Department Chair - Computer Science Engineering

Department Chair – Computer Science Engineering

The University of South Carolina invites applications for the position of Department Chair. This leadership role seeks an individual with a strong vision for the future of computer science and engineering education and research, and a deep commitment to faculty development and student success.

The Department Chair will serve as the academic and administrative leader of the department, providing strategic direction, fostering collaboration, and supporting a vibrant community of scholars, educators, and students. The Chair will guide the department in defining and expanding areas of core strengths, promoting interdisciplinary sponsored research, and ensuring the highest standards of academic excellence.

• Provide visionary leadership that inspires faculty, staff, and students in a shared mission of academic and research excellence, fostering a culture of collaboration, mutual support, and continuous growth.
• Lead the department in recruiting and retaining high‑impact faculty, including four additional tenured positions in strategically defined focus area(s).
• Lead modernization of curricula and create timely courses (in collaboration with other units) that draw students from the whole university and beyond.
• Champion innovative, multidisciplinary research initiatives that leverage faculty strengths and attract substantial federal, state, and industry funding.
• Support and leverage the university‑wide AI initiative by actively promoting multidisciplinary collaboration across the campus and throughout South Carolina to grow research and broaden the impact of the CSE department.
• Serve as a proactive advocate for the department within the university and the broader academic and industrial communities.
• Facilitate effective communication among faculty, students, and university leadership, complementing and advancing the broader mission of the College of Engineering and Computing through departmental initiatives.

• A doctorate in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field is required.
• Proven leadership experience in an academic or research setting, with a track record of building collaborative, high‑performing teams.

• Proven leadership experience in an academic or research setting, with a track record of building collaborative, high‑performing teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience with best practices in developing undergraduate and graduate curricula.
• Experience in securing multidisciplinary, federally, and industry‑funded research projects.
• A doctorate in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field is required.

The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers state employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs.

Parker Executive Search is assisting the University of South Carolina in the search for the next Chair of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. The Search Committee invites letters of nomination, applications (letter of interest, full resume/CV, and contact information of at least five references), or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University. Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.

It is preferred that all nominations and applications be submitted before March 24, 2026.

For additional information, contact:
Porsha Williams, Vice President
Jacob Anderson, Senior Principal
Julia Butler‑Mayes, Ph.D., Associate

Phone: (770) 804‑1996 ext. 111

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Required Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents:

• Additional materials are welcome but not required.

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills…