Inside Higher Ed
Overview
Job Title:
Department Head - Data Science
| Location:
Valdosta State University
| Regular | Full-Time | Job ID: 289228 About Valdosta State University and Department
Valdosta State University (VSU) is a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia. The College of Science and Mathematics seeks visionary applicants for Department Head beginning July 1, 2026. The Data Science Department offers a BS degree in Data Science with tracks: Business Analytics, Supply Chain & Logistics, and Computational Science & Engineering. This is an opportunity to lead the department's transformation into a hub for computational and statistical data science, fostering interdisciplinary innovation and positioning the department at the forefront of modern academic and industry trends. New Department Head Opportunity Extend Current Curriculum: Working with faculty, spearhead development of innovative tracks and concentrations within the Data Science degree that align with job market demands and applications of data science in various disciplines. Expand Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Partner with other departments to enhance research and academic offerings. Enhance Research Impact: Position the department as a computational and statistical applied research leader, attract external funding and increase student participation in high-impact projects, including internships. Prepare Students for the Future: Develop initiatives that equip students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in data science careers, including experiential learning and mentorship opportunities.
Responsibilities
Hiring, managing and evaluating faculty and staff; conducting regular departmental meetings; fostering a positive environment that supports teaching, scholarship and service; establishing a collaborative department vision aligned with university and college strategic plans; scheduling classes; mentoring students including internships; teaching required courses; participating in research and scholarly activities; attending conferences; supporting experiential learning; facilitating curriculum reviews; serving on College Executive Committee and Council of Department Heads; promoting interdisciplinary research and external partnerships; maintaining service courses in mathematics, physics, and astronomy; serving as Budget Manager. Maintaining a wide variety of service courses; budget oversight for the department.
Typical Allocation of Duties
Teaching and scholarship 30% Recruit and supervise 20% Curriculum development 20% Administrative functions 20% Student services 10%
Application Instructions
Full Consideration will be given to completed applications received by October 1, 2025. For more information, contact Dr. Andreas Lazari, Search Chair/Professor, Department of Data Science, at 229-333-7154 or Alazari@valdosta.edu. Applicant materials should include: Cover letter detailing your vision for transforming the department into a Computational and Statistical Data Science hub Curriculum vitae Statement of teaching philosophy that includes strategies for meeting the needs and goals of a diverse student body Research statement outlining interests and plans to advance the research mission of a regional public institution Leadership statement addressing contemporary challenges facing departments at regional comprehensive universities
Required Qualifications
An earned terminal degree in Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Applied Computational Physics, Applied Statistics, Operations Research, or a related field from an accredited university A strong background in Data Science, including course development and research publications A proven track record of fostering innovation in teaching and learning A record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service Demonstrated leadership experience in academic or research settings An awareness of current trends in higher education and a commitment to innovation in teaching and learning A commitment to shared governance and a consultative leadership style Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with grant writing and extramural funding Record of successful outreach to community Experience with faculty evaluation and promotion and tenure processes Experience as a department head Accreditation experience
Salary
Commensurate with experience. USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia core values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. Details are available online in USG policy. Conditions of Employment
Applicants Are Required To Provide: professional references with current contact information; documentation of academic credentials; employment history VSU reserves the right to disclose criminal record history for Positions of Trust, view social media, and remove postings
Employment Is Contingent Upon: successful completion of a background check (including criminal background check); reference checks
Employment may also be contingent upon job-based requirements: satisfactory credit check; Motor Vehicle Report (MVR); pre-employment drug testing; confirmation of credentials
Training and Compliance
After initial hiring, employees will complete required training, including: New employee orientation VSU's Annual Compliance Training:
USG Ethics Policy Conflict of Interest/Outside Activities Policy Drug Free Workplace Sexual Misconduct and Title IX FERPA Motor Vehicle Policy Workers Compensation Georgia Open Records Act
USG Cybersecurity Training (required twice yearly) Job-specific training such as: FMLA and Workers' Compensation, Budget Manager training, Purchasing Training (ePro & PCard), and Defensive Driving
Equal Employment Opportunity
Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It is not the intent of the institution to discriminate against any applicant for admission or any student or employee based on age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. Accommodations
If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting Catherine Wills, in the Office of Human Resources at croark@valdosta.edu. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Title:
Department Head - Data Science
| Location:
Valdosta State University
| Regular | Full-Time | Job ID: 289228 About Valdosta State University and Department
Valdosta State University (VSU) is a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia. The College of Science and Mathematics seeks visionary applicants for Department Head beginning July 1, 2026. The Data Science Department offers a BS degree in Data Science with tracks: Business Analytics, Supply Chain & Logistics, and Computational Science & Engineering. This is an opportunity to lead the department's transformation into a hub for computational and statistical data science, fostering interdisciplinary innovation and positioning the department at the forefront of modern academic and industry trends. New Department Head Opportunity Extend Current Curriculum: Working with faculty, spearhead development of innovative tracks and concentrations within the Data Science degree that align with job market demands and applications of data science in various disciplines. Expand Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Partner with other departments to enhance research and academic offerings. Enhance Research Impact: Position the department as a computational and statistical applied research leader, attract external funding and increase student participation in high-impact projects, including internships. Prepare Students for the Future: Develop initiatives that equip students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in data science careers, including experiential learning and mentorship opportunities.
