Department Chair, Humanities

Location: Houghton

Job Summary

Michigan Technological University’s Department of Humanities seeks an experienced scholar and department leader to serve as Chair at the rank of full professor or associate professor nearing promotion to full professor. The Chair will lead the multidisciplinary department, advancing scholarship, creative work, and teaching, while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and supporting graduate and undergraduate program success. The Chair will also engage the Humanities in Michigan Tech Forward 2.0 and 100 PhD’s initiatives.

Department

Overview

The department awards undergraduate degrees in Communication, Culture and Media;
English; and Scientific and Technical Communication, and graduate degrees in Rhetoric, Theory, and Culture. Faculty specialize in communication, composition, creative writing, gender studies, literature, media studies, modern languages, philosophy, rhetoric, visual studies, technical communication, technology studies, and user experience. Program highlights include the MTU First Year Writing Program, Walker Labs for Arts & Humanities (WLAH), and regional film festivals. The department is supported by an Associate Chair, two administrative staff, a Director of Graduate Studies, Director of Composition, and Directors of the Undergraduate Degree Programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead departmental research, teaching, and service excellence.
• Represent the department on the College Council and collaborate with the Dean, Associate Deans, and other College Chairs.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration within and beyond the department.
• Advance the strategic plans of the Department, College, and University.
• Advocate for departmental goals with administrators, units, and alumni.
• Supervise department faculty and staff, including reappointment, tenure, promotion, and performance reviews.
• Recruit undergraduate and graduate students and support faculty teaching and scholarship development.
• Partner with the Office of Advancement, Marketing, and Communications to secure funding, promote the department, and enhance Michigan Tech’s reputation.
• Oversee academic program review, accreditation, enrollment growth, and workforce development.
• Manage exchange agreements and collaborative programs with domestic and international universities.
• Lead a diverse teaching and learning community, mentor faculty and staff, and foster shared governance.
• Manage departmental finances responsibly and strategically.

Required Education & Certifications

• PhD or other terminal degree in a Humanities field.
• Qualifications commensurate with the rank of professor or associate professor nearing promotion to full professor at Michigan Tech.

Required Experience

• Experience in an academic leadership position (department, program, or research center).
• Record of successful research/creative activity.

Desirable Education & Experience

• Record of scholarship and teaching in a field represented in the department.
• Advocacy for humanities programs in higher education and STEM-facing campuses.
• Leadership with demonstrated excellence in teamwork and organizational strategies.
• Experience in shared governance and interdisciplinary research/ pedagogy.
• Success in administering and developing undergraduate programs.
• Success in securing and leading externally funded research projects.
• Experience managing budgets and donor relations.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Documented excellence in teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Success in administering, developing, and supporting graduate programs.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Success in working with people of diverse characteristics and viewpoints.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Typical office and classroom setting. Noise level is usually low to moderate.

Training and Background Check

• Employee Safety Overview
• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation Training
• Annual Data Security Training
• Annual Title IX Training
• Background check required; employment contingent upon successful completion.

Application Instructions

Final date to receive applications:
December 1, 2025
. Submit application materials to http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./494059
. Required documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Research Statement
• Statement of Administrative Philosophy

Applicants are encouraged to address required and desired qualifications in their cover letter and explain how they will contribute to Michigan Tech’s vision and mission.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Michigan Technological University is an equal opportunity educational institution. We encourage all qualified individuals, including protected veterans and people with disabilities, to apply.

Advertised: 23 Oct 2025
Applications close: December 1, 2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr