Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 15,035 students (29% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority) and just over 2,500 faculty and staff employees.
Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities.
Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.
Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about.
College of Health and Human Services
The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS), founded in 2002, prepares health and human service professionals who will work to improve the quality of life in their communities and beyond. CHHS consists of the following seven academic units, including: Departments of Applied Human Sciences, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Physical Therapy, Public Health, Social Work, and Schools of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport and Nursing and Allied Health.
CHHS offers 16 undergraduate majors leading to baccalaureate degrees. Some majors offer concentrations, which provide additional options within these programs. Two (2) associate degree programs, 12 undergraduate certificates, and 12 minors are also offered. At the graduate level, there are 9 master's degree programs and 11 graduate certificates. In addition, 2 professional doctoral degrees, the Doctor of Nursing Practice and the Doctor of Physical Therapy are offered.
CHHS oversees the South-Central Area Health Education Center (AHEC), the Center for Applied Science in Health and Aging (CASHA), the Center for Environmental and Workplace Health (CEWH), and the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research (LCCWEAR). Centers or clinics reporting to a unit within CHHS include the Institute for Rural Health, the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training Center, the Training Resource Center, the Dental Hygiene Clinic, and the Communication Disorders Clinic. These clinics and centers provide on campus applied learning opportunities, including clinical experiences, field work, and/or internships, where students apply the theories and concepts discussed in the classroom.
The Medical Center-WKU Health Sciences Complex, a 73,471 square-foot, three-story facility, on the Medical Center's campus, is home to WKU's nursing and physical therapy programs.
Department of Public Health
The mission of the Department of Public Health is to prepare highly competent public health practitioners through instruction, research, and service, and to enhance the health status and quality of life of diverse populations in local, state, national, and global communities. Our public health programs prepare students to face the challenges of existing and emerging health concerns, locally and globally, and enable students to apply critical thinking skills to address and resolve these complex health issues.
The Department of Public Health is home to five (5) undergraduate and three (3) graduate programs. The undergraduate programs are Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental and Occupational Health Science (EOHS), Health Care Administration (HCA), Health Information Management (HIM), Health Sciences (HS) and Public Health (PH). The graduate programs are Master of Science (MS) in Environmental and Occupational Health Science, Master of Health Administration (MHA), and Master of Public Health (MPH).
The BS in PH and MPH programs are accredited by CEPH. The BS in HCA with Long-Term Care certificate is accredited by NAB. The BS in HIM program is accredited by CAHIIM. The BS in EOHS and MS in EOHS programs are accredited by EHAC and are both Qualified Academic Programs (QAP) under BCSP. Maintaining and pursuing accreditation for our programs is a critical priority to ensure the highest standards of quality across academic offerings.
Job Description:
Position and Responsibilities
The Western Kentucky University Department of Public Health Department is pleased to announce we are accepting applications for appointment as Department Chair. The department seeks a visionary who will utilize a collaborative and innovative approach to leading efforts in program development, research growth, and community engagement. The Chair reports to the Dean of the College of Health and Human Services and oversees all administrative aspects of the Department of Public Health. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
Guiding the department's strategic vision, ensuring that the activities align with College and University priorities;
Working with the departmental budget manager on budget development and oversight;
Participating in and providing academic leadership for teaching, service, and scholarly activities;
Ensuring a high level of service to students, supported by effective implementation of programs, policies and services that enable fulfillment of the department's mission and goals;
Recruiting, developing, retaining, and evaluating faculty committed to strong teaching, research/scholarship, and service;
Facilitating productive and professional working relationships with Public Health faculty;
Leading effective student recruitment and retention efforts across Public Health programs;
Working with the administrative leadership and departmental faculty to effectively plan and implement curricular efforts;
Strategically seeking and allocating Public Health resources to ensure excellence in all programs;
Promoting pursuit of grants and fund-raising;
Advancing college-wide priorities through development/fundraising programs;
Encouraging, strengthening, and broadening alumni and community relations;
Advising the Dean on department-related academic matters, such as accreditation needs, development and evaluation of academic programs, budgetary and personnel matters;
Working with accreditation agencies to achieve and maintain compliance and standards;
Leading staff within the department to include supporting staff professional development and growth;
Establishing, maintaining and enhancing communications and coordination of efforts with faculty, staff, students and external constituencies;
Fostering collaborations with community partners throughout the region; and
Leading by example in the promotion of professional growth and development within the Department of Public Health.
Requirements:
The Department Chair will hold a doctorate and will be qualified for appointment as an associate or full professor with tenure. A minimum of 5 years academic teaching experience and current rank as associate or full professor with tenure. A minimum of 3 years of professional leadership experience. In addition, the successful candidate possesses the following:
Successful record of leadership experience relevant to public health;
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
Demonstrated excellence in teaching in undergraduate and graduate programs;
Exemplary record of scholarship and community service;
Demonstrated ability to mentor and support faculty through the continuance, tenure, and promotion process;
Ability to serve as an advocate for faculty and students;
Strong budgeting and financial planning experience;
Significant experience in development of innovative programs, distance learning, and collaborative endeavors;
Demonstrated commitment to the utilization of technology for the advancement of instruction, research, and clinical excellence;
Demonstrated commitment to building and enhancing collaborations within the school and across campus;
Broad knowledge of the healthcare environment and projected needs within the state and nation;
Demonstrated commitment to community engagement;
Experience in developing and building new programs;
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
Ability to promote a balance among teaching, research, and service responsibilities.
Additional Information:
Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.
Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.
Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.
For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.
Application Instructions:
The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system by January 15, 2025, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled:
Letter of Intent
Curriculum Vita
Unofficial Transcripts
Statement of Teaching Philosophy
Statement of Leadership Philosophy including Leadership Style
Names and contact information of three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee through an online process at a later date.
You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process.
