SUBR | Chair- Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Southern University System; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern University System seeks a dynamic SUBR Chair-Professor of Mechanical Engineering to lead as chief academic and administrative officer. The position is full-time, 12-month, with competitive salary and Baton Rouge campus responsibilities.

The chair will guide curriculum design, program assessment, and faculty development; foster a vibrant research culture; oversee accreditation processes; and build industry and government partnerships while ensuring student success and budget stewardship.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of progressive academic leadership experience.
• Distinguished record of teaching, research, and service commensurate with tenure at full professor.
• Demonstrated success mentoring faculty and students.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and leadership to align department goals with university priorities.
• Guide curriculum design, program assessment, and continuous improvement.
• Foster a strong research culture, support extramural funding and industry partnerships.
• Lead accreditation processes, assess programs, and support student success initiatives.
• Manage department budget, facilities, and staffing.

Skills

Academic leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

SUBR | Chair-Professor of Mechanical Engineering | Position Type: Full-time, 12-month administrative appointment | Salary Range: Competitive | Application Deadline: July 31, 2026

Job Description

The Department of Mechanical Engineering seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to guide the department in alignment with the university’s mission and strategic priorities. As the chief academic and administrative officer of the department, the Chair provides comprehensive leadership in academic programming, faculty development, student success, research advancement, accreditation, and resource management. The Chair will foster a collegial and inclusive environment that supports innovation, collaboration, and excellence in teaching, research, and service.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employer for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• Provide vision and leadership in developing and implementing departmental goals and initiatives aligned with college and university priorities, guide curriculum design and innovation, and oversee program assessment and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and support faculty and staff; promote professional development; ensure equitable workload distribution; and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and faculty success.
• Foster a strong research culture, encourage and support faculty and student research, promote the pursuit of extramural funding, and expand partnerships with industry, government, and other academic institutions.
• Lead accreditation processes, oversee assessment and reporting, promote student-centered programs, and support recruitment, retention, and student success initiatives.
• Manage department budget, personnel, equipment, and facilities; oversee laboratories and instructional spaces to support safe, effective teaching and research environments.
• Build partnerships with alumni, industry, and community stakeholders; support development and fundraising activities; and represent the department within and outside the university.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressive academic leadership experience.
• Distinguished record of teaching, research, and service commensurate with appointment at the rank of tenured full professor.
• Demonstrated success in mentoring faculty and students.
• Proven track record in extramural funding, sponsored research, and/or industry collaboration.
• Prior experience with ABET or equivalent accreditation processes.
• Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field required.
• Evidence of qualifications for the appointment of tenure at the rank of Professor within the department is required.
• Evidence of strong communication, organizational, and time management skills.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must complete a Southern University employment Application. External applicants can apply here.

Current Southern University employees should apply here.

Applications Should Include

• A cover letter detailing experience and alignment with the role.
• A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume highlighting expertise and accomplishments.
• Transcripts (official or unofficial).
• Three professional letters of recommendation.

Point of Contact

Dr. Lealon Martin

Dean, College of Sciences and Engineering

[e-mail]

EEO/ADA Statement

The Southern University System complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws. Southern University and A&M College forbids discriminating or harassing conduct that is based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in uniformed services, and all other categories protected by applicable federal and state laws. This commitment applies to but is not limited to decisions concerning hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other college-administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden.