Department Chairperson in Chemistry and Physics

Department Chair Position

The Department of Chemistry and Physics at Arkansas State University seeks a visionary applicant for the position of Department Chair beginning July 1, 2026. This is an administrative fiscal (12-month) faculty position that will carry rank of either Associate or Full Professor. This is a transformative opportunity for a dynamic leader to shape the future of a department and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Department of Chemistry and Physics at Arkansas State University.

Reporting directly to the Dean of the Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics, the Department Chair is responsible for the overall day-to-day functions of the Department. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to :

• Hiring, managing and evaluating faculty and staff members in the department.
• Conducting regular departmental meetings.
• Fostering a positive department environment that supports excellent teaching, scholarship and service.
• Establishing a collaborative department vision and agenda that is aligned with the university and college strategic plans.
• Scheduling classes and sections for each faculty member in each academic semester.
• Supporting students through mentoring and providing curricular overrides, where appropriate.
• Teaching necessary courses throughout the academic year. The position will carry a reduced teaching load, to be negotiated with the dean.
• Participating in research and scholarly activities.
• Supporting department experiential learning activities, including undergraduate research.
• Facilitating departmental curriculum reviews to maintain program viability and alignment with both industry trends and accreditation requirements.
• Participating in College leadership meetings.
• Attending monthly Council of Department Chair meetings.
• Promoting interdisciplinary research and external partnerships.
• Maintaining a wide variety of service courses in Chemistry and Physics.
• Serving as Budget Manager for the Department.
• Support and initiate recruitment activities and community outreach.
• Support faculty in securing external funding.
• Maintaining accreditation (e.g. American Chemical Society), working with other accreditation requirements on campus (e.g. ABET and CAEP).

Department Summary : The Department of Chemistry and Physics at Arkansas State offers an M.S. in Chemistry, B.S. degrees in Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Physics, along with a preprofessional Chemistry track. Our programs provide a solid foundation in the physical sciences, enriched by hands-on laboratory experience and research opportunities, while preparing graduates for careers in research, healthcare, education, and industry, as well as advanced study in graduate and professional schools. This is an exciting leadership opportunity to expand the departments role as a hub for scientific discovery, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student success, while positioning the Department at the forefront of advances in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and related fields.

The Chemistry and Physics Department is committed to teaching, research, and service excellence. The Department is vital in supporting STEM disciplines by providing foundational instruction in introductory courses and fostering a collaborative and innovative academic environment.

The new Department Chair will have the opportunity to :

The successful candidate will demonstrate they can :