Stephen F. Austin State University - Chair Department of Economics and Finance

Stephen

F. Austin State University

Nelson Rusche College of Business

Chair of the Department of Economics and Finance

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Stephen

F. Austin State University in its search for Chair of the Department of Economics & Finance.

The Nelson Rusche College of Business at Stephen

F. Austin State University is investing in its future. Building on sustained enrollment growth, expanded faculty investment, and renewed institutional support, the College is strengthening its leadership team to advance academic excellence and student success. Recent retirements and promotions, together with the appointment of Dean Jason Reese, provide a unique opportunity to assemble a leadership team that will help shape the College’s next chapter.

A loyal donor base, dedicated development support, and funding for strategic initiatives give the next Chair of the Department of Economics & Finance the resources to innovate, pursue new opportunities, and move priorities forward.

Collaboration is central to this vision. Faculty and administrators are working across departments to advance shared priorities while leveraging the unique strengths of each academic unit. The next Chair will play a significant role in that work, leading the Department while contributing to the broader direction of the College.

The Department of Economics and Finance serves approximately 269 students and, when fully staffed, includes 12 faculty and one staff member. The Department offers programs in economics, finance, and banking, including concentrations in financial planning and investment management. Students benefit from distinctive experiential learning opportunities, including the Mast Student Investment Roundtable, through which undergraduate and graduate students manage an equity portfolio currently valued at approximately $2.73 million, and the Chadwick Banking Program, which connects students with financial institutions through applied projects, internships, and other industry experiences.

The next Chair will build on these strengths while working with faculty to advance academic programs, encourage curricular development, and identify new opportunities for the Department.

Reporting to the Dean, the Department Chair serves as the academic and administrative leader of the department while maintaining faculty responsibilities in teaching, scholarship, and service. This full-time, twelve-month faculty appointment provides strategic leadership for academic programs, faculty development, student success, budgeting, assessment, and external engagement while advancing the mission of the University.

As a member of The University of Texas System, SFA offers a highly competitive benefits package, including fully paid employee-only medical coverage, robust retirement options, and tuition assistance for employees and eligible family members.

• Provide strategic leadership for the department consistent with the mission of the College and University.
• Foster excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
• Lead academic program development, assessment, and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and support faculty.
• Develop course schedules and manage faculty workload.
• Oversee departmental budgets and resources.
• Promote collaboration among faculty, students, and university partners.
• Represent and advocate for the department internally and externally.
• Support student success while building relationships with alumni, employers, and community partners.
• Promote a collaborative, collegial, and inclusive academic culture.

• Ability to work collaboratively and build strong relationships with faculty, staff,…