Department Head & Associate/Full Professor of Health & Human Physiology

About the role

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Department Head & Associate/Full Professor of Health and Human Physiology in the College of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences. This 12-month tenured position is located primarily on Tarleton State University’s main campus in Stephenville, Texas, with occasional travel to all campus locations served by the department. The Department Head provides academic and administrative leadership, manages faculty, staff, and student affairs, oversees budget and resource management, and represents the department to external stakeholders while fostering excellence in teaching, research, and service.

Responsibilities

• Administration Leadership and Strategic Planning (50%)
  • Collaborate with faculty and staff to establish a departmental vision aligned with institutional goals.
  • Lead the development and implementation of a departmental strategic plan.
  • Work with college and university leadership to fulfill the institutional strategic plan Tarleton Forward 2030.
  • Develop and manage the department’s budget in collaboration with university administration.
  • Oversee allocation of departmental resources, including equipment, lab space, technology, and office space.
  • Ensure ongoing review, development, and modification of curriculum to meet evolving student needs, accreditation standards, and industry expectations.
  • Ensure review and evaluation of existing academic programs using data to enhance quality and alignment with institutional goals.
  • Work with department and university partners to propose and develop new undergraduate and graduate programs, including interdisciplinary programs.
  • Ensure academic programs meet discipline and institutional accreditation requirements, including preparation of necessary reports.
• Faculty and Staff Excellence
  • Oversee faculty and staff recruitment, ensuring compliant hiring practices.
  • Provide mentorship and guidance to faculty and staff, fostering professional development and effective teaching practices.
  • Oversee faculty teaching assignments and the articulation of faculty teaching, research, service, and administrative goals in yearly Statement of Expectation documents.
  • Conduct annual performance evaluations, including faculty midpoint, tenure & promotion, and post-tenure reviews.
  • Foster open communication and address conflicts within the department.
• Student Academic Success
  • Foster a productive environment for student engagement, retention, and graduation.
  • Support student organizations within the department.
  • Ensure class offerings meet student demand and degree progression.
  • Support faculty in upholding academic integrity and rigor; mediate student academic appeals.
  • Work with Enrollment Management and Graduate Studies to market programs and increase enrollment.
  • Connect students with internships, experiential learning, and career exploration opportunities.
• Teaching and Service (30%)
  • Plan, prepare, and deliver lectures, seminars, and/or laboratory offerings to undergraduate and/or graduate students.
  • Assess student performance, provide timely feedback, and evaluate learning outcomes to inform teaching practices and curriculum improvements.
  • Incorporate innovative teaching methods, technologies, and pedagogical approaches to enhance student learning and engagement.
• Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (20%)
  • Maintain an active agenda for research, scholarship, or creative activity appropriate to the applicant’s academic discipline.
  • Make original contributions to the advancement of knowledge through scholarly publication, presentation, or exhibition.
  • Demonstrate potential for external funding, national impact, or professional recognition.

Requirements

• Education and Experience
  • Eligibility for tenure as Associate or Full Professor, with a distinguished record in teaching and research.
  • Tenure upon arrival is pending approval from the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.
  • Experience planning, preparing, and delivering lectures, seminars, and/or laboratory offerings to undergraduate and/or graduate students.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge and understanding of disciplinary subject matter adequate for graduate-level instruction.
  • Written and oral communication skills sufficient for effective teaching and research activities.
  • Ability to interact professionally, collegially, and collaboratively with students, staff, and faculty.

Preferred Qualifications

• Administrative and leadership experience as department head/chair at the college/university level or supervisory/management experience in an academic arena.
• Previous experience in oversight of accredited academic programs or leading a program toward accreditation.
• Demonstrated ability to use and understand data to inform strategic planning and decision-making.
• Strong evidence of ability to set operational goals from strategic plans and lead direct reports to accomplish strategic goals and initiatives.