CHAIRPERSON
Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies
College of Liberal Arts
Towson University

The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Towson University invites applications for the position of Chairperson.

The Chairperson, who reports to the Dean of the College of the Liberal Arts, oversees the academic programs (including curriculum and advising), governance, faculty recruitment, planning and financial affairs. The Chairperson acts as the Department’s advocate to fulfill the missions of the Department, the College of Liberal Arts and the University. The Chairperson also facilitates faculty participation in interdisciplinary studies programs at the graduate and undergraduate level. Further information is available in chapter two of the Faculty Handbook (http://wwwnew.towson.edu/provost/facultyhandbook/)

This appointment will be effective July 1, 2008. The Chairperson is appointed to a three year renewable term, subject to annual review and evaluation by the Dean in collaboration with the Department faculty. Salary and rank is commensurate with qualifications and experience. This is a tenure track position that will require appointment at senior rank, preferably Professor.

Qualifications: A PhD. in Philosophy is required. Evidence of strong leadership skills, commitment to shared governance, and the ability to facilitate organizational change within a complex environment are key. Prior administrative experience preferred. A substantial record of teaching and scholarship and service commensurate with the awarding of tenure and a senior rank.

Towson University:  Founded in 1866, today Towson University is recognized by U.S. News & World Report’s as one of the top public universities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.  Towson is nationally recognized for its programs in the liberal arts and sciences, business, education, communications, health sciences, and the fine and performing arts.  The University places a strong emphasis on service learning and civic engagement through such activities as internships, practica, clinical placements, course assignments and student events.  As the Baltimore area’s largest university and Maryland’s Metropolitan University, Towson articulates its research and scholarship mission through partnerships that link the University to the economic, educational and cultural life of the state of Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region. Towson enrolls more than 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students in 62 undergraduate majors, 38 master’s programs and four doctoral programs. Located on a rolling 328 acres, the striking campus is eight miles north of downtown Baltimore and 45 miles from Washington, D.C.  The campus and its surrounding cities provide an excellent environment for teaching and supporting the academic pursuits of the 700 full-time faculty who work here.

The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies includes approximately 9 tenured and tenure track faculty, and instructs over 80 majors in Philosophy, and over 30 majors in Religious Studies. 

A complete application must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, three letters of reference, a statement of philosophy regarding leadership of a Philosophy and Religious Studies Department, and a recently published article or book chapter. Review of applications will begin February 22, 2008 and will continue until the position is filled.
Address application to: 
Stephanie Faison, Administrative Assistant
Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies
Towson University
8000 York Road
Towson, Maryland 21252.

Please contact the search Committee Chair via e-mail jmurungi@towson.edu with any questions.