Department Head, Computer Science

University of Arkansas System • Fort Smith, AR

1d • $120,000

About The Position

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith (UAFS) seeks applications for the Department Head and Neal Pendergraft Leadership Endowed Chair to be appointed at the rank of full Professor. As one of the Five Pillars of Excellence identified in the 2023-28 UAFS Strategic Plan, Computer and Data Science, are primed for expansion at the University and across the Arkansas River Valley. The department currently offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, a minor in Computer Science and Certificates of Proficiency in Cybersecurity and Data Analytics. The Neal Pendergraft Leadership Endowed Chair is a distinguished faculty position established through philanthropic support to attract and retain an exceptional scholar and leader in the field. Through an annual spending allocation, the Chair will advance innovation in data science education, research, and industry engagement, strengthening the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith’s impact in preparing graduates for a data-driven economy. The Department Head serves as the primary administrator and leader for the academic unit and reports to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The successful candidate will teach a 15-credit hour courseload during the 12-month contract year. Administrative duties include managing full-time and part-time faculty, academic program development and growth, program evaluation and assessment, and collaboration across the university and with industry leaders. The position will start July 1, 2026.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computer Science or related discipline from an accredited institution; and
• Demonstrated experience in an academic or professional leadership position for at least three years, supervising others and being a team leader.
• Scholarly record commensurate with appointment as a full professor at UAFS. Applicants should be prepared to provide evidence of their continuity in scholarly/creative activities. Evidence could include but is not limited to presentations at national or international conferences, peer-reviewed published scholarship, extramural grant funding, development of published instructional materials, and/or other scholarly activity as is appropriate to their academic discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in the effective use of technology in the classroom, developing instructional materials, and delivering distance learning.
• Demonstrated commitment to first-generation and non-traditional learners and pedagogical experience in support of a broad range of students.
• Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with students, faculty, staff, and administrators to achieve departmental, college, and university goals
• Commitment to growth in all aspects as a faculty member, including teaching, scholarship, and service and fostering these attributes in the departmental faculty
• Ability to administer academic programs, including scheduling, evaluation, and budgeting
• Attention to maintenance of facilities and technology, including computer and data science laboratories
• Willingness to engage with external stakeholders
• Strong work ethic and time management skills

Responsibilities

• Provide effective leadership and administration of the Department of Computer Science by facilitating the vision, mission, goals, objectives, and activities of the department as consistent with those of the College and University
• Coordinate recruiting, hiring, evaluation, and retention of qualified faculty and staff
• Manage the department’s fiscal year budget, development funds, and other expenses
• Create curricula and semester course schedules centered upon student success
• Coordinate outreach, recruitment, marketing, and fundraising to support departmental programs
• Engage with programmatic and industry advisory boards
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere that fosters teamwork and collegiality
• Teach various computer science courses in their area of expertise and others as needed.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere that fosters teamwork and collegiality
• Maintain scholarly and research activities appropriate to a full professor
• Encourage and advocate for scholarly and research activities in department faculty and students
• Participate in service at the department, college, university, community, and professional levels
• Other duties as assigned by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Requires consistent on-time attendance.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere that fosters teamwork and collegiality

Benefits

• university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance
• tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• immediate leave accrual
• a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree