Professor and Department Head of Psychological Sciences

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Professor and Department Head of Psychological Sciences in the Department of Psychological Sciences. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth.

Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan, and Waco, along with a robust online community. The main campus in Stephenville offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff, featuring a lively live music scene, numerous local festivals, and rich community traditions.

A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Tarleton State University will not pay this fee. Additionally, a moratorium on new H-1B filings in Texas, effective January 27, 2026, may affect employment sponsorship for candidates requiring visa status.

About the Role

The Department of Psychological Sciences is seeking a Department Head to lead a dynamic and growing academic unit offering undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs across three campus locations and online. The department provides a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Science in Applied Psychology, a Specialist in School Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology.

The Department Head provides academic and administrative leadership, managing faculty, staff, and student affairs; overseeing budget and resource allocation; and representing the department to external stakeholders. This 12-month tenured position is located primarily on the main campus in Stephenville, Texas, and reports to the Dean of the College of Education. The role requires occasional travel to all campus locations served by the department. The Department Head is expected to fulfill teaching and research duties sufficient to hold the rank of tenured Full Professor, with tenure upon arrival pending approval from the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.

Responsibilities

• Administration (60%)
  • Leadership and Strategic Planning
    • Collaborate with faculty and staff to establish a departmental vision aligned with university 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.
  • Budget and Resource Allocation
    • Develop and manage the department’s budget in collaboration with administration.
    • Oversee allocation of resources, including equipment, lab space, technology, and office space.
    • Work with university budget specialists for record-keeping and reporting.
  • Academic Program Development and Continuous Improvement
    • Ensure ongoing review, development, and modification of curriculum to meet evolving student, accreditation, and industry needs.
    • Evaluate existing programs using data to enhance quality and alignment with institutional goals.
    • Propose and develop new undergraduate and graduate programs, including interdisciplinary initiatives.
    • Ensure compliance with discipline and institutional accreditation requirements.
  • Faculty and Staff Excellence
    • Oversee recruitment, hiring, and compliant practices for faculty and staff.
    • Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities.
    • Manage faculty teaching assignments and yearly Statement of Expectation documents.
    • Conduct annual performance evaluations, including tenure, promotion, and post-tenure reviews.
    • Foster open communication and mediate conflicts within the department.
  • Student Academic Success
    • Foster student engagement, retention, and graduation.
    • Support student organizations and ensure class offerings meet demand and degree progression.
    • Uphold academic integrity standards and mediate student academic appeals.
    • Collaborate with enrollment management to market programs and increase enrollment.
    • Connect students with internships, experiential learning, and career opportunities.
• Teaching (20%)
  • Plan, prepare, and deliver lectures, seminars, and/or laboratory offerings to undergraduate and graduate students, including general education core curriculum.
  • Assess student performance, provide feedback, and evaluate learning outcomes to inform teaching practices.
  • Incorporate innovative teaching methods, technologies, and pedagogical approaches.
• Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (20%)
  • Maintain an active research agenda appropriate to the discipline.
  • Make original contributions through scholarly publication, presentation, or exhibition.
  • Demonstrate potential for external funding, national impact, or professional recognition.

Requirements

• Earned doctorate in Psychology from an accredited university.
• Distinguished record in teaching and research warranting a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Full Professor.
• Eligibility for tenure based on years of experience and professional achievements in teaching, service, and research, consistent with Texas A&M University System guidance.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Administrative and leadership experience as a department head/chair or in a supervisory/management role in academia.
• Experience overseeing accredited academic programs or leading a program toward accreditation.
• Demonstrated ability to use data for strategic planning and decision-making.
• Evidence of setting operational goals from strategic plans and leading teams to accomplish them.

Skills

• Knowledge of disciplinary subject matter adequate for graduate-level instruction.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for effective teaching and research.
• Ability to interact professionally and collaboratively with students, staff, and faculty.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM or as work and teaching responsibilities indicate.