Chair Search, Michigan State University

[Jason Merrill]

The Department of Linguistics and Germanic, Slavic, Asian and African Languages in the College of Arts and Letters at Michigan State University (linglang.msu.edu) is seeking a dynamic leader and a proven scholar to provide leadership to a diverse and dynamic department. The position is an annualized appointment, beginning August 16, 2013. The successful candidate will assume primary responsibility for vision and operations and will be the voice of the Department and will advocate for the Department at all levels in the university.

Michigan State University is recognized for its global focus and its emphasis on promoting an understanding of the global challenges faced in today’s world.  The College of Arts and Letters is a major player in this emphasis through its many initiatives, including its newly-established interdisciplinary program in Global Studies in the Arts and Humanities and its excellent programs in foreign language teaching and learning.  MSU leads the nation in study abroad participation among public universities and the Department of Linguistics and Germanic, Slavic, Asian and African Languages is a major contributor to those programs.

The Department is a complex unit that encompasses linguistics, culture, literature, and language teaching and learning of numerous languages. Within the department, there are two Ph.D. programs (German and Linguistics), 3 MA programs (German, Linguistics, TESOL), and 6 undergraduate majors (Arabic, Chinese, German, Japanese, Linguistics, Russian).  In addition, the department houses a vibrant Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTL) program that provides instruction in many of the world’s languages.  At present, more than 30 languages are being offered, with many other possibilities through the LCTL program.  Faculty in the department administer the Second Language Studies Ph.D. which is housed in the College of Arts and Letters. 

Responsibilities:  
The Chair must foster collaboration within the department and across departments and must also foster an overall research culture within the Department.  In so doing, it is expected that the Chair will actively facilitate grant-seeking activities will be involved in entrepreneurial and fundraising activities.

Vision: The Chairperson will be key in his/her contribution to the department’s vision of excellence in research, teaching, and outreach and to the implementation of that vision. 

Operations: In addition to providing general leadership in teaching, research, and outreach, the Chair is responsible for the overall operation of the Department.

Qualifications: 
A PhD in one of the programs in the department.  Candidates with a strong record of research, publication, and teaching in any departmental area and meriting a tenured appointment at the rank of Professor and with relevant administrative experience will be considered. They should be familiar with and respectful of the range of departmental disciplines, be aware of national and international developments, be open to change and demonstrate the ability to accomplish it strategically, and be alert to interdisciplinary opportunities. They should demonstrate the personal qualities necessary to lead and manage a complex department: namely, the ability to represent the department’s interests effectively within the university and in the larger community; the ability to create an environment where information, expertise, and experience are valued and used; the ability to handle administrative detail; the ability to think strategically and translate vision into actionable plans; the interpersonal skills and sensitivity necessary to maintain open communication with faculty, staff, and students; the ability to communicate accurately and effectively departmental concerns and issues to college and university administrators; the ability to delegate responsibilities; and a commitment to an open and inclusive environment for diverse groups. 

Application/Nomination Procedures:  Review of applications will begin on November 26, 2012 and continue until position is filled. All applications for this position must be submitted electronically at the Michigan State University human resources website: https://jobs.msu.edu. Job posting number 6949. Applicants should include a letter expressing interest in this position describing qualifications and experience, a current curriculum vitae and email addresses of 3 potential referees.
Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodation.
For further information, please contact:
Professor Susan Gass
B230 Wells Hall
619 Red Cedar Road
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824

Phone: 517.353.5961
Email: gass at msu.edu
MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity.  The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and person with disabilities. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Use your web browser to search the archives, control your subscription
  options, and more.  Visit and bookmark the SEELANGS Web Interface at:
                    http://seelangs.home.comcast.net/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------