Department Chair at University of Oklahoma: College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology

Open Date: Sept. 19, 2021

Description: The Department of Psychology at the University of Oklahoma is seeking applications for

department chairperson. The department offers graduate degrees in cognitive, industrial/organizational, social, and quantitative psychology. The department also participates in a multidisciplinary degree program in cellular and behavioral neurobiology. In addition to the four major program areas, some faculty also work in one or more of three integrative, cross-cutting specialties: developmental, neuroscience, and personality/individual differences. The department is excited about this chairperson search as we see it complementing the recent strategic faculty hires we have made in the last four years in addition to the multiple searches currently underway (I/O Psychology/Leading for Creativity and Innovation: https://apply.interfolio.com/93832, Applied Social Psychology/Health Psychology: https://apply.interfolio.com/94784).

The ideal candidate will lead and enrich the department’s mission to conduct research that provides solutions to a wide range of real-world problems while remaining dedicated to maintaining a high- quality education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The candidate will also lead the department in accordance with the OU Strategic Plan (https://www.ou.edu/leadon) and the OU Vice President for Research Partnerships Strategic Verticals (https://www.ou.edu/research-norman) .

Candidates must have prior administrative experience as well as an established reputation for high- quality scholarship in an area that contributes to the department’s strength in applied psychological science, as evidenced by (a) published and/or funded collaborative research, (b) effective graduate and undergraduate teaching and program development, (c) inclusive service and professional outreach. Prior fundraising and/or development experience would be beneficial. The assigned teaching load will be one course per semester.

The Department of Psychology and the University of Oklahoma are dedicated to celebrating and promoting respect for the contributions of all. We strongly encourage applications from women, members of minority groups, veterans, those with disabilities, the LGBTQIA community, and all others who are committed to excellence, inclusion, and diversity. The department is also aware of, and works to be responsive to, the needs of dual-career couples.

About the University of Oklahoma: Established in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is the flagship public research university in the state of Oklahoma (Carnegie Classification R1: highest research activity), with over 30,000 students and more than 2,700 full-time faculty members offering nearly 500 different graduate and undergraduate degree programs on three campuses (Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa). OU has one of the oldest comprehensive colleges of fine arts in the Great Plains states, with highly regarded schools of Music, Musical Theatre, Drama, Art and Dance, and programs in opera and sculpture. The OU College of Law is Oklahoma’s premier law school and the Michael F. Price College is ranked as one of the nation’s top business schools. The OU Health Sciences Center is one of only four comprehensive academic health centers in the nation with seven professional schools, including more than 660 doctors practicing in nearly every adult and child specialty. OU’s Department of Psychology is among the university’s largest departments by enrollment, with 30+ faculty and affiliates serving more than 1,600 diverse and engaged undergraduate majors and minors, and 60+ fully-funded Ph.D. students.

OU Research & Innovation: In 2013, the Norman Research campus was named the No.1 research campus in the nation by the Association of Research Parks. Adjacent to the beautiful and historic main campus in Norman, with 277 acres and over 1 million square feet of high-tech facilities located along the Oklahoma Technology Corridor, the research campus hosts the National Weather Center and affiliated organizations, the National Institute for Risk & Resilience, the South Central Climate Science Center, the Center for Applied Social Research, the K20 Center, and the FAA Center of Excellence for Technical Training & Human Performance, among numerous others. By synergistically co-locating State and Federal agency research and operational organizations, along with more than a dozen private companies and several University centers and academic programs, the Norman research campus creates a uniquely rich environment for collaboration, innovation, and commercialization. Over the last seven years, OU’s Office of Technology Commercialization has evaluated over 500 innovations, filed for 350 patents, and returned $23 million in royalty/license income and reimbursement back to OU.

Local Community & Culture: The city of Norman is a perennial contender on “best places to live” rankings, with outstanding schools, amenities, a low cost of living, college town charm, a variety of recreational opportunities, four distinct seasons, and more than 225 days of sunshine each year. Norman is located 20 miles south of Oklahoma City, the capital and economic hub of the state. The Oklahoma City Metroplex, including Norman and several other suburban cities, is home to about 1.5 million residents, offering all the amenities of a major modern metropolitan community, including rich cultural diversity and heritage, an abundance of the arts, superb dining and night-life, major sporting and concert events, family entertainment, recreational adventure activities, and much more.

Qualifications: To be considered for this position, candidates must have prior administrative experience, an established reputation for high-quality scholarship in an area that contributes to the department’s strength in applied psychological science, and the potential for excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Psychology or a closely-related discipline. Prior fundraising and/or development experience would be beneficial.

The University of Oklahoma is committed to investing in the success of its faculty at all stages of their careers. The department and college offer unique and essential research and professional development resources characteristic of a flagship public research university (e.g., well-equipped dedicated and shared laboratory space; shared supercomputer access; considerable graduate student funding and recruiting support; large and diverse research participant pools; flexible and innovative instructional, service, and leadership opportunities). By mutual agreement, the successful candidate may also affiliate with university-wide strategic research organizations and centers (e.g., the National Institute for Risk & Resilience, the Center for Applied Social Research, the K20 Center, the Zarrow Center for Learning Enrichment, and the OU Health Sciences Center). Salary, benefits, and start-up packages are highly competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Instructions: To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. a cover letter specifically addressing position fit, qualifications, and background

2. curriculum vitae

3. research, teaching, and service statements

4. a statement regarding your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

5. contact information for five individuals that can be contacted for reference letters

6. up to 5 reprints/preprints

For full consideration, please submit your application materials by December 31, 2021. Confidential application review will begin immediately, although the position will remain open until filled. Please send inquiries and other suggestions or comments to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Scott Gronlund (sgronlund@ou.edu).

Application Process: OU is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendations, to https://apply.interfolio.com/94796. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to: admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides.

Diversity Statement: The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.