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Chair, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Florida A&M University–Florida State University College of Engineering

(Permanent Tenure-Track Position)

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the Florida A&M University (FAMU)–Florida State University (FSU) College of Engineering invites applications from highly qualified individuals for the position of Chair and Professor.

The ECE Department currently has 35 faculty, 90+ graduate students, 450+ undergraduate students, and annual research expenditures exceeding $17M. The two universities and outstanding research facilities in the affiliated research buildings/centers provide opportunities for collaboration with faculty in Computer Science and Scientific Computing, the Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS, https://www.caps.fsu.edu/), FAMU Center for Cyber Security (http://cst.famu.edu/departments-and-centers/center-for-cybersecurity/index.php),  National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL, https://nationalmaglab.org/), Center for Intelligent Systems, Control and Robotics (CISCOR, https://www.ciscor.org/), FSU Institute of Molecular Biophysics (http://biophysics.fsu.edu/),  FSU Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship (https://jimmorancollege.fsu.edu/),  and FSU College of Medicine (https://med.fsu.edu/).

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is the nexus of two major public universities, each with a distinct mission but focused on world-class engineering education and research. Created by the Florida Legislature in 1982, the joint institution is the college of engineering for both Florida A&M and Florida State universities. This unique combination of focus, resources and mission from our parent institutions has created on our campus a truly innovative atmosphere that leverages the benefits of the traditional HBCU model with the innovations of an R-1 public research university. After completing pre-requisites at their home institution, FAMU and FSU students learn, study and research together at our independent campus with joint-appointed faculty and staff. Students graduate from their enrolling university and from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. Both FAMU and FSU are part of the State University System of Florida and are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Additionally, all seven (7) of the college’s eligible undergraduate degree programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.

Responsibilities:

The Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering will:

• Provide visionary leadership in advancing a compelling departmental mission aligned with the College’s Engineering Our Future (2024–2029) strategic plan.
• Guide the development and implementation of a dynamic research agenda, fostering collaboration among faculty, research centers, and external partners to enhance infrastructure and secure intramural and extramural funding.
• Oversee and strengthen the department’s educational programs, promoting excellence in curriculum design, delivery, assessment, and pedagogical innovation across all degree levels.
• Lead student recruitment and engagement efforts, with particular emphasis on attracting high-quality doctoral candidates and supporting student success.
• Recruit, mentor, and retain outstanding faculty, building a strong and diverse team of scholars in emerging and high-impact areas of electrical and computer engineering.
• Cultivate strategic industry and government partnerships that expand research opportunities, experiential learning, and workforce development.
• Serve as a vital liaison to college and university administration, funding agencies, policymakers, and professional organizations, representing the department’s interests with clarity and purpose.
• Collaborate as an active member of Dean’s leadership team, contributing to the College’s collective growth, resource development, and strategic initiatives.
• Foster synergy and interdisciplinary collaboration within the department and with major research centers—including CAPS, ASC, HPMI, FCAAP, and InSPIRE—as well as with national laboratories and external stakeholders.
• Engage in advancement and external relations, maintaining and strengthening relationships with the Department Advisory Council and working closely with the College’s advancement team to support fundraising and alumni engagement.

Qualifications:

• An earned Ph.D. or equivalent in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or a closely related discipline, with professional and academic credentials meriting appointment as a tenured Full Professor in the department.
• A distinguished record of research and scholarship, including sustained external funding, graduate student mentorship, impactful publications, and recognized intellectual leadership.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and a strong commitment to advancing engineering education through innovative pedagogy, curriculum design, and emerging modes of delivery.
• Proven ability to articulate and implement a forward-looking vision for departmental growth, foster strategic planning, and lead organizational change in a complex academic environment.
• A record of effective leadership and administrative experience, including budget management, faculty recruitment, and operational oversight of academic and research programs.
• Active engagement with professional societies, industry, government laboratories, and multi-institutional collaborations, with a demonstrated capacity to build strategic partnerships that enhance research and educational impact.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments, research centers, and university leadership to align departmental priorities with the College’s Engineering Our Future (2024–2029) plan and institutional missions.
• A demonstrated commitment to advocating for faculty, students, and staff while cultivating resources, infrastructure, and support systems that promote academic and research excellence.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Prior academic leadership experience as an associate department head/chair,  center director, or similar level of responsibility.
• Have a demonstrated record of high-quality research and scholarly publications that are recognized nationally and/or internationally.

How To Apply

• If qualified and interested in the position, applicants should apply to Florida State University at https://hr.fsu.edu/facultyjobs, Job ID: 61570, with the following documents in a single PDF file. 
  • A cover letter
  • A full curriculum vitae
  • A 2-to-5-page statement describing how the candidate’s experience positions them well to serve as the Department Chair for Electrical and Computer Engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.
  • A research statement including research interests and plans
  • The names and contact information of five potential references

To ensure full consideration, please submit your application by December 8, 2025. The applications will be reviewed beginning November 30, 2025, but the position will remain open for applications until the position is filled. The appointment is expected to begin in August 2026. Any questions about the position should be directed to the Search Committee Chair: Dr. Rodney Roberts (rroberts@eng.famu.fsu.edu).