The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Western Michigan University invites applications for the position of Department Chair, starting January 2025. We seek a scholar who will lead the department in a strong learner-centered research university. Western Michigan University (WMU) is ranked among the 100 top-tier public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has classified WMU to be among universities with high research activity. WMU currently has an enrollment of nearly 17,600 (~21% of whom are graduate students) in eight academic colleges.
The ideal candidate will be a scholar with an established and sustained record of research, teaching, service and professional accomplishments that merits tenure at the rank of professor. A Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Electrical Engineering and/or Computer Engineering or in a related field from an accredited institution is required. The Chair will support the undergraduate and graduate teaching mission of the department, including curriculum development, assessment and accreditation of its programs. This person will mentor faculty to achieve research excellence and augment existing external funding. We are looking for an innovative leader who will develop and implement a strategic vision, support university and college strategic plans, communicate department achievements, cultivate relations with other WMU departments, industry and the community, and foster shared governance.
The department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) offers B.S., accelerated M.S., M.S., graduate certificates, and Ph.D. degrees, including two ABET accredited undergraduate majors. The department currently has 12 full-time faculty members and 203 undergraduate, 8 master and 18 doctoral students. It is expected that the department will be able to hire new faculty over the next 3-4 years. Department research includes: flexible hybrid electronic smart sensors and actuators, printed batteries, communications and signal processing, health monitoring systems leveraging AI and IoT technologies, computer architecture and heterogeneous systems, embedded systems, fuzzy logic decision support systems for laparoscopic surgery systems, image processing, MEMS, neural networks, nonlinear systems, electronic materials and devices, power electronics and systems, electromagnetic design, electric vehicles, and alternative sources of energy.
The College has seven academic departments residing in a 343,000 square -foot facility surrounded by a Business Technology and Research Park on a 270-acre engineering campus. For information about CEAS see http://www.wmich.edu/engineer . More information about the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering can be found at https://wmich.edu/electrical-computer.
Western Michigan University is located in Kalamazoo, about halfway between Chicago and Detroit. Kalamazoo is the cultural and educational center of southwestern Michigan, within an hour drive from Lake Michigan. It is a thriving metropolitan area and a vibrant technological center with a strong manufacturing and service presence. Kalamazoo is also the home of the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship program offered to all Kalamazoo Public School students that covers up to 100% of tuition and mandatory fees to all Michigan public (and many private) institutions of higher learning.
Applications will be accepted electronically through the university website (only), at https://www.wmujobs.org/postings/2411. Submit one application, cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, a strategic vision statement, and contact information for five references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
We are committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse institution and seek candidates with demonstrated potential to contribute positively to its diverse community.
WMU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities and all other qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
