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Department Head of Mathematics and Statistics

South Dakota State University · Brookings, SD · 2 wk ago
On-siteFull-time

South Dakota State University’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics (Math & Stat) invites applications for a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible Department Head and Professor position located in Brookings, SD. The successful candidate will report to the Dean of the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering and is expected to start in January 2027.

About the Role

The Department Head will provide dynamic, collaborative leadership committed to delivering a rigorous and practical educational experience. Key priorities include expanding federally funded research and graduate programs in support of SDSU’s R1 Our Way mission, as well as establishing and providing scientific support to local industry and government.

SDSU is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university, with over $94 million in annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs, and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics serves approximately 180 undergraduate majors, 60 graduate students, 17 tenure-track faculty, and 9 full-time lecturers. Two tenured faculty currently serve as Assistant Department Head and Graduate Coordinator.

The department offers the following programs:

  • Undergraduate: AS in Data Science, BS in Data Science, BS in Mathematics (with concentrations in Actuarial/Financial, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, and Teaching Specialization).
  • Graduate: Data Science Certificate, MS in Data Science, MS in Mathematics, MS in Statistics, and PhD in Computational Science and Statistics.

Many graduate students serve in GTA and GRA positions. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the U.S.; sponsorship is not available.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the Dean and JJLCOE leadership to promote the land-grant mission and advance an ambitious agenda addressing global challenges in mathematics, statistics, and data science.
  • Identify future areas of growth and investment while providing organizational and administrative expertise to the department and college.
  • Steer departmental growth in alignment with SDSU’s strategic plan, Pathway to Premier 2030, which aims to elevate SDSU as an R1 Research University.
  • Maintain awareness of current and emerging needs in mathematics, statistics, and data science to guide research and teaching initiatives.
  • Lead faculty in delivering high-quality service courses, engaging with client departments to assess course needs, monitoring trends in general education, and implementing high-impact teaching strategies.
  • Serve as an advocate for the department both within and outside the university, fostering interdisciplinary and interagency collaboration.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in mathematics, statistics, data science, or a closely related field by the date of application.
  • A distinguished record of teaching, research, scholarship, and service consistent with eligibility for tenure and the rank of Professor at SDSU.
  • Evidence of effective leadership and administrative skills, including management of academic and research programs, budgets, fiscal matters, and/or personnel in an academic setting.
  • Experience securing competitive grants for research from federal, industry, and/or corporate sources.
  • Understanding of the land-grant mission.
  • Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience mentoring faculty in developing strategies for pursuing external funding and building strong research programs.
  • Experience in academic administration, including development, evaluation, and oversight of undergraduate academic programs, curricula, and/or instructional operations.
  • Experience interacting and cultivating relationships with businesses in the medical, insurance, and financial sectors.
  • Familiarity with the ABET accreditation process.
  • Engagement in professional organizations for mathematics and statistics (e.g., SIAM, AMS, MAA, ASA).

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and flexible benefits.
  • Retirement plans with a 6% employer match.
  • 10 hours of annual leave and 9.34 hours of sick leave accrued each month.
  • Eleven paid holidays per year.
  • Access to internal and state-sponsored training, as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all South Dakota academic institutions.
  • Relocation benefits available per university guidelines.

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