The Boone Pickens School of Geology at Oklahoma State University (OSU) invites applications for the position of School Head. The position will be at the rank of Full Professor with tenure. The University seeks an experienced, dynamic leader with a strong commitment to the disciplines that make up the School of Geology. The Head serves as the chief spokesperson and advocate for the School both within and outside of the University, and ensures that the School serves as a vital resource to the state and region.
About Oklahoma State University
Established in 1890, Oklahoma State University is a modern land-grant system of interdisciplinary programs that prepare students for success in the 21st century. OSU has more than 35,000 undergraduate and graduate students across its five-campus system, with more than 21,000 on the Stillwater campus. Through its ten colleges, over 1,600 faculty members educate students from all 50 states and 120 nations. The faculty of OSU exceed $125 million annually in research expenditures.
About the Boone Pickens School of Geology
Currently, the School has 12 tenured and tenure-track faculty, one teaching and two visiting assistant professors, approximately 70 undergraduate students and 85 graduate students (60 MS and 25 PhD). Over 30% of undergraduate majors and graduate students are from underrepresented minorities or other countries. The School has recently expanded and will continue growing in terms of student enrollment, additional faculty, and external resources. Existing areas of research strength in the School are conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons, continental tectonics and neotectonics, and surficial processes and environmental studies. The School houses modern research and teaching facilities, including well-equipped geochemistry, geophysics, remote sensing, sedimentology, and tectonics laboratories, as well as technology-enabled classrooms, and the Devon Visualization Laboratory. The School also has a Field Camp in Cañon City, Colorado. The School’s mission and activities are strongly supported by an extended network of alumni and an active advisory board. The School takes great pride in its strong facultystudent-alumni relationship, its active student chapters for professional organizations, and its close relationship with both the petroleum and environmental industries.
The Position of Head
Reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Head of the School is the chief academic, administrative, and budgetary officer as well as the primary spokesperson for the School. The Head should provide visionary and innovative direction for the School while providing forward-thinking leadership for the faculty, staff, and students. The Head will be responsible for providing leadership in defining the School’s strategic priorities, for recruiting and retaining a diverse and highly qualified student body and faculty, and for continuing the current growth of the School across its undergraduate and graduate programs.
Specific responsibilities of the Head include:
• promoting high-quality undergraduate and graduate experiences;
• advocating for and supporting the work and mission of a multidisciplinary faculty;
• promoting a culturally aware and inclusive environment with a strong commitment to recruiting, mentoring, and retaining diverse faculty, staff, and students;
• providing leadership and infrastructure to support faculty research and external funding initiatives;
• leading fundraising initiatives and promote alumni development to meet current and future School Priorities;
• continuing and strengthening strategic relationships with the community, benefactors, and industry;
• working closely with the Alumni Advisory Board and other constituents on issues related to the enhancement of the School;
• representing the School to University administration; serving as a School advocate and spokesperson at academic, social, and public functions; and being involved with community service activities; and
• advancing the School’s internationalization initiatives and enhancing its global partnerships.
Qualifications:
Applicants should have a PhD in geosciences or a related field, have an accomplished research and teaching record and be highly regarded and recognized by the national geoscientific community. A record of collaboration with industry along with prior administrative experience is desirable. The Boone Pickens School of Geology Head position is designated 50% administration and 50% academic. The successful candidate will have a reduced teaching load, and will maintain a research program through externally-funded projects, peer-reviewed publications, and mentoring of graduate students. The candidate’s specific research field is open to any field within the geosciences.
Application review will begin January 8, 2018 and will continue until the position is filled. The starting date is expected to be July 1, 2018, but is negotiable. Applicants should submit statements detailing: (l) Leadership vision, (2) Research interests, and (3) Teaching philosophy, along with a Curriculum Vitae, and the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of three references to the University’s executive search firm:
Martin M. Baker, Managing Partner
Chelsie Whitelock, Senior Associate
Buffkin/Baker
10 Cadillac Drive, Suite 190
Brentwood, TN 37027
martin@buffkinbaker.com
chelsie@buffkinbaker.com
OSU is an AA/EEO/E-verify employer committed to diversity. Women and underrepresented minorities are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, ethnic and national origin, physical ability, or protected veteran status. OSU-Stillwater is a tobacco-free campus. The position will be filled contingent upon available funding.