What are the responsibilities and job description for the Department Head - Data Science position at Inside Higher Ed?
Job Title: Department Head - Data Science
Location: Valdosta State University
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 289228
About Us
As a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, Valdosta State University (VSU) is a welcoming, aware, and vibrant community founded on and dedicated to serving our communities' rich and diverse heritages. Through excellence in teaching, basic and applied research, and service, VSU provides rigorous programs and opportunities that enrich our students, our university, and our region. As such, the VSU mission consists of three interrelated parts that includes a student mission, university mission and regional mission. The university is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity and citizenship. As members of this community and proud Blazers we strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University, as stated in the Blazer Creed and reflected in our commitment to the University System of Georgia's Core Values.
Blazer Creed
Valdosta State University is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The University is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity, and citizenship. As members of this community, and proud Blazers, we will strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University.
Civility - A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.
Integrity - Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.
Citizenship - Every Blazer has an interest in the well-being of the community, and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.
As a Blazer, we pledge to uphold the core principles of Civility, Integrity, and Citizenship.
Job Summary
The College of Science and Mathematics seeks visionary applicants for Department Head beginning July 1, 2026. This is an administrative fiscal (12-month) faculty position that will carry rank of either Associate or Full Professor, with the possibility of tenure upon appointment. This is a transformative opportunity for a dynamic leader to shape the future of a department and contribute meaningfully to the growth of computational and statistical data science at Valdosta State University.
The newly established Data Science Department offers a BS degree in Data Science with three tracks: Business Analytics, Supply Chain & Logistics, and Computational Science & Engineering. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead the department's transformation into a hub for computational and statistical data science, fostering interdisciplinary innovation and positioning the department at the forefront of modern academic and industry trends.
Department Vision and Opportunities
The department is embarking on an ambitious journey to redefine itself as a leader in computational and statistical data science. Our vision is to cultivate an environment integrating advanced computation, statistical methodologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration to solve pressing local, regional, and global challenges. This transformation will empower faculty and students to excel in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and systems modeling.
The New Department Head Will Have The Opportunity To
Full Consideration Will Be Given To Completed Applications Received By October 1, 2025. For More Information, Contact Dr. Andreas Lazari, Search Chair/Professor, Department Of Data Science, At 229-333-7154 Or Alazari@valdosta.edu. Applicant Materials Should Include
Department Summary
Reporting directly to the Dean, the department head is responsible for the overall day-to-day functions of the department and serves as its primary spokesperson and advocate. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Teaching and scholarship - 30%
Teach classes and conducts/presents research in the employee's academic discipline.
Recruit and supervise - 20%
Recruit and supervise the work of full- and part-time faculty and staff. Evaluate the work of faculty and recommend faculty for tenure and promotion.
Curriculum development - 20%
Coordinate the development of department curriculum, courses, and schedules. Oversee clinical programs as appropriate.
Administrative functions - 20%
Direct the department's business and administrative functions.
Student services - 10%
Coordinate the delivery of student services within the department.
Required Qualifications
Commensurate with experience.
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Conditions of Employment
Applicants Are Required To Provide
Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It is not the intent of the institution to discriminate against any applicant for admission or any student or employee of the institution based on the age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation of the individual.
Background Check
If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings, apply for a job on this site, or participate in the search process as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Catherine Wills, in the Office of Human Resources at croark@valdosta.edu.
Location: Valdosta State University
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 289228
About Us
As a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, Valdosta State University (VSU) is a welcoming, aware, and vibrant community founded on and dedicated to serving our communities' rich and diverse heritages. Through excellence in teaching, basic and applied research, and service, VSU provides rigorous programs and opportunities that enrich our students, our university, and our region. As such, the VSU mission consists of three interrelated parts that includes a student mission, university mission and regional mission. The university is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity and citizenship. As members of this community and proud Blazers we strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University, as stated in the Blazer Creed and reflected in our commitment to the University System of Georgia's Core Values.
Blazer Creed
Valdosta State University is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The University is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity, and citizenship. As members of this community, and proud Blazers, we will strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University.
Civility - A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.
Integrity - Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.
Citizenship - Every Blazer has an interest in the well-being of the community, and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.
As a Blazer, we pledge to uphold the core principles of Civility, Integrity, and Citizenship.
Job Summary
The College of Science and Mathematics seeks visionary applicants for Department Head beginning July 1, 2026. This is an administrative fiscal (12-month) faculty position that will carry rank of either Associate or Full Professor, with the possibility of tenure upon appointment. This is a transformative opportunity for a dynamic leader to shape the future of a department and contribute meaningfully to the growth of computational and statistical data science at Valdosta State University.
The newly established Data Science Department offers a BS degree in Data Science with three tracks: Business Analytics, Supply Chain & Logistics, and Computational Science & Engineering. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead the department's transformation into a hub for computational and statistical data science, fostering interdisciplinary innovation and positioning the department at the forefront of modern academic and industry trends.
