Department Chair and Associate or Full Professor of Computer Science

About the Role

Serve as the strategic architect of the Computer Science program, transforming traditional curriculum into a versatile, future-focused pathway that integrates human-led AI literacy across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead a comprehensive curricular update that shifts focus from syntax-focused programming to computational thinking, system architecture, machine learning operations, and cloud architecture.
• Integrate AI ethics and human-centered design into foundational coursework.
• Develop interdisciplinary degree pathways and minors in collaboration with disciplines across campus.
• Re-envision assessment practices to include team-based product sprints and client-facing projects that solve real-world problems for local businesses and non-profits.
• Help students bridge the entry-level hiring gap by creating opportunities for them to articulate their experience and skills.
• Cultivate local and regional corporate, civic, and non-profit connections to secure project pipelines, internship opportunities, and job prospects.
• Oversee departmental operations, budgets, course scheduling, program assessment, and faculty development.
• Drive marketing, recruiting, and retention efforts in the department, at campus events, and online.
• Maintain a reduced teaching load, delivering core and advanced Computer Science courses.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • A PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Systems Engineering, or a closely related computational field by the start date.
  • Demonstrated record of teaching excellence and curriculum development.
  • 2+ years of leadership experience in industry or higher education.
  • A clear vision for Computer Science education within a liberal arts framework, with demonstrated commitment to human-centered AI, system architecture, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • A passion for high-touch undergraduate mentorship, project-based learning, and building industry/community partnerships.
• Preferred:
  • 3+ years of professional industry, consulting, or software architecture experience alongside academic credentials.
  • Demonstrated success leading academic change management, curriculum redesign, or launching new interdisciplinary academic programs.
  • A proven track record of securing external corporate, civic, or grant partnerships that yield student internships, client projects, or seed funding.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate the strategic value and career ROI of a liberal arts-grounded technical degree to prospective students, parents, and external stakeholders.

Pay

$90,000-$117,000. Salary and rank are commensurate with education and experience.

Schedule

The typical full-time faculty teaching load is 12 contact hours per semester, reduced for this role to accommodate departmental leadership and administrative responsibilities.

Benefits

• Generous sick time and family leave
• Comprehensive insurance (medical, dental, vision, etc.)
• Retirement plans
• Flexible spending account
• Tuition remission
• Life and long-term disability insurance

Location: Lynchburg, VA

Work Remotely: No