Academic Unit Head, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
James Madison University (JMU) invites applications for the position of Academic Unit Head (AUH) of the Department of Mathematics & Statistics, to begin July 1, 2022. Application review will begin November 1, 2021, and the position is open until filled.
The Department of Mathematics & Statistics at JMU resides within the College of Science and Mathematics, which also includes the departments of Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Geology & Environmental Science, and Physics & Astronomy. We support bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and statistics; the mathematical training of education majors; minors in mathematics, statistics, and data analytics; and an online Master of Education in mathematics. We are also establishing a data science program. Our department serves an undergraduate student full-time equivalent (FTE) of approximately 2700 per academic year serving JMU’s general education curriculum, students completing cognate course requirements for other STEM-H disciplines, and our 128 mathematics and 38 statistics majors. Our 54 full-time and ~20 part time/adjunct faculty members are engaged in teaching and research in the areas of pure and applied mathematics, mathematics education, statistics, and data science.
Our programs provide meaningful learning experiences for majors and non-majors alike, both within and outside of the classroom. We care about people and value high quality undergraduate education, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Recent efforts to support under-represented and first-generation student populations resulted in the establishment of the Haynes Residential Learning Community. The department is committed to further becoming a place where students, staff and faculty of all backgrounds experience a supportive, affirming environment. While we have made great strides, this is an ongoing endeavor that requires systemic transformation and bold leadership.
Scholarship is supported and valued in a variety of forms across all disciplines represented in the department. We have a strong history of supporting undergraduate research, including a well-established NSF-funded REU program (started in 2001), as well as other grant-funded and internally-funded student research opportunities. Outreach efforts include Family Math Nights and STEM Days in local schools, an annual Expanding Your Horizons conference, Math Connections Theater, and the annual, regional Shenandoah Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics (SUMS) conference (since 2005). The department houses the JMU Experimental Mathematics Lab as well as the Center for Statistical Consulting which provides statistical support for on and off-campus clients. Additional information about the department can be found at https://www.jmu.edu/mathstat/.
Duties and Responsibilities
The AUH is responsible for the administration and overall effectiveness of the academic unit, including its academic programs, scholarship, faculty, classified personnel, budget, and resources. The AUH will lead the department as the university transitions to R2 status, while maintaining the culture that has made JMU a place for quality undergraduate education.
We seek an AUH with a strong understanding of the national trends in undergraduate education and scholarship in mathematics, statistics, and mathematics education and the future of these fields. The AUH will guide the department in recruitment efforts to increase the number of students with majors in the department. They must demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of data science and the emerging landscape of data technology at the national level, and be able to promote, support and advance the data science initiatives in the department, the college and the university.
Qualifications
The department seeks an AUH with the following qualifications. Candidates must:
- have a record of scholarship, teaching and service that merits the rank of Professor at JMU and have a PhD in mathematics, applied mathematics, mathematics education, statistics or a closely-related field
- demonstrate a clear understanding of and a strong commitment to our research and educational activities
- have a clear vision of how to recruit and retain a diverse faculty, in particular from underrepresented populations
- have experience building and assessing curriculum and programs of interest to students, professional programs, and the workforce
- be able to increase students’ opportunities for, and participation in, high-impact practices, including undergraduate research
- be able to listen to, understand and balance the needs of students, faculty and administration
- be able to maintain and advance a collegial and collaborative culture in the department that empowers faculty and students, and have a demonstrated ability to build and foster collaborative working relationships within the college, university, and other external entities
- be able to manage large groups of people and delegate responsibilities
- have a demonstrated commitment to and strong familiarity with recruitment efforts that will attract more majors to the department, in particular from underrepresented populations
Preferred but not required are:
- experience with community outreach
- budget authority experience
- experience with faculty evaluation
- experience mentoring junior faculty
To apply, go to https://joblink.jmu.edu/postings/10219 or go to joblink.jmu.edu and reference posting number F1705. Salary will be commensurate with experience. You may contact the search committee chair, Dr. Stephen A. Leslie, lesliesa@jmu.edu, if you have questions regarding this position.
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.