Department Head, School of Hospitality & Tourism Management AF7859
Position Overview
The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) at Oklahoma State University (OSU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Head of School. The preferred start date is Spring 2026, though an earlier or later start may be negotiated. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
About the Role
HTM is housed within the AACSB-accredited Spears School of Business, one of the largest and most successful units at OSU. In 2024, HTM was ranked 8th nationally and 22nd globally, reflecting its academic excellence, strong research culture, and long-standing industry partnerships. Established 88 years ago, HTM is one of the oldest and most respected hospitality and tourism programs in the United States. It offers undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees and engages students, alumni, and industry leaders through a robust portfolio of academic programs, signature events, and professional collaborations.
Responsibilities
- Provide visionary leadership and clear communication to foster a collegial, and forward-looking academic culture.
- Led the development and implementation of a strategic vision that drives continuous improvement in academic programs, research, and external engagement.
- Advance HTM’s national and international prominence through faculty development, student success, and high-impact research.
- Collaborate with faculty to support and mentor their professional growth and career development.
- Participate in and support the recruitment of outstanding candidates for the undergraduate, master’s and Ph.D. programs.
- Oversee the operations of HTM, including budgeting, personnel management, program development, and external relations.
- Serve as an active member of the Spears Executive Committee and contribute to advancing the Spears mission.
- Balance multiple demands of the position while continuing personal growth and development.
Qualifications and Experience
- Earned doctorate in hospitality, tourism or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and professional service at a level that qualifies for appointment with tenure, preferably at the rank of full professor.
- Highly effective communication, interpersonal and leadership skills as evidenced by the ability to engage with faculty, students, staff, alumni, and the business community.
- Academic experience, preferably in a leadership position that demonstrates planning, program development, evaluation, problem solving, external relations, and collaboration skills.
- Relevant industry experience preferred.
- Experience creating and sustaining a culture of openness, and collaboration.
Benefits
The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) within the Spears School of Business is one of the oldest and most prestigious hospitality and tourism educational programs in the nation. It has evolved into a business-focused, high-caliber academic program, consistently ranked among the top 10 HTM programs in the United States and within the top 25 worldwide based on research productivity. The School offers a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Hospitality and Tourism Management, as well as master's and PhD programs. HTM is renowned for its commitment to superior learning, research, service, and outreach in a professional and caring environment.
Pay and Schedule
N/A
Contact Information
To apply, candidates should submit the following materials online at jobs.okstate.edu:
- A letter of interest
- A statement of teaching, research, and service/outreach
- A summary of prior teaching evaluations
- A curriculum vitae
- A list of three references