Lamar University
College of Fine Arts and Communication
Beaumont, Texas

Chair, Department of Music

Applications and nominations are invited for the position of Chair of the Department of Music.

The University seeks a person with vision to lead the department in growth and programmatic expansion. The Department currently offers undergraduate and graduate programs in music that lead to the Bachelor of Music Degree with majors in the areas of Performance, Teacher Certification, and Composition; the Bachelor of Arts Degree; and the Master of Music Degree with majors in Performance and Music Education. The successful candidate will possess strong leadership skills along with the ability to work in a collegial manner with departmental faculty and cross campus colleagues. The Chair is expected to encourage scholarship and creative activities and help develop innovative educational programs, support fund raising activities and interact with the greater community. The Department of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The Chair reports to the Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication.
Responsibilities include:
1) Maintaining and promoting high academic standards within the administration of the department.
2) Encouraging and supporting scholarship and creative activities by the faculty and students.
3) Maintaining standards required for the continued accreditation of the music department.
3) Maintaining departmental equipment and administering budgets.
4) Overseeing and maintaining curricular and accreditation standards and developing departmental schedules.
5) Providing administrative leadership in making personnel decisions such as hiring, retention, promotion, tenure and merit pay.
6) Supporting University and College policies.
7) Other duties as required by the department or assigned by the dean.

Qualifications:
The University seeks a creative leader interested in advancing the department with a record of successful academic administrative experience and high achievement. The successful candidate will have:
1) An earned terminal degree in music plus teaching experience at the graduate level.
2) A record of teaching, research/creative activity and service which justifies appointment as a tenured Associate or Full Professor.
3) At least two years of some type of academic administrative experience.
4) Knowledge and experience with specialized accreditation.
5) Evidence of significant scholarly or creative endeavors.
6) A clear vision of excellence and innovation in undergraduate and graduate education.
7) The capacity to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse constituent groups.
8. An understanding of the organization, administration and function of a comprehensive university, to include a commitment to shared governance.

Preference will be given to a candidate who has knowledge of and success with external fund raising activities.

The position will be available for the fall of 2010. This is a 9-month position with a significant summer administrative stipend as well as the opportunity to teach summer classes. This will be a tenured position with rank at the senior level, and salary negotiable and dependent upon experience and qualifications. Review of applications will begin November 15, 2009 and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a cover letter, complete curriculum vitae and the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of five references to: Chair of the Music Chair Search Committee, c/o Human Resources Lamar University, P. O. Box 11127, Beaumont, Texas 77710.

Lamar University is a member of The Texas State University System, has an enrollment of over 14,000 students, and offers a wide variety of baccalaureate and master’s degrees, as well as doctorates in four disciplines. Lamar faculty have a strong commitment to teaching excellence combined with research. Full-time students under the age of 25 comprise 70% of the student body at this culturally diverse, metropolitan university, while non-traditional students comprise almost 25% of the student enrollment. Located on the banks of the Neches River in Southeast Texas, Beaumont is only 75 miles from Houston and 35 miles from the Gulf of Mexico beaches. Leisure opportunities abound nearby in the Big Thicket National Preserve and lake areas of East Texas. A wide range of cultural activities are provided through a regional symphony orchestra, art museum, historic houses, opera, ballet and theater companies. The cultural centers of Houston and Galveston offer many kinds of aesthetic enrichment. A year-round temperate climate increases opportunities for outdoor recreational activities.

Lamar University is an equal opportunity employer that actively seeks and encourages nominations and expressions of interest from members of groups that are traditionally underrepresented in higher education.