Illinois State University – Chairperson, Dept. of Sociology & Anthropology

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Illinois State University invites applications for the position of Department Chair, for a 12-month, 5-year (renewable) term, preferably to begin July 1, 2026. As the Department’s chief administrative officer, the chairperson reports to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The chairperson will be expected to provide vision and leadership, to secure resources to accomplish the Department’s goals, and to foster a collegial atmosphere conducive to teaching and research. The chairperson also teaches one course per year and will be expected to maintain scholarly productivity.

The successful candidate will possess a) leadership abilities; b) communication skills; c) experience with budget management; and d) significant research and teaching accomplishments. We seek a candidate who will balance the varied disciplinary needs of the Department. The Department has a special interest in candidates who can support the core values of both the Department and the University, which include shared governance and diversity.

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology is one of 19 departments, schools, and interdisciplinary programs in the College of Arts and Sciences. The Department includes 24 tenure-line faculty, four part-time instructors, and three administrative professional staff, and currently has approximately 200 undergraduate majors, 240 minors, 40 graduate students, and a substantial role in supporting the university’s general education curriculum. The Department offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Sociology and Anthropology and includes a four-field anthropology program. The curriculum offers graduate certificates in Museum Studies and Latin American and Latino/a Studies and undergraduate certificates in Media and Culture and Forensic Anthropology. The Department is affiliated with interdisciplinary programs such as Latin American and Latino/a Studies; Food Studies; Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Water Sustainability; Studies of Global Asia; Anthropology Geographic Information Systems; and Applied Community and Economic Development.

For more information on the position and how to apply click here.