Monday, October 10, 2005

Chair Position: Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University seeks a Chair of its Department of Geography, beginning July 1, 2006 pending budgetary approval. Candidates should qualify for appointment at senior academic rank. A Ph.D. is required, preferably in Geography. Candidates are expected to manifest teaching and research excellence, including a record of publication recognized nationally-internationally as well as a record of managing significant externally-funded research. Candidates should have a research program that complements departmental strengths. The successful candidate is expected to provide visionary, entrepreneurial leadership, oversee development of faculty and research programs, participate in graduate and undergraduate teaching/learning, and maintain a productive research program.

The Department of Geography has 13 full-time faculty, 5 part-time faculty, and 15 graduate assistantships. It offers Bachelors and Masters degree programs concentrating in Geography, Environmental & Resource Management, Geographic Information Science, Tourism, Community Development & Planning, and Teaching of Geography, with approximately 35 master’s students and 140 majors. Departmental information is available at www.wmich.edu/geography. The Department is housed in recently renovated facilities with seven extensively computerized laboratories equipped with 100 workstations for instruction and research.

Western Michigan University is a diverse student-centered research institution with 26,000 students, is listed among the nation’s top 100 universities (U.S. News & World Report), has excellent library holdings, and is recognized for its excellent computing environment. Kalamazoo forms the center of a medium-sized cosmopolitan metropolitan region of about 250,000 located midway between Detroit and Chicago, 40 miles from Lake Michigan.

Western Michigan University, a Carnegie Classification Research Extensive Institution is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups. Please submit a letter of application, a statement of research and teaching philosophy, a statement regarding vision for the department and leadership style, vita, graduate transcripts, and names and letters of recommendation from at least three references to: Dr. David Lemberg, Search Committee Chair, Department of Geography, 1903 W. Michigan Avenue, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5424. Email: lemberg@wmich.edu. Phone: (269) 387-3408. Review of applications will begin December 5, 2005, and continue until the position is filled.