Department Chair for Dept. of Social Sciences

The Department of Social Sciences plays a vital role in the university’s mission to cultivate intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, ethical leadership, and a commitment to service. Part of the College of Arts and Sciences, the department houses degree programs in History, Political Science, Sociology and secondary Social Science/History Education. Our passionate faculty bring the social sciences to life – sparking dynamic debates, getting students’ hands dirty with real-world investigations and projects, tackling today’s biggest challenges in the classroom and the community, and turning undergraduate students into actual researchers, presenting their scholarship at conferences and in publications. The department also plays a significant role in the University’s general education program, offering multiple courses to students across campus.

Gardner-Webb University (https://gardner-webb.edu/) invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Social Sciences to begin Fall 2026. We seek a dynamic and experienced leader with a terminal degree in Sociology or International Relations/Political Science who is committed to academic excellence, faculty development, student success, and community engagement. The tenure-track position carries academic rank commensurate with experience and qualifications. The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership for the department while maintaining an active role in teaching, research, and service.

Department Chairperson Responsibilities:

As Department Chair, the selected candidate will serve as both an academic leader and faculty mentor, providing strategic direction and fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment. Responsibilities include:

· Teaching undergraduate courses in Sociology at both introductory and advanced levels.

· Advising Sociology majors, supporting their academic and professional development.

· Serving as the representative of the Department of Social Sciences within the college, the university and the broader community.

· Provide leadership and guidance for the department affairs, including faculty development, curriculum planning, and student engagement.

· Acting as a liaison between departmental faculty and university administration to advance the department’s mission and goals.

· Support faculty development in teaching, research, and professional growth while encouraging program innovation.

· Oversee the departmental operations, including budget management, program assessment, adjunct faculty coordination, course scheduling, and policy implementation.

· Collaborating with Enrollment Management to support student recruitment and retention initiatives.

· Partner with Advancement and Alumni relations foster community partnerships, fundraising and grant opportunities.

· Serve on the College of Arts & Sciences’ Council and contribute to broader university initiatives.

Essential Requirements: Experience, Knowledge and Skills

· An earned doctorate or terminal degree in Sociology or International Relations/Political Science or closely related discipline from an accredited institution.

· Evidence of high-quality undergraduate teaching effectiveness, mentoring, and advising.

· Proven ability and/or record of research and scholarship in the discipline.

· Demonstrate a willingness to engage students in undergraduate research.

· Demonstrate effective leadership, organization, communication, and collaboration skills, with experience fostering a collegial academic environment.

· Exhibit a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, reflected in teaching, research, and/or community engagement.

· Demonstrate a passion for community outreach and engagement, aligning with Gardner-Webb’s mission and values.

· Demonstrate a strong commitment to Christian Higher Education and the university’s faith-based learning environment.

· Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Experience in academic leadership, including administrative roles, faculty supervision experience, and budgetary oversight.

· Experience managing undergraduate programs and implementing innovative curriculum and student success initiatives.

Application Materials include the following documents:

1. Letter of Interest that addresses candidate’s qualifications for the position, specifically highlighting teaching philosophy and evidence of quality of teaching

2. Updated Curriculum Vita

3. Contact information for three (3) references

4. Official transcripts of all education at the bachelor’s level and above.

Salary is commensurate with experience. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Gardner-Webb University (GWU) offers a vibrant academic environment. The close-knit, and vibrant Boiling Springs, NC extends the feeling of family from campus to the community. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, our hometown gives you the freedom to focus on teaching, scholarship, and service, with easy access to big-city benefits in nearby Charlotte, NC, Asheville, NC, and the Greenville-Spartanburg, SC region. Gardner-Webb University (gardner-webb.edu) is a coeducational, residential, private, historically Baptist, Christian institution. The University offers 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 3,000 students. GWU is a Carnegie-classified Doctoral/Professional University. In 2023, Gardner-Webb was home to students from 93 counties in North Carolina, 44 US states, and 43 foreign countries. GWU is a NCAA Division I institution with 22 athletic teams and 460 student-athletes.