Chair, Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment

Title: Chair, Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment
Employee Classification: Department Chairperson
Division Name: Academic Affairs
College/Unit: College of Arts and Sciences
Department: Geography, Geology, and the Environment
Campus Location: Normal, IL

The Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment at Illinois State University invites applications for the position of Chair. As the Department’s chief administrative officer, the Chair reports to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The Chair will be expected to recognize the breadth of this multidisciplinary department, have a clear leadership vision to advance the productive and well-functioning department’s mission, secure resources to accomplish the Department’s goals, and use excellent interpersonal skills to foster a collegial atmosphere conducive to teaching, research, and service. The Chair also teaches one course per year. The position is a twelve-month tenured appointment, to begin July 1, 2024. The salary and rank are commensurate with qualifications and experience. A comprehensive benefits package is included. 

ISU recognizes that a diverse faculty, staff, and student body enriches the educational experiences of the entire campus and the greater community. Candidates who have experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students, and who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity are especially welcomed. Women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and people of color are encouraged to apply. 

The Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment: The department (https://geo.illinoisstate.edu/ )is a vibrant, dynamic, and energetic group of faculty, staff, and students. We are academically diverse and passionate about meeting the needs of our students. We have built a strong reputation for scholarly work while maintaining a commitment to teaching, collegiality, and service. The department is home to five undergraduate majors (Geography; Geography Social Science Teacher Education; Geology; Earth and Space Science Education; Environmental Systems Science and Sustainability), four minors (Geography, Geology, Environmental Studies, Urban Studies), an undergraduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems, a graduate program in Hydrogeology, and a graduate certificate in Hydrology Geographic Information Systems. The Department has 15 tenure-track faculty, 3 non-tenure-track faculty, and 7 staff currently serving about 236 undergraduate majors, and 13 graduate students.

Illinois State University: Illinois State University http://www.illinoisstate.edu, founded in 1857, is the oldest public university in Illinois. There are approximately 21,000 students in the seven colleges of Illinois State University. In our most recent strategic plan Educate ∙ Connect ∙ Elevate, we have committed our resources to realizing seven core values: Learning and Scholarship, Diversity and Inclusion, Respect, Collaboration, Individualized Attention, Civic Engagement, and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Also visit the University’s metrics of excellence at (http://illinoisstate.edu/pointsofpride/ ).   

Bloomington-Normal Community: Illinois State University is in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metropolitan population of about 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. SmartAsset ranked Bloomington IL, in the top 20 of the most livable cities in the U.S. (2022). Zippia named Bloomington, IL, as #1 on their “Happiest Cities” list (2020), and Best Choice Schools listed the area on its “30 Small College Towns with Great Quality of Life” (2020). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis, two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis, and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield; many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via the Amtrak located 1 block from ISU’s campus. For more information on our community, please visit (http://visitbn.org/ ).

Commensurate with experience and qualifications

1) Ph.D. in any field or subfield within Geography, Geology, Environmental Science/Studies, or related disciplines.
2) An established research and teaching record commensurate with the rank of Professor or Associate Professor.
3) Evidence of prior successful leadership and administrative experience and/or leadership training.
4) State law mandates demonstrable oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position.

Varies

July 1, 2024

1) Letter of application
2) Curriculum vita
3) Statement of administration and leadership style addressing how you would lead a multidisciplinary department
4) Statement about your commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
5) The names and contact details of three professional references

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Review of applications will begin December 10, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled.

Dr. Margaret Nauta
Search committee chair
[email protected]

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383 . The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311 .