Job Details

Founding Chair of Mechanical Engineering

Houston Christian University (HCU) seeks a founding Chair of Mechanical Engineering, with a start date of Fall 2026. Under the direction of the Dean, the Chair assists in the administration and supervision of faculty, staff, programs, initiatives, and curriculum for one or more disciplines within the College. The Chair is a visionary leader able to provide effective management of the program's resources, recognize and reward excellence, and promote accountability. The Chair will develop and assist with implementation of program, College, and University strategic plans and oversee the recruitment of faculty, the establishment of appropriate labs in newly renovated space, and preparation for ABET accreditation. The Chair effectively communicates with college, faculty and staff as well as establishing strong working relationships with constituencies across campus. The Chair position is an additional administrative appointment that includes both reduction in course load and an additional stipend for administrative work during the summer terms.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Dean and College leadership to set strategic vision for Mechanical Engineering at HCU
• Work collaboratively with the Dean to identify and pursue funding opportunities needed to support new Mechanical Engineering Program initiatives
• Develop curriculum, degree changes, and catalog updates
• Prepare accurate documentation for Academic Affairs Committee
• Prepare documentation for ABET accreditation
• Review of program assessments per SACSCOC and other accrediting agencies
• Select, vet and supervise adjunct faculty
• Prepare course schedules and staffing
• Directly observe classroom instruction
• Provide written evaluation of all full-time and adjunct faculty members teaching within this department on a regular basis with the goal of continuous improvement in teaching and learning
• Develop and oversee department syllabi, scope and sequence of courses and course content, including curricular revisions
• Review student course evaluations with faculty each semester
• Ensure timely submission of student grades from department faculty
• Actively participate in scholarly endeavors
• Hold regular departmental meetings with faculty in department
• Hear student concerns past the instructor level (per university grievance policy)
• Attend and participate in campus and College meetings
• Pursue the integration of faith-and-learning in and out of the classroom
• Ability to represent college enthusiastically and professionally
• Ability to work collegially with faculty and staff across several departments and divisions
• Be available for some night and weekend programming beyond HCU's standard 8am5pm weekday office hours
• Work to further the University's mission
• Must be able to completely affirm, uphold, and live within the Preamble of Houston Christian University and the Ten Pillars Core Convictions
• Exhibit an active Christian faith with local church membership and involvement
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering
• Higher education teaching experience at the undergraduate level
• Leadership experience in higher education preferred

Additional Information

Houston Christian University is an independent, private Christian liberal arts institution with a diverse student body. It has access to all the cultural advantages of one of the largest metropolitan centers in the country. For more information about the University, visit hc.edu.

The University is in the process of implementing its Ten Pillars vision and anticipates significant growth in student enrollment and university programs. The successful candidate will also be able to articulate a vision for the role of his or her discipline at HCU that is supportive of the Ten Pillars vision statement.

Houston Christian University is committed to maintaining a teaching faculty and staff who share an active Christian faith. The Preamble to the By-Laws of the University sets forth a statement of belief which each University employee is expected to support and personify. Your submittal of an application for employment indicates your acceptance and affirmation of these statements.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements of personnel.

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