetics, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected Veteran status. Georgia is an Open Records State.