Georgia Southern University, an institution of the University System of Georgia, invites nominations and applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Family and Consumer Sciences. Georgia Southern University is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a Doctoral/Research University. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Georgia Southern offers 118 academic majors in a comprehensive array of baccalaureate degrees and selected master's and doctoral programs. The University has earned national accreditation in 62 program areas from 20 accrediting bodies. Academic programs are organized in eight colleges: Business Administration, Education, Health and Human Sciences, Information Technology, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, the Allen E. Paulson College of Science and Technology, and the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies. The University awarded 2,968 degrees in 2007-2008.

A residential university with a fall 2007 enrollment of 16,841 students, Georgia Southern is the largest university in the southern half of Georgia and one of the most comprehensive centers for public higher education in the state. One of the top choices in Georgia for new freshmen, including HOPE Scholars, Georgia Southern enrolls an increasingly selective student body representing the United States and more than 85 nations. The University continues to enhance its academic profile through higher admission standards, an expanded Honors Program, and scholarships for academically talented students.

Georgia Southern University is committed to advancing the State of Georgia and the region through the benefits of higher education, offering baccalaureate through doctoral degrees, and a variety of outreach programs. The University fosters access to its educational programs, provides a comprehensive and fulfilling university experience, and enhances quality of life in the region through collaborative relationships supporting education, health care and human services, cultural experiences, scientific and technological advancement, athletics, and regional development. Georgia Southern's strategic plan includes advancing the University to the top tier of national rankings in its class.

The 675-acre park-like campus continues an era of capital construction that has opened new facilities for colleges and academic programs, student recreation and development, university housing, athletics, and public service. The learning environment is enhanced by a museum of cultural and natural history, a botanical garden, a unique wildlife education center, a performing arts center, a new Center for Art and Theatre, and a continuing education and conference center. The University's Division I athletic teams compete in the Southern Conference. The campus is located in Statesboro, a safe, hospitable, and progressive Main Street community of 30,000, less than an hour from historic Savannah and beach resorts, and approximately 200 miles from Atlanta.

The Department of Hospitality, Tourism, and Family and Consumer Sciences, located in the College of Health and Human Sciences, is a dynamic and growth-oriented unit of over 40 faculty and staff serving over 1000 majors enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs in areas that include fashion merchandising and apparel design, interior design, recreation and tourism management, child and family development, hotel and restaurant management, and sport management.  In addition, the department houses the Child Development Center, an on-campus laboratory school serving 66 infant, toddler, and preschool age children.                                     

Position Description.  Reporting to the Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences, the Chair serves as the academic and administrative leader of the Department of Hospitality, Tourism, and Family and Consumer Sciences and is the unit representative in all official communications.   Dynamic, energetic, and visionary leaders are invited to apply for this 12-month, tenure track position.  Leadership opportunities abound for the chair to develop additional graduate programs and expand the online delivery of courses.  The salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in one of the Department's academic disciplines.
• Exemplary record of teaching, research or creative activity, service, and grant procurement appropriate to the rank of tenured full professor in one of the academic disciplines housed in the Department.
• Record of progressively more responsible leadership positions in higher education is required, preferably at the department chair or program level.
• Commitment to teaching, scholarship, and service that is consistent with the College's priorities for the School and the mission of the University
• History of demonstrating a collaborative administrative style of leadership, embracing shared governance, and building a culture of trust and confidence with faculty, staff, students and administrators.
• Developing an environment where faculty are encouraged to seek grants and contracts
• Interest in and ability to develop an understanding and appreciation for the disciplines within the unit
• Demonstrated professional leadership in discipline-related organizations
• Commitment to successful outreach with external stakeholders
• Knowledge of accreditation and certification requirements for disciplines in the unit, as well as knowledge of trends and issues challenging higher education
• Experience with strategic planning and program development.
• Effective organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Successful record of, and commitment to, affirmative action, equality of opportunity, and diversity with demonstrated respect and advocacy for faculty, students, and staff.

Screening of applications will begin October 6, 2008, and will continue until the position is filled.  The position begins July 1, 2009.  A complete application consists of a letter addressing the qualifications cited above; a curriculum vitae; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least five professional references.  Other documentation may be requested. Georgia Southern University seeks to recruit individuals who are committed to working in diverse academic and professional communities. Applications and nominations should be sent to: 

                                           Dr. Diana Cone, Search Chair

Georgia Southern University

P. O. Box 8073

                                Statesboro GA 30460-8073

Electronic mail: dcone@georgiasouthern.edu

More information about the institution is available through http://www.georgiasouthern.edu/, http://www.georgiasouthernhealthscience.com/, or at http://chronicle.com/jobs/profiles/911.htm. Georgia Southern University seeks individuals who are committed to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and professional service within the University and beyond. Finalists will be required to submit to a background investigation. The names of applicants and nominees, vitae, and other non-evaluative information may be subject to public inspection under the Georgia Open Records Act. Georgia Southern University is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity institution. Individuals who need reasonable accommodations under the ADA to participate in the search process should contact the Associate Provost.

To apply: Please send application materials by postal mail.

Georgia Southern University is the largest and most comprehensive center of higher education in the southern half of Georgia. Georgia Southern University is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a Doctoral/Research institution. A residential university serving over 16,000 students in Fall 2006, Georgia Southern’s hallmark is a superior undergraduate experience emphasizing academic distinction, excellent teaching, and student success. Founded in 1906, the University offers 123 degree programs at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels through eight colleges. The 675-acre campus is located in Statesboro, a community of approximately 30,000 residents, 50 miles northwest of historic Savannah, and 200 miles southeast of Atlanta.