Professor - Social Work

Western Michigan University (WMU) invites applications for the position of Full Professor in the School of Social Work, based at the main campus in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This is an academic year faculty position that also carries the role of The Clair & Clarice Platt Endowed Chair of Online Learning, Educational Technology, and Professional Development. This is a three-year strategic leadership appointment, with the possibility of a two-year renewal based on performance and available funding.

The position reflects the School of Social Work's strong commitment to online education, digital innovation, workforce development, and academic excellence in the digital era. The Endowed Chair will play a transformative role in shaping the future of social work education  responsibilities include: a) leading the design, development, marketing, implementation, assessment, accreditation, outreach, recruitment, and continuous quality improvement of online social work degree programs;

b) advancing cutting-edge professional development initiatives for faculty, students, alumni, social work professionals, and community partners; and c) guiding the ethical and strategic integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the social work curriculum and research initiatives. This is a unique opportunity for an innovative and visionary leader to make a significant impact on the delivery of social work education and professional training.

Applicants must meet the criteria for appointment at the rank of Full Professor. Please note that this position is not a tenure-track appointment.

Major Duties

The Clair & Clarice Platt Endowed Chair of Online Learning, Educational Technology, and Professional Development will provide visionary academic and administrative leadership across several critical areas.

Responsibilities include:

* Leading the design, development, marketing, implementation, assessment, accreditation, outreach and recruitment, and continuous quality improvement of the School of Social Work's fully online BSW, MSW, and DSW programs, ensuring alignment with CSWE accreditation standards.

* Overseeing the creation, launch, and management of a comprehensive professional development portfolio, including CEU-certified short courses, micro-credentials, and executive certificates.

* Advancing ongoing faculty development initiatives focused on online teaching excellence, digital pedagogy, AI fluency, and instructional technology.

* Supporting the adaptation and development of online curricula that meet emerging needs in the profession and reflect current best practices in digital education.

* Leading the ethical and strategic integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into social work education and research, fostering innovation while upholding the profession's core values.

This position requires a dynamic and future-focused leader who can guide transformational change in digital education while maintaining a strong commitment to academic rigor, equity, and community engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

The ideal candidate should,

* Hold a doctorate in Social Work or a related field, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program.

* Possess a minimum of 10 years of experience in social work higher education, including at least 5 years of school- or departmental-level leadership.

* Demonstrate proficiency with Learning Management System platforms and digital instructional tools (e.g., virtual simulations, multimedia development, Canva, Microsoft Teams, Web Ex, Zoom, Google Classroom), as well as familiarity with Online Learning Consortium and Quality Matters (QM) principles and rubrics.

* Demonstrate experience in developing, launching, leading, and assessing online graduate social work programs.

* Demonstrate experience with online curriculum management, including course development and delivery that meet CSWE competency standards.

* Demonstrate experience with CSWE accreditation and reaffirmation processes, including competency-based curriculum design.

* Demonstrate the ability to mentor a diverse faculty with varying levels of technological proficiency and the ability to plan, organize, and lead complex projects with multiple deadlines.

* Demonstrate knowledge of and experience with market analysis, strategic planning, program assessment, quality management, and data-informed reporting.

* Demonstrate experience with innovative and effective pedagogical applications of technology in online/hybrid course delivery, including instructional design principles and curriculum adaptation for online/hybrid formats.

Desired Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to candidates who,

* Demonstrate expertise in AI applications, digital and new media literacies, digital innovation, or technology in social work or human services, along with a strong understanding of AI ethics and data equity in marginalized communities.

* Demonstrate excellent organizational, analytical, and planning…