Job Title

Chair, Engineering Technology, Tenure-Track Faculty

Department

Engineering Technology

University Expectation

MTSU seeks candidates committed to innovative teaching, robust research/creative activity, and meaningful service. We also seek to attract culturally and academically diverse faculty who value working with diverse students.

Salary

The salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Job Summary/Basic Function

The College of Basic and Applied Sciences at Middle Tennessee State University invites applicants for an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as Chair of the Department of Engineering Technology (#105005). Applicants must be eligible to meet the criteria for the rank of either associate professor or professor. Expedited tenure upon appointment is possible. The start date for the position is August 1, 2026.

The successful candidate will be a proven academic leader with a substantial scholarship and external funding record, excellence in teaching and service, experience in program development and accreditation, and a collaborative leadership style and commitment to diversity and innovation.

About the Department

Engineering Technology is a dynamic and growing department serving over 600 undergraduate majors and offering:

• B.S. in Engineering Technology with three ETAC/ABET-accredited concentrations:
  • Computer Engineering Technology
  • Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
• B.S. in Mechatronics Engineering (EAC/ABET-accredited) – one of MTSU’s signature programs with 300+ students
• M.S. in Engineering Technology, including a concentration in Occupational Safety and Health
• Faculty also support the M.S. in Professional Science with Engineering Management and Healthcare Informatics concentrations.

The department maintains strong industry ties with advanced manufacturing, automotive, energy, and logistics sectors, supported by an active Industrial Advisory Board featuring leaders from globally recognized companies. Faculty and students benefit from cutting-edge facilities, including the new $74.8 million Applied Engineering Building, which opened in August 2025.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Dean, the Chair will lead the department during an exciting period of growth and innovation. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic vision and leadership
• Supporting faculty recruitment, mentoring, and development
• Promoting excellence in teaching, research, and service
• Sustaining ABET accreditation
• Strengthening industry partnerships and external funding
• Overseeing curriculum development, budgeting, staffing, and scheduling
• Fostering a culture of transparency, shared governance, and accountability

Why MTSU?

Located in Murfreesboro, TN, just 30 miles from Nashville, MTSU is a Carnegie R2 (Doctoral/High Research Activity) university. Murfreesboro is one of the fastest-growing communities in the U.S., recognized by Money Magazine as one of the “Best Places to Live,” offering affordability, cultural amenities, and a strong sense of community.

Required Education

A terminal degree in engineering or a closely related field is required by the appointment date.

Other Desirables

Applicants with a degree in electrical or mechanical engineering and administrative or industrial experience will receive special consideration.

Documents Needed to Apply

To successfully apply, applicants must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, and statement of research or creative activities (as appropriate to the discipline) as separate attachments at the time of online application.

Special Instruction to Applicants

For more information about serving as a faculty member at Middle Tennessee State University, please visit our faculty recruitment webpage.

If you need help applying, please contact Mitzi Dunkley, Faculty Recruitment Specialist, at (615) 898-5128. If you have position-specific questions, please contact Tom Nicholas at Tom.Nicholas@mtsu.edu.

MTSU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following: Sick Leave Vacation Leave for Administrative/Classified Staff/12-month Faculty 13 paid University holidays Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance Retirement plans Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents Click here for additional information.

MTSU is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer that values diversity in all its forms. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. employment is required before employment (Immigration Control Act of 1986). Clery Act crime statistics for MTSU are available at https://police.mtsu.edu/annual-security-report/ or by contacting MTSU Public Safety at (615) 898-2424. MTSU is a Tobacco & Drug-Free campus. This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you will be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered. For individuals requiring reasonable accommodation to apply: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with MTSU, please call 615-898-2929 or email emp@mtsu.edu.

Application Review Date: 11/03/2025