Department Chair/Associate or Full Professor of Public Health

at  Sam Houston State University

Come and join the Bearkat community!
Named after Texas’ legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.
SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.
Position Information
This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION

Earned Doctorate in Public Health, Health Care Administration, Health Science, or a related discipline from an accredited university.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION

At least three years of program instruction at a higher education institution. At least three years of an established record of university leadership (program coordinator or director, department chair, or higher).
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS: A minimum of three years of practical experience in public health, healthcare administration, health sciences or other related health fields in non-academic environments. Scholarly productivity; excellent teaching evaluations; record of service within the discipline; experience with accrediting bodies, procedures, and assessment; and involvement in related professional organizations.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS SUMMARY

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: A letter of application addressing interest in the position. A teaching statement. A research goals statement. Current vitae. Unofficial transcripts of all degrees earned. Names and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications to begin immediately. Applications and required documentation should be uploaded into the SHSU Human Resource portal for the position.

DUTIES PERFORMED IN THE USUAL COURSE OF THE JOB

The Department of Public Health is pleased to embark on the search for its next academic leader. The mission of the Department of Public Health is to foster student-centered learning for early and advanced health professionals, to conduct applied, evidence-based research in population health, and to improve health and well-being through community engagement at the local, state, and global levels. The Department of Public Health is one of four College of Health Sciences academic units. The department offers five undergraduate and two graduate programs, with a new online Master of Healthcare Administration program currently in development. Public Health is the largest department in the college, with 1,327 undergraduate students and 56 graduate students as of Fall 2024.

DUTIES:

The Chair/faculty teaches in the area of healthcare administration, public health, or health sciences at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. They plan, implement, and evaluate degree programs. Additionally, they handle all administrative duties associated with the department and mentor junior faculty. The role also involves developing the professional attributes of administrative staff and student workers, while fostering relationships with community and state partners. The Chair oversees the accreditation of degree programs and acquires resources for faculty and programs. They serve as an ambassador for the department, the College of Health Sciences (COHS), and the University. Responsibilities include recruiting undergraduate and graduate students, advising students, and assessing and developing curriculum while maintaining SACS standards for faculty and degree programs. They promote the professional development of students, counsel those with academic issues, and maintain excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service to the department and university. Other related duties are requested or assigned by the administration. An extended list of responsibilities for academic department chairs at SHSU is available at the following link: Responsibilities of the Department Chair.