Associate Professor or Professor and Founding Director, School of Applied Engineering

Summary: The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) invites applications for the Founding Director of its planned School of Applied Engineering. This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial academic leader to build a new School focused on preparing students for engineering and technology careers through an innovative, work-based learning model. The School will launch with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology that integrates academic instruction with meaningful workplace experience. Through partnerships with employers and community colleges, the School aims to create accessible educational pathways that connect students, industry, and the region’s evolving workforce needs. The Founding Director will play a central role in shaping the School’s academic identity, building its faculty and partnerships, and establishing the systems needed for long-term success. The Director will lead curriculum implementation, faculty recruitment, student pathway development, industry engagement, and planning for ABET accreditation. We seek a collaborative, forward-thinking leader who combines academic credibility with practical engineering experience and a commitment to educational innovation. The successful candidate will be comfortable building new initiatives, working across institutional boundaries, and translating an ambitious vision into a sustainable academic enterprise. This is a full-time, on-campus tenure-system appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor, with the potential for a tenure waiver subject to university policies and approval. The position carries a nine-month academic appointment with an administrative stipend for year-round leadership responsibilities. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Duties Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership and School Development Provide the vision, leadership, and direction needed to establish and grow the School of Applied Engineering. Develop and implement a strategic plan that supports academic quality, enrollment growth, financial sustainability, and industry relevance. Recruit, mentor, and support faculty while building a collaborative and innovative academic culture. Establish the administrative processes, policies, and resources necessary for effective School operations. Serve as the School’s Unit Executive Officer (UEO) and represent the School in College and University leadership activities. Academic Innovation and Student Success Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology. Advance a work-based learning model that meaningfully integrates academic preparation with applied experience in industry settings. Work with faculty and partners to ensure curriculum relevance, academic rigor, and alignment with evolving engineering technology practices. Establish assessment and continuous improvement processes that support student success and progress toward ABET accreditation. Develop clear educational pathways for transfer students, working professionals, and other students seeking engineering technology careers. Industry and Educational Partnerships Build and sustain partnerships with employers to support work-based learning, curriculum development, and student career opportunities. Collaborate with community colleges to develop coordinated transfer pathways and expand access to engineering technology education. Engage regional industry, economic development organizations, and other stakeholders to align the School’s work with emerging workforce needs. Identify opportunities for external funding, applied research, and collaborative initiatives that strengthen the School’s mission. Teaching, Scholarship, and Service Teach one to two upper-division Engineering Technology courses annually. Maintain a record of scholarship appropriate to academic rank, with opportunities for contributions in applied engineering, engineering education, industry-engaged research, and work-based learning. Contribute to the University’s academic mission through service, professional engagement, and institutional leadership.