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Western Michigan University invites applications for the position of Department Chair in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, starting August 2025. We seek a scholar who will lead the department in a strong learner-centered research university.

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 Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field is required. All related teaching and research specialties will be considered. Specialties that may integrate with or complement existing department activities include noise and vibration, machine design, computational hypersonics, unmanned aerial systems, and systems engineering, among others. Candidates are encouraged to review current research and teaching activities of the department at https://wmich.edu/mechanical-aerospace

We are looking for an innovative leader who will develop and implement a tailored strategic vision while supporting university and college strategic plans. The new Chair will support the undergraduate and graduate teaching missions of the department, including curriculum development, program assessment, and continued accreditation for its undergraduate degrees. The Chair will mentor faculty to achieve research excellence and continued growth of external funding. The Chair will communicate department achievements, cultivate strong interdisciplinary relations with other WMU departments for education and research, interface productively with industry, alumni and the community, and foster shared governance.

The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences 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. The WMed Innovation Center, a tech and business incubator, sits next to the College and coordinates one of Michigan’s 20 regional business development SmartZones. For information about CEAS see https://wmich.edu/engineer

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has placed WMU among the 76 public institutions in the nation designated as research universities with high research activity.

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. The Kalamazoo area has a low cost of living, NCAA and professional sports teams, exceptional outdoor recreation, and many opportunities to enjoy the arts, music and theater. 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/ Submit one application, cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching and research interests (approx. 1 page each), a strategic vision statement, and contact information for five professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.