Department Chair / Associate or Full Professor of Human Sciences

Position Title :

Department Chair / Associate or Full Professor of Human Sciences

Requisition : 202500070F

Rank :

Associate or Full Professor

FLSA status : Exempt

Hiring Salary :

Commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type :

Full-Time Tenure Track

College :

College of Health Sciences

Department :

Dept of Human Sciences

Open Date : 05 / 05 / 2025

Quicklink :

https : / / shsu.peopleadmin.com / postings / 43371

Contact Name : Dr. Jennifer Didier

Title :

Chair of Search CommitteeDepartment of KinesiologySam Houston State University Box 2176Huntsville, TX 77341-2176Contact Phone 936-294-1398

Contact Phone : 936-294-1398

Contact Email :

jennifer.didier@shsu.edu

Duties Performed in the Usual Course of the Job :

The College of Health Sciences at Sam Houston State University announces its search for an innovative leader with a record of academic accomplishment and organizational leadership to serve as Chair of the Department of Human Sciences. The department is home to three undergraduate programs : Fashion Merchandising (100% online), Food Science and Nutrition, and Interior Design. Offers a Master of Science in Dietetics which includes a Dietetic Internship Program (will be physically housed at the SHSU campus in Conroe, TX starting Summer of 2026). The Food Science and Nutrition and the Master of Science in Dietetics programs are both accredited by ACEND and the Interior Design program is accredited by CIDA and NASAD. Located in the Margaret Lee Houston building on SHSU’s main campus, and several Human Sciences laboratories are in the Margaret Lee Houston and Lee Drain buildings. Faculty and students in the Food Science and Nutrition and the MS / DI programs work closely with the SHSU Food Pantry which serves the entire SHSU community. Human Sciences empowers students with knowledge and skills that aim to enhance wellbeing and address critical human needs in the built environment, textiles and clothing, and food and nutrition. We focus on holistic and experiential learning based educational approaches to prepare future industry professionals to make meaningful contributions to the health, safety, and welfare of individuals, families, and communities. Supports the Mission of the College of Health Sciences preparing “students for meaningful professions in health and human sciences, fostering a spirit of inquiry and exploration. Our focus is on immersive, community-engaged education aimed at empowering individuals, families, and communities across East Texas. By prioritizing student-centered learning, real-world engagement, research, and healthcare outreach, we aim to contribute positively to the state of Texas and beyond.”

The Chair is the Department of Human Sciences’ chief academic and administrative officer, overseeing the department’s programs of education, research, and service to the campus and surrounding communities. Responsible for administering the department and enhancing its relationships with other departments in the College of Health Sciences in particular, and to the university in general. Schedules classes, approves student, faculty and staff forms, evaluates faculty and staff annually, oversees the departmental budget, upholds departmental, college, and university policies and procedures, hires faculty, staff, and students, managing curricula, and other duties. Also, a member of the College’s leadership team, reports to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences, and represents a group of faculty, providing strong advocacy, leadership, and mentoring of junior faculty.

Educational Requirements for the Position :

An academic record in teaching, research and service that warrants appointment as an associate or full professor at Sam Houston State University; a viable candidate will hold a terminal degree in a Human Sciences or a Human Sciences discipline (Ph.D., or MS-ID, M Arch, or MFA) and significant experience with a Human Science program, department, and / or college.

Experience Required for the Position :

Position Qualifications and Specific Responsibilities : Clear evidence of emerging research within a discipline under the Human Science umbrella; includes active and frequent published research in refereed journals or comparable juried creative accomplishments. Evidence of excellence in teaching, and experience developing and building undergraduate and graduate programs. Commitment to independent and collaborative innovative research, and curricular development within Human Sciences. Ability to create an environment that recognizes excellence and promotes servant-leadership. Ability to lead in a climate of collaboration, transparency, shared governance, and operational efficiency, with a commitment to student, faculty, and staff success. Promotion of excellence in teaching and research among the departmental faculty

Preferred : Membership in professional organizations related to the applicant’s field of expertise. Leadership experience in a university setting (undergraduate or graduate program director / coordinator, center director, research / laboratory director, department chair / head, or other leadership roles). Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and oral). Ability and commitment to serve as an advocate and mentor for students, faculty, and staff in the department, focusing on recruitment, retention, success, and development. Commitment to work with other leaders within the College of Health Sciences to help advance the college, the umbrella discipline of human sciences, and the individual programs within the department. Commitment to academic excellence and student success within the umbrella discipline of human sciences. Experience with accrediting bodies, procedures, and assessment. Leadership in a professional organization representing a discipline from within Human Sciences. Experience with and commitment to community engagement.

Other Requirements for the Position :

The department calls for the consideration of sub-disciplines in all official decisions taken at department, college, and university levels, in order to foster mutual understanding and create a better learning, research, and work community. The University serves over 21,000 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students, SHSU’s Carnegie classification places it in the top 7% of U.S. higher education institutions. The University was founded in 1879 and is the third-oldest public institution of higher learning in Texas. It is approximately 70 miles north of downtown Houston, in Huntsville, Texas. Huntsville, Texas is a large university town in East Texas located at the juncture of the Brazos Valley and the East Texas piney woods. It is a beautiful, quiet area, located next to the Sam Houston National Forest. There are multiple options for places to live near our three campuses. Sam Houston’s main campus is in Huntsville.

The city of Huntsville is nestled in the East Texas Piney Woods and is centrally located on a direct route between Houston and Dallas. With a population of approximately 40,000 (excluding SHSU), Huntsville offers the simplicity of small-town life and easy access to surrounding larger cities including Conroe (where the College of Osteopathic Medicine is located), The Woodlands (where the School of Nursing and The Woodlands Center is located), and Bryan / College Station. Full of Texas history and charm, this county seat is home to multiple museums, annual festivities, antique stores, year-round outdoor activities, vineyards, golf courses, lakes, and a beautiful state park. In a little over an hour after leaving the main campus, you can arrive in downtown Houston. Houston is one of the most eclectic cities in America and as one of the best “foodie” cities. It provides access to large entertainment venues and professional sporting events. If you prefer life on the water, Lake Conroe and Lake Livingston are a short commute, and Galveston Island and the Gulf coast are a two-hour drive. Please visit the following link to learn more about the area : https : / / www.shsu.edu / dept / academic-affairs / prospective-faculty / index.html

Special Instructions Summary :

The application packet must include a cover letter of interest that details how the applicant’s credentials and experience meet the needs of the position as well as the qualifications and responsibilities detailed above. In addition to a cover letter, applicants should submit a current curriculum vitae and contact information for three references. Please note : References provided in the References section of the application will receive an automated email reference request when the application is submitted.

Open Until Filled : Yes

EEO Statement :

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke / Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report