The University of Kansas
Overview
The University of Kansas (KU) School of Engineering seeks an exceptional leader to serve as Chairperson of the Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME), with an anticipated start date of August 18, 2026. This is a unique opportunity to guide a dynamic and expanding department housed in newly renovated, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. The KU School of Engineering was founded in 1891 and is the oldest engineering school in the state. It is ABET-accredited, located on the Mt. Oread-Lawrence campus, and is part of a flagship public university (R-1) and a member of the AAU. The school emphasizes interdisciplinary research, with engineers and computer scientists collaborating across disciplines to provide innovative solutions to global challenges. Many programs are ranked among the best in the world. The ME Department comprises 17 tenured/tenure-track faculty and four teaching professors, serving approximately 550 undergraduate and 50 graduate students. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and maintains a strong tradition of impactful research and student success. The department benefits from close proximity to the Kansas City metropolitan area, which hosts a large concentration of architectural, engineering, and construction firms and provides opportunities for corporate engagement and partnerships. Research strengths include biomedical engineering, energy storage and transitions, and sustainable engineering. Faculty collaborate across KU’s Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Arts & Sciences and contribute to an active innovation ecosystem in biomedical- and climate-tech, supporting spin-offs and startups. As the chief academic and administrative officer of the department, the Chairperson will report to the Dean of Engineering and provide strategic leadership in teaching, research, and service. Responsibilities include advocating for faculty, staff, and students; overseeing academic programs and curriculum development; supporting high-impact research; mentoring faculty; managing budgets and resources; planning facilities and space; engaging with alumni, industry, and donors; and coordinating accreditation and continuous improvement efforts. The appointment is for a five-year term and is renewable upon review. Compensation includes a base salary, an administrative supplement, and a partial summer salary. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile. WittKieffer is assisting the University of Kansas in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by November 3, 2025. Application materials and inquiries can be directed to: Jessica Herrington, Lucy Leske, and Corin Edwards at KUMEChair@wittkieffer.com. The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Note : This content is provided for informational purposes as part of the search process. See official notices in the original posting for all requirements. Copyright 2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.
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The University of Kansas (KU) School of Engineering seeks an exceptional leader to serve as Chairperson of the Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME), with an anticipated start date of August 18, 2026. This is a unique opportunity to guide a dynamic and expanding department housed in newly renovated, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. The KU School of Engineering was founded in 1891 and is the oldest engineering school in the state. It is ABET-accredited, located on the Mt. Oread-Lawrence campus, and is part of a flagship public university (R-1) and a member of the AAU. The school emphasizes interdisciplinary research, with engineers and computer scientists collaborating across disciplines to provide innovative solutions to global challenges. Many programs are ranked among the best in the world. The ME Department comprises 17 tenured/tenure-track faculty and four teaching professors, serving approximately 550 undergraduate and 50 graduate students. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and maintains a strong tradition of impactful research and student success. The department benefits from close proximity to the Kansas City metropolitan area, which hosts a large concentration of architectural, engineering, and construction firms and provides opportunities for corporate engagement and partnerships. Research strengths include biomedical engineering, energy storage and transitions, and sustainable engineering. Faculty collaborate across KU’s Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Arts & Sciences and contribute to an active innovation ecosystem in biomedical- and climate-tech, supporting spin-offs and startups. As the chief academic and administrative officer of the department, the Chairperson will report to the Dean of Engineering and provide strategic leadership in teaching, research, and service. Responsibilities include advocating for faculty, staff, and students; overseeing academic programs and curriculum development; supporting high-impact research; mentoring faculty; managing budgets and resources; planning facilities and space; engaging with alumni, industry, and donors; and coordinating accreditation and continuous improvement efforts. The appointment is for a five-year term and is renewable upon review. Compensation includes a base salary, an administrative supplement, and a partial summer salary. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile. WittKieffer is assisting the University of Kansas in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by November 3, 2025. Application materials and inquiries can be directed to: Jessica Herrington, Lucy Leske, and Corin Edwards at KUMEChair@wittkieffer.com. The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Note : This content is provided for informational purposes as part of the search process. See official notices in the original posting for all requirements. Copyright 2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.
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