Faculty - Department Chair/Director, Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Health Sciences

The Chair/Program Director for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders will have the following qualifications: A terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in Communication Sciences and Disorders or a closely related field, Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP); and a license or eligibility for licensure as a speech-language pathologist in the state ofTennessee. The director should have significant prior experience in higher education (with knowledge and experience in teaching across in-person and online modalities) and have demonstrated leadership experience in academic settings. Skills in curriculum development and program assessment as well as familiarity with accreditation processes and standards are essential. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills are required, along with excellent communication and collaborative skills.

As a director at a Christian university, strong commitment to Christian higher education, the university's mission and Christian identity, and the integration of faith and learning is expected. This individual should be able to articulate how Christian faith informs and enriches the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Responsibilities:

1. Program Development and Leadership:
   
   
   
   • Partner with the Dean's office to design and implement the CSD major/undergraduate degree program
   • Create and submit proposals for the degree plan and coursework to academic councils
   • Develop a curriculum that includes both clinical and non-clinical tracks
   • Oversee the creation of a leveling program for non-CSD graduates
   • Plan for the future implementation of an accelerated BS-CSD to MS-SLP program
   • Teach classes within the program when launched, according to expertise
   
   
   
   
2. Clinical Partnerships and Experience:
   
   
   
   • Identify partners and develop sites for student clinical experiences
   • Ensure compliance with state licensure requirements for speech-language pathology assistants
   
   
   
   
3. Resource Management:
   
   
   
   • Work within budgetary constraints to purchase necessary supplies for courses and labs
   • Manage departmental resources effectively
   • Utilize university software platforms to efficiently and effectively manage department processes
   
   
   
   
4. Scheduling and Administration:
   
   
   
   • Schedule courses across various modalities (face-to-face, online, hybrid)
   • Oversee administrative aspects of the program
   
   
   
   
5. Faculty/Staff Recruitment and Management:
   
   
   
   • Partnering with the Dean's office, lead efforts to hire a clinical director and additional faculty members
   • Mentor and support faculty in their teaching, research, and service roles
   • Hire and manage or delegate management of administrative staff to support department functioning
   
   
   
   
6. Student Engagement and Success:
   
   
   
   • Ensure high-quality education and preparation for students in both clinical and non-clinical tracks
   • Foster a supportive learning environment for students
   
   
   
   
7. Scholarship:
   
   
   
   • Engage in research/scholarly activity according to area of expertise/interest
   
   
   
   
8. Faith Integration:
   
   
   
   • Incorporate Christian principles and values into the CSD curriculum and program philosophy
   • Mentor students in integrating their faith with professional practice
   • Participate in and contribute to the spiritual life of the university community
   
   
   
   

Leader - Inspires teammates to follow them
Innovative - Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
Functional Expert - Considered a thought leader on a subject
Detail Oriented - Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

The director should have significant prior experience in higher education (with knowledge and experience in teaching across in-person and online modalities) and have demonstrated leadership experience in academic settings. (required)