Department Chair

Chair Position

The Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology at Jackson State University invites applications and nominations for the 12-month position of Chair beginning July 1, 2027. We seek an outstanding candidate to lead the faculty in teaching, research, and service. This position will be filled at the Associate or Full Professor rank. The substantive area is open. The Department, the largest in the College of Liberal Arts, offers the B.A. in Sociology, B.S. in Criminal Justice, and M.S. in Criminology and Justice Services.

The Interdisciplinary Alcohol/Drug Studies Center is also housed in this department. The Center provides substance abuse prevention services throughout the state and has a long history of alcohol prevention geared toward college students.

The Chair's responsibilities will include:
Reporting to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, the Department Chair represents the Department to the College, other administrators, in the community, and throughout the state of Mississippi. In collaboration with faculty and staff, the Chair leads the Department in all aspects of program and curriculum development, scholarly/creative activity, advocacy, and service. The Chair schedules and staffs all classes, supervises departmental employees, administers performance evaluations, and recommends faculty for promotion and tenure as outlined by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL).

The Chair also develops and manages departmental budgets, oversees facilities and equipment, and responds to concerns referred by faculty, students, University officials, and outside constituents. The Chair organizes recruitment, retention, and advising efforts and supports those established by the University and/or College. The Chair will be required to maintain appropriate teaching responsibilities, an active research and publication agenda, grantsmanship, and service.

Participation in community service and service-learning projects is strongly promoted.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, Administration of Justice, Criminology, Juvenile Justice, or Sociology and a record of academic excellence consistent with an appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level. The Chair is expected to have a record of high-quality research, demonstrated success in obtaining external funding, a commitment to academic excellence, and strong administrative skills. Preference will be given to those candidates that have experience in the accreditation process.

In addition, the Chair is expected to be active nationally and regionally in Criminal Justice and/or Sociology professional organizations.

Jackson State University, a Historically Black Carnegie Doctoral/Research Intensive public institution of higher learning located in the metropolitan area of Jackson, Mississippi, has a mission to be a model urban learning community for highly motivated students from diverse backgrounds, where original research and experiential learning are integrated into rigorous and internationally prominent teaching, research, and service learning programs. More information on the university's mission can be found on the web at http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

Completed applications should include current curriculum vitae, transcripts, a statement of administrative philosophy, teaching and research goals, and supporting materials demonstrating administrative, teaching, service, and research achievements as well as a list of at least three references. Application materials should be submitted online at  after creating an account and logging on to Jackson State University's Human Resources online employment. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Jackson State University is an AA/EO employer.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees, including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for the complete benefits package. To learn more details, visit our benefits page.