Director, Criminal Justice and Criminology

Director, Criminal Justice and Criminology

Texas State University invites applications for the position of Director of the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology. The Director has a 12-month appointment, including teaching responsibilities (1-1 expected teaching load). The School of Criminal Justice and Criminology is in the College of Applied Arts. It offers a Bachelor of Science, Master's, and Ph.D. in criminal justice. In Spring 2026, the School included 27 full-time faculty serving 1496 undergraduate students, 564 in minor programing, and graduate students, which includes 97 master's and 29 doctoral students.

The Director, supported by a dedicated administrative team, is the primary executive officer of the School and oversees all aspects of the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology, including the Texas Justice Court Training Center and the Texas Crime and Justice Center, as well as collaborating with two university centers – the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center and the Texas School Safety Center.

Texas State University, San Marcos Campus, resides in the center of Texas's innovation corridor. Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, the campus enjoys a beautiful setting along the banks of the San Marcos River and nearby access to two major airports. Texas State University also operates a growing campus in Round Rock, Texas north of Austin. Texas State is driving what's next in research, academic excellence, and student success.

The promising students, inspiring faculty, dedicated staff, and new graduates are primed to have an impact, change lives, and make a difference in the world. With more than 40,000 students, Texas State is among the 50 largest public universities in the nation. Students choose from over 200 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs offered by nine colleges. Texas State's enrollment of minority students accounts for over 50% of the student population, and Hispanic-student enrollment accounts for over 35% of the student body.

The university is a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution and is one of 30 institutions nationally to receive the prestigious Seal of Excelencia in recognition of efforts to accelerate the success of Hispanic students in higher education. Additionally, Texas State has been named by Forbes as a Best Employer, and Best Employer for Women. The university is also regularly ranked as a Best College for Veterans.

Required Qualifications
- An earned doctorate in criminal justice/criminology or a related field. Candidates holding a J.D. only will not be considered. Current rank of Professor, or advanced Associate Professor with at least four years in rank. The successful applicant will receive the appropriate rank based on established university and school standards. A distinguished record of university teaching, scholarship/research, and service. Evidence of administration experience in a university/college context.

Evidence of professional leadership experience.

Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a Ph.D. granting department and/or school. Experience in developing and promoting research among faculty and graduate students. Experience in successful supervision or mentoring of undergraduate and/or graduate students. Evidence of sustained scholarly research success. Evidence of ethical and participatory service, consensus and community building, communication skills, and transparent management style. Evidence of promoting and supporting faculty, staff, and/or students.

Application Procedures
- Only applications submitted for this specific posting through the Texas State University recruitment website will be accepted and considered, (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). To ensure full consideration, please submit the following materials by August 31, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. Curriculum vitae. Letter of application describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications. List of three to five professional references.

Candidates will be informed before references are contacted. Reference letters will be required for candidates who are invited for and agree to campus interview. Statement of leadership philosophy. The selected candidate will be required to provide official transcripts from all degree-granting universities.

Proposed Start Date
- July 1 or August 1, 2027