The College of Health and Behavioral Sciences at Abilene Christian University invites applications and nominations for the role of Department Chair for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. The successful candidate will oversee the daily administrative operations of the department and provide academic leadership in evidence-based practice, administration, curriculum innovation, instructional planning, and strategic program development.

Abilene Christian University is a private Christian institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The mission of the ACU Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective ministry to persons with communication, cognitive, and swallowing disorders from a Christ-centered perspective. The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers a dynamic and distinct academic and clinical environment facilitated by faculty who are dedicated to providing students with the highest level of professional training in the classroom and within The ACU Center for Speech, Language, and Learning and other community partners.

The ACU Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders has two sites at campuses in Abilene and Dallas. The graduate MS-SLP program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and is accredited as a single program with a main campus and branch campus cohorts. The 14 Abilene faculty and staff serve approximately 80 undergraduate students and 39 graduate students. Seven Dallas faculty and staff serve 46 graduate students. The department chair, located at the main campus in Abilene, is responsible for oversight of the undergraduate program in Abilene and graduate programs at both campuses. A supportive administrative structure is in place to assist in the successful management of the Department at both campuses.

The Abilene campus also houses the ACU Center for Speech, Language and Learning at the Duncum Center. Free services are provided at the Center to members of the Abilene community by graduate SLP students. The Center is led by a clinic director, clinical educator and supervisor, and four clinical supervisors.

Necessary Qualifications

• Current American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certification
• Eligible for licensure in Texas
• Terminal degree (preferably PhD) in Communication Sciences and Disorders or a terminal degree in a related discipline with a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology required.
• Teaching experience of five years or more and at least two years of administrative experience as a Department Chair/Head, Association Department Chair/Head, Program Director, or Associate Program Director in a baccalaureate or higher degree program.
• Academic credentials commensurate with an appointment at the rank of associate professor.
• Experience with managing budgets, financial and grant reporting, and national accreditation requirements
• Must be a practicing Christian. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and collaborative communication skills to manage a diverse faculty and student population
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all community partners and constituents to advance funding and clinical opportunities
• Evidence of scholarly work to advance the profession of speech-language pathology
• Experience in grant writing and locating funding sources
• Experience with strategic planning for future growth and development of student populations and additional educational programs
• Ability to develop curriculum and teaching excellence to meet the needs of students and future demands of the speech-language pathology profession
• Proven commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets.  Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions.

For more information about the Department:

https://acu.edu/academics/health-behavioral-sciences/communication-sciences-disorders/

Questions and inquiries may be directed to:

Denise Barnett, Search Committee Chair

denise.barnett@acu.edu

325.674.2420

Or, please see: https://acu.edu/about/careers/ and select “View Faculty Position”