Inaugural Chair Engineering Department

Overview

Inaugural Chair of the Engineering Department – Charleston, South Carolina

The new School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics (SECM) at the College of Charleston founded in 2024 invites applications and nominations for a tenured position as the inaugural Chair of the Department of Engineering at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor.

Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. Situated in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, the College is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, its rich history, and its vibrant campus life. The Department currently offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering and Systems Engineering.

The systems engineering program is accredited by the EAC of ABET, and the electrical engineering program will have its initial evaluation in fall 2026. A new interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Integrated Engineering and Business has been approved, and a Biomedical Engineering program is currently in the early planning stages. This position presents a unique opportunity for an innovative leader to shape a young and evolving department during an exciting period of strategic expansion.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD or equivalent in engineering, with priority given to candidates with expertise in systems engineering, mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, or a closely related field. With at least seven years of academic experience, the successful candidate will demonstrate a strong record of scholarship commensurate with the rank sought and a clear commitment to undergraduate education. Demonstrated academic leadership is essential and may include service as a department chair, program or center director, or leader of a major departmental initiative, along with experience supervising and mentoring faculty and staff.

Knowledge and an appreciation of a variety of engineering and related disciplines, familiarity with ABET accreditation, experience in curriculum, facility, and laboratory development, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also required.

The full position profile can be found on the AGB Search Website. Additional information about the School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics (SECM) can be found on the College of Charleston website.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD or equivalent in engineering, with priority given to candidates with expertise in systems engineering, mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, or a closely related field. With at least seven years of academic experience, the successful candidate will demonstrate a strong record of scholarship commensurate with the rank sought and a clear commitment to undergraduate education. Demonstrated academic leadership is essential and may include service as a department chair, program or center director, or leader of a major departmental initiative, along with experience supervising and mentoring faculty and staff.

Knowledge and an appreciation of a variety of engineering and related disciplines, familiarity with ABET accreditation, experience in curriculum, facility, and laboratory development, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also required.

AGB Search is pleased to assist the College of Charleston with this leadership search.

To apply for the position of Department Chair of Engineering, candidates are requested to submit the following:
1) a curriculum vitae or resume;
2) a letter of application addressing your fit with the position and the College of Charleston;
3) statements of teaching, research, and leadership philosophies; and
4) contact information (email and phone) for five references including the candidate’s relationship to the referee (to be contacted at a later date with the candidate’s permission).

For best consideration of applications, all materials should be submitted by March 10, 2026
, to the AGB Search Portal:
Department Chair of Engineering

Nominations and expressions of interest in the position of Chair of the Engineering Department are encouraged. Please direct them to Char or to the AGB search consultants listed below.

Jerome

A. “Jerry” Gilbert, PhD

Executive Search Consultant

AGB Search

Concetta M. Stewart, PhD

Principal

AGB Search

C

The College of Charleston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of sex, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please visit eop.cofc.edu.