Responsibilities
Hiring, managing and evaluating faculty and staff; conducting regular departmental meetings; fostering a positive environment that supports teaching, scholarship and service; establishing a collaborative department vision aligned with university and college strategic plans; scheduling classes; mentoring students including internships; teaching required courses; participating in research and scholarly activities; attending conferences; supporting experiential learning; facilitating curriculum reviews; serving on College Executive Committee and Council of Department Heads; promoting interdisciplinary research and external partnerships; maintaining service courses in mathematics, physics, and astronomy; serving as Budget Manager. Maintaining a wide variety of service courses; budget oversight for the department.
Typical Allocation of Duties
Teaching and scholarship 30% Recruit and supervise 20% Curriculum development 20% Administrative functions 20% Student services 10%
Application Instructions
Full Consideration will be given to completed applications received by October 1, 2025. For more information, contact Dr. Andreas Lazari, Search Chair/Professor, Department of Data Science, at 229-333-7154 or Alazari@valdosta.edu. Applicant materials should include: Cover letter detailing your vision for transforming the department into a Computational and Statistical Data Science hub Curriculum vitae Statement of teaching philosophy that includes strategies for meeting the needs and goals of a diverse student body Research statement outlining interests and plans to advance the research mission of a regional public institution Leadership statement addressing contemporary challenges facing departments at regional comprehensive universities
Required Qualifications
An earned terminal degree in Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Applied Computational Physics, Applied Statistics, Operations Research, or a related field from an accredited university A strong background in Data Science, including course development and research publications A proven track record of fostering innovation in teaching and learning A record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service Demonstrated leadership experience in academic or research settings An awareness of current trends in higher education and a commitment to innovation in teaching and learning A commitment to shared governance and a consultative leadership style Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with grant writing and extramural funding Record of successful outreach to community Experience with faculty evaluation and promotion and tenure processes Experience as a department head Accreditation experience
Salary
Commensurate with experience. USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia core values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. Details are available online in USG policy. Conditions of Employment
Applicants Are Required To Provide: professional references with current contact information; documentation of academic credentials; employment history VSU reserves the right to disclose criminal record history for Positions of Trust, view social media, and remove postings
Employment Is Contingent Upon: successful completion of a background check (including criminal background check); reference checks
Employment may also be contingent upon job-based requirements: satisfactory credit check; Motor Vehicle Report (MVR); pre-employment drug testing; confirmation of credentials
Training and Compliance
After initial hiring, employees will complete required training, including: New employee orientation VSU's Annual Compliance Training:
USG Ethics Policy Conflict of Interest/Outside Activities Policy Drug Free Workplace Sexual Misconduct and Title IX FERPA Motor Vehicle Policy Workers Compensation Georgia Open Records Act
USG Cybersecurity Training (required twice yearly) Job-specific training such as: FMLA and Workers' Compensation, Budget Manager training, Purchasing Training (ePro & PCard), and Defensive Driving
Equal Employment Opportunity
Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It is not the intent of the institution to discriminate against any applicant for admission or any student or employee based on age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. Accommodations
If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting Catherine Wills, in the Office of Human Resources at croark@valdosta.edu. #J-18808-Ljbffr