Professor and Head

Position Function:

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).), the Department Head is a 12-month appointment charged with responsibilities for all departmental operations.

Salary Grade: UC

For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

The Department of Psychology at Mississippi State University (MSU) is pleased to invite applications for the position of Department Head. The department is at a critical juncture in its growth and seeks a dynamic, collegial, and effective leader to help the department faculty, staff, and students reach their full potential.

The department, with approximately 800+ undergraduates (in-person and online) and 47 graduate students, forms a major component of the science, technology education, and research across a thriving and entrepreneurial campus that values and supports interdisciplinary and collaborative studies and transformative research.

This vibrant and growing department houses 19 tenured/tenure-track faculty, 6 full time professional track faculty, and 3 professional staff members. Faculty in the Department of Psychology conduct research in the broad areas of clinical psychology and cognitive science, including psychopathology, health and community psychology, family systems research, cognitive neuroscience, sleep research, and the science of learning, memory, and problem-solving. The researchers are dedicated to improving lives by tackling society's most pressing challenges, from enhancing children's education in STEM fields and supporting veteran mental health to preventing suicide and advancing public health policy.

Utilizing the latest technology and scientific methods, our faculty strive to comprehend the human mind and foster well-being in our communities and beyond

The department houses both in-person and Distance Education undergraduate BS degrees, Ph.D.s in both APA-accredited Clinical Psychology and in Cognitive Science, and undergraduate minors in Psychology, Cognitive Science, and Applied Neuroscience. Faculty and students collaborate widely across departments, colleges, and institutes, with established national and international collaborations. Our faculty conduct both basic science and applied research supported by grants from various federal agencies and foundations.

The Department also houses a Psychology Clinic that provides scientifically-informed psychological services for the Golden Triangle community. Additional information on the Department of Psychology is available at https://.

MSU is the leading research university in the state, a comprehensive Carnegie R1 (Very High Research Activity) campus that serves more than 23,000 students. Known for its campus beauty and as the home of the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, MSU is enhanced by robust relationships with the surrounding area and is further recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for the strength of its community engagement.

For seven consecutive years MSU has been named as a "Great College to Work For" by the Chronicle of Higher Education and featured in their higher distinction category of "Great Colleges Honor Roll" list. A founding member of the Southeastern Conference with a strong athletic heritage, MSU thrives on its land-grant mission to serve and inspire the people of Mississippi and is proud to be among the 10 percent of U.S. colleges and universities that shelter a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, the nation's oldest and most prestigious academic honor society.

Located in the growing city of Starkville, Mississippi's College Town, we are situated within a short drive of more than 120,000 acres of state and federal natural areas, with abundant opportunities for recreation.

Area of Specialization:

Psychology

Anticipated Appointment Date:

July 1, 2026

Tenure Track Status:

Tenured

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department Head is responsible for all departmental operations including: strategic planning, fiscal and personnel management, academic scheduling, resource allocation, and fundraising. The successful candidate…