Georgia Southern University, an institution of the University System of Georgia, invites nominations and applications for the position of assistant or associate professor of Political Science in the Department of Political Science in the College of Liberal Arts and Social 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, a new and expanded Library, 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.

Within this setting, the Master's of Public Administration program at Georgia Southern University is a NASPAA accredited program with approximately 60 students and five full-time faculty members. The MPA program is organized around a set of core prescribed courses and three program concentrations: public management, non-profit management, and criminal justice. The Department of Political Science also houses degrees in Political Science and Justice Studies. There are over 500 majors in the department. Graduate level teaching is expected.  

Position Description. Reporting to the chair of the department, the assistant professor position is a 9-month appointment, and the salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral-level credential, in Public Administration, Public Policy, or Political Science by August 1, 2009
• Some teaching experience
• Commitment to excellence in teaching and research
• Effective communication skills
• Minimum of four years college or university teaching experience at the assistant professor rank required for appointment at the associate professor rank plus a strong record of research and service with publications and presentations in professional venues.

Preferred Qualifications:

• The field of specialization within Public Administration is open, but specialization and teaching ability in budgeting and financial management is preferred
• Ability to teach graduate and undergraduate methods
• Active research agendas and record of funded research

Screening of applications begins November 1, 2008, and continues until the position is filled. The position starting date is August 1, 2009. A complete application consists of a letter addressing the qualifications cited above; a curriculum vitae; and at least three letters of recommendation. 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:

          Prof. Richard L. Pacelle, Jr., Chair

                             Department of Political Science

                             Search #56631

                             Georgia Southern University

                             P. O. Box 8101

                             Statesboro GA 30460-8101

          Electronic mail: rpacelle@georgiasouthern.edu

          Telephone: 912-478-0571

More information about the institution is available through http://www.georgiasouthern.edu/, http://class.georgiasouthern.edu/, http://class.georgiasouthern.edu/polisci/. 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.