Department Vision and Opportunities
The department is embarking on an ambitious journey to redefine itself as a leader in computational and statistical data science. Our vision is to cultivate an environment integrating advanced computation, statistical methodologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration to solve pressing local, regional, and global challenges. This transformation will empower faculty and students to excel in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and systems modeling.
The New Department Head Will Have The Opportunity To
- Extend Current Curriculum: Working with faculty in the department, spearhead the development of innovative tracks and concentrations within our existing Data Science degree that align with job market demands and applications of data science in various disciplines.
- Expand Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Partner with other departments in the College of Science and Mathematics, such as Computer Science & Engineering Technology, Biology, Chemistry & Geosciences, and beyond, to enhance research and academic offerings.
- Enhance Research Impact: Position the department as a computational and statistical applied research leader, attracting external funding and increasing student participation in high-impact projects, including internships.
- Prepare Students for the Future: Develop initiatives that equip students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in competitive data science careers, including experiential learning and mentorship opportunities.
Full Consideration Will Be Given To Completed Applications Received By October 1, 2025. For More Information, Contact Dr. Andreas Lazari, Search Chair/Professor, Department Of Data Science, At 229-333-7154 Or Alazari@valdosta.edu. Applicant Materials Should Include
- Cover letter detailing your vision for transforming the department into a Computational and Statistical Data Science hub
- Curriculum vitae
- Statement of teaching philosophy that includes strategies for creating curricula to meet a diverse student body's needs and career goals
- Research statement outlining interests and plans to enhance the research mission of a regional public institution
- Leadership statement addressing contemporary challenges facing departments at regional comprehensive universities
Department Summary
Reporting directly to the Dean, the department head is responsible for the overall day-to-day functions of the department and serves as its primary spokesperson and advocate. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Hiring, managing and evaluating faculty and staff members in the department;
- Conducting regular departmental meetings;
- Fostering a positive department environment that supports excellent teaching, scholarship and service;
- Establishing a collaborative department vision and agenda that is aligned with the university and college strategic plans;
- Scheduling classes and sections for each faculty member in each academic semester;
- Supporting students through mentoring, overseeing internships and providing curricular overrides, where appropriate;
- Teaching necessary courses throughout the academic year;
- Participating in research and scholarly activities;
- Attending required conferences, including those associated with academic presentations;
- Supporting department experiential learning activities, including undergraduate research;
- Facilitating departmental curriculum reviews to maintain program viability and alignment with both industry trends and accreditation requirements;
- Participating in College Executive Committee meetings;
- Attending monthly Council of Department Heads meetings;
- Promoting interdisciplinary research and external partnerships;
- Maintaining a wide variety of service courses in mathematics, physics, and astronomy;
- Serving as Budget Manager for the department.
Teaching and scholarship - 30%
Teach classes and conducts/presents research in the employee's academic discipline.
Recruit and supervise - 20%
Recruit and supervise the work of full- and part-time faculty and staff. Evaluate the work of faculty and recommend faculty for tenure and promotion.
Curriculum development - 20%
Coordinate the development of department curriculum, courses, and schedules. Oversee clinical programs as appropriate.
Administrative functions - 20%
Direct the department's business and administrative functions.
Student services - 10%
Coordinate the delivery of student services within the department.
Required Qualifications
- An earned terminal degree in Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Applied Computational Physics, Applied Statistics, Operations Research, or a related field from an accredited university;
- A strong background in Data Science, including course development and research publications in data science;
- A proven track record of fostering innovation in teaching and learning;
- A record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service;
- Demonstrated leadership experience in academic or research settings;
- An awareness of current trends in higher education and a commitment to innovation in teaching and learning;
- A commitment to shared governance and a consultative leadership style;
- Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Experience with grant writing and extramural funding;
- Record of successful outreach to community;
- Experience with faculty evaluation and promotion and tenure processes;
- Experience as a department head;
- Accreditation experience.
Commensurate with experience.
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Conditions of Employment
Applicants Are Required To Provide
- professional references with current contact information
- documentation of academic credentials
- employment history
- ask candidates who will serve in Positions of Trust to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment,
- view social media outlets, and
- remove job postings without additional notification.
- successful completion of a background check investigation, including a criminal background check
- reference checks
- satisfactory credit check
- successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
- pre-employment drug testing
- confirmation of credentials
- New employee orientation
- VSU's Annual Compliance Training:
- USG Ethics Policy
- Conflict of Interest/Outside Activities Policy
- Drug Free Workplace
- Sexual Misconduct and Title IX
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Motor Vehicle Policy
- Workers Compensation (new hires)
- Georgia Open Records Act (new hires)
- USG Cybersecurity Training (required twice yearly)
- Job-specific training such as: FMLA and Worker's Compensation, Budget Manager training, Purchasing Training (ePro & PCard), and Defensive Driving
Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It is not the intent of the institution to discriminate against any applicant for admission or any student or employee of the institution based on the age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation of the individual.
Background Check
- Position of Trust Credit
If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings, apply for a job on this site, or participate in the search process as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Catherine Wills, in the Office of Human Resources at croark@valdosta.edu.