Chair of the Department of Computer Science - Troy University
Higher Education Leadership Search

About Troy University

Founded in 1887, Troy University is a public institution composed of a network of campuses throughout Alabama and worldwide. International in scope, Troy University provides a variety of educational programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, to include doctoral programs for a diverse student body in traditional, nontraditional and emerging electronic formats. Academic programs are supported by a variety of student services which promote the welfare of the individual student. Troy University's dedicated faculty and staff promote discovery and exploration of knowledge and its application to life-long success through effective teaching, service, creative partnerships, scholarship, and research.

Home to 14,000 total students representing more than 60 nations, Troy features a beautiful, historic 650-acre campus in Troy, Ala., as well as three distributed campuses in Dothan, Montgomery, and Phenix City.

In 2022, Troy University was named among the best colleges and universities in the southeastern United States by The Princeton Review for the 17th straight year, one of only 143 colleges and universities to receive the designation in the 12-state southeastern region. Additionally, Military Times ranked Troy as the only four-year, public university in Alabama in its 2022 Best for Vets rankings; Fortune included Troy's online MBA program among its "Best Online MBA Programs in 2022"; and Abound ranked Troy among its "Top 100 Online Colleges 2022," making it one of only two universities in the state to achieve the recognition.

For more information, please visit www.troy.edu.

About the College of Arts and Science

The mission and vision of the College of Arts & Sciences at Troy University is to develop a broad community of scholars, teachers and students who work together to pursue knowledge, develop critical and logical thinking skills, foster intellectual inquiry and promote an understanding of human society necessary to become active, engaged citizens of the world.

As the University's largest and oldest College; the College of Arts & Sciences teaches the most students and provides the backbone for Troy University's educational and research missions. It offers a broad array of high-demand academic programs within 18 Schools and Departments designed to prepare students for careers in public and private sectors as well as post-graduate and professional schools. These programs emphasize the core values of a classic liberal arts education, as well as the skills and flexibility needed to meet the challenges of the 21st-century workplace.

Undergraduate majors and minors range from biology and computer science to criminal justice and the social sciences. Graduate students can pursue degrees including a Master of Public Administration, recognized as a best value in the U.S., or a Master of International Relations.

Dedicated faculty are accomplished, award-winning professionals in their areas of study, and 92% of students enter professional school programs, graduate programs or summer undergraduate internships.

For more information please visit: www.troy.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-arts-sciences

About the Department of Computer Science

The Department of Computer Science at Troy University provides students with a curriculum in the MSCS key domains of Computer Science at the undergraduate and graduate levels. With a total enrollment of about 1,000, divided between online, the Troy campus, and in partnership with two universities in Vietnam, students benefit from small class sizes and a highly qualified faculty composed of preeminent scholar-professors with international reputations.

The undergraduate program gives the full breadth of undergraduate computer science knowledge and skills while preparing students for careers in computer technology and advanced study in graduate education. The curriculum is centered in the latest technological advances, and students work on individual and team projects to include game design, cell phone "apps," web applications, visualization, Teensy Board Programming, and database accessing applications.

The Master of Science degree in Computer Science provides the opportunity for advanced studies in the theory, concepts, and methods involved in the design, development, and implementation of computer systems and programs. Students specialize in one of eight in-demand concentrations: artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, cloud and big data concentration, computer network and security, cyber security, data science, software development or video game design. They engage in hands-on individual and team projects that simulate real-world scenarios, and have the opportunity to specialize in a research area of interest.

About the Position

Troy University invites nominations and applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Computer Science beginning no later than August 1, 2024

The Department Chair provides outstanding leadership, ambitious vision, and practical management for the Department of Computer Science faculty and an array of degree offerings at the undergraduate and graduate level. The Chair supports the success and degree attainment of approximately 1,000 students enrolled in courses delivered on-campus in Troy, online, and internationally in partnership with two universities located in Vietnam. The successful candidate shall have a demonstrated passion for the advancement of Computer Science education as evidenced by a record of outstanding educational leadership experience, instructional delivery, and commitment to scholarly research and collaboration. This is a 12-month, tenure-track position reporting directly to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Consults and collaborates regularly and as requested with the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences to ensure productive leadership of the Department of Computer Science.
• Provides departmental leadership, promotes career development, and ensures professional accountability for nine full-time faculty and a number of adjunct faculty delivering graduate and undergraduate instruction.
• Effectively manages and advocates for departmental budgetary resources.
• Provides oversight of two undergraduate Bachelor of Science programs (Computer Science and Cyber Security), one undergraduate degree in Applied Computer Science, and one graduate program, a Master of Science in Computer Science.
• Possesses a progressive vision for the Department of Computer Science and actively supports collaborations to advance the quality, productivity, and academic reputation of the department and its programs.
• Supports the advancement of the profession and the educational discipline of Computer Science through supporting a culture that embraces research and scholarship.
• Leads in soliciting and obtaining grants that enhance departmental funding, reputation, and productivity.
• Demonstrates a commitment to data-supported decision-making and strategic planning for the department.
• Engages in student and faculty recruitment activities and events in a manner that demonstrates commitment to building upon the department's academic reputation and optimizing departmental program enrollment.
• Engages in occasional international travel in support of the department's international partnerships.
• Assesses and plans for optimal availability of discipline-related equipment, software, and infrastructure.
• Participates in activities and serves on committees as requested by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and other University leadership.
• Provides course instruction on a 2+2 basis, with some adjustment possible based on additional assignments.

Qualification Requirements

Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Cyber Security, or a closely related discipline from a regionally accredited institution
• Academic rank of Associate Professor or above
• Substantial instructional experience in a related discipline Demonstrated publication of peer-reviewed research
• Demonstrated relevant leadership experience through administrative appointments, research collaborations, or organizational activities, initiatives, or committees

Other Skills and Traits

• Possesses and can effectively project a strong and demonstrable passion for the Computer Science profession and academic discipline
• Ability to make informed decisions in a confident manner that supports advancement and sustainability of a culture of robust departmental productivity and notable academic reputation
• Post-doctoral experience
• Excellent communication skills and ability to clearly articulate when speaking to individuals or groups
• Strong interpersonal skills that engender cooperation and collaboration
• Experience working with diverse cultures and in international settings
• Success in obtaining grants as evidenced through an active portfolio is highly desirable

Physical Demands

• Moderate sitting, standing, walking, talking, and hearing demands
• Occasional travel, domestically and internationally, as needed to support the programs and activities administered within the Department of Computer Science, and/or as directed by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

Work Environment

• Moderate noise level

To view the position profile, visit https://www.highereducationleadershipsearch.com/current-searches/.

To apply for this position, visit https://www.highereducationleadershipsearch.com/candidate-portal-form.

To nominate someone for this position, e-mail: nominations@highereducationleadershipsearch.com

John McElveen, Ed.D. will be assisting Troy University with this search. If you have questions or would like to have a confidential conversation about the position, call 468-230-5554 (Cell) or 256-239-2305 (office) or e-mail jmcelveen@highereducationleadershipsearch.com

Troy University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and specifically invites applications from women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities.

Candidates for this position will be considered through March 22, 2024.