Department Chair of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Department Chair of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of Missouri - Columbia

Job Description

University of Missouri (Mizzou) & Mizzou Engineering invite nominations and applications for the Department Chair of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering. Mizzou Engineering enters a new era with the launch of its five-year strategic plan, built around three pillars:
Educate Future Leaders, Drive Engineering Impact, and Foster Engineering Connections. This plan charts an ambitious course for growth in faculty, research, and student success—expanding the college’s tenure-track faculty by 30 % through the Mizzou Forward initiative and strengthening its role as a driver of innovation and economic development for Missouri and beyond.

Within this momentum, the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (MAE) stands at a pivotal point of transformation. As one of Mizzou Engineering’s largest and most dynamic departments, MAE is central to preparing the next generation of engineers, advancing cross-disciplinary research, and building partnerships that translate discovery into real-world impact. The department contributes to the college’s growth through its leadership in major university initiatives—including the Center for Energy Innovation, the Mizzou Research Reactor (MURR), the Next Gen Precision Health Initiative, and the Materials Science & Engineering Institute—that position Mizzou at the forefront of energy, health, and advanced materials research.

At the same time, MAE is broadening its educational reach with the launch of a new B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and the integration of the B.S. in Engineering Technology that strengthen hands‑on learning and workforce readiness.

The next MAE chair will have a rare opportunity to guide a collaborative, high‑performing department at the heart of Mizzou Engineering’s transformation—advancing excellence in education, research, and engagement while helping define the college’s next decade of impact.

• Drive strategic innovation by developing and executing a long‑term strategic plan that aligns with the college and university pillars for excellence and impact.
• Build a mentoring culture that sets clear expectations, strengthens faculty development, and enhances student‑centered graduate support—fostering an environment of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Grow the graduate program by expanding M.S. and Ph.D. enrollments and aligning academic offerings with interdisciplinary and applied research priorities and enhancing graduate student success and visibility.
• Shape and expand academic programs through the successful launch of the B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and growth of the Engineering Technology program, ensuring accreditation compliance and curricular alignment across all degree offerings.
• Deepen industry partnerships to expand research collaborations, experiential learning opportunities, and workforce pipelines—positioning MAE as a key contributor to Missouri’s innovation economy.

• Develop a shared vision and strategy for the MAE Department by actively engaging faculty, staff, and College leadership.
• Serve as a leader, role model, and advocate for the Department to achieve the highest possible level of excellence in teaching, research, and service.
• Provide effective mentorship for early‑ and mid‑career faculty members to enhance their teaching, scholarly accomplishments, and external funding.
• Drive the strategy for program innovations and curricula development to ensure an exceptional teaching and learning experience.
• Promote interdisciplinary and collaborative research within the Department, the College, and across Mizzou.
• Recruit and retain Tenure Track and Non‑Tenure Track faculty with track records of excellence in teaching, research, and service.
• Manage the day‑to‑day operations, including personnel and resource management.
• Strengthen existing campus and community partnerships, as well as develop new relationships and partners.
• Participate in advancement activities, including pursuing development opportunities for scholarships, endowed chairs,…