Academic Professional Track (Non-Tenure): Professor of the Practice and Department Head of Public Se

The Department of Public Service and Administration, Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, invites applications for a Department Head and full-time, 11-month academic appointment beginning as early as July 1, 2026, with the possibility of holding an endowed chair. Successful candidates will be tenured full professors or current advanced associate professors who will meet the qualifications of full professor. Academic Professional Track (non-tenured) Professors of the Practice with substantial career accomplishments will also be considered. The appointment as Department Head is for an initial five-year term with the potential for renewal. The ideal candidate will have a substantial record of scholarly publications, demonstrated success in teaching, and management skills demonstrated through leadership roles in universities, government, organizations, or associations. In addition, successful candidates will have a record of professional university service, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to working effectively with individuals of varied backgrounds.

The successful candidate will be a forward thinker who can execute a strategic vision to advance the department. The Department Head supervises a Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) accredited Master's Degree in Public Service and Administration, certificate programs in Public Management, Policy Analysis, Homeland Security, Nonprofit Management, and multiple undergraduate degrees in public service and administration. The Department Head is also responsible for fostering faculty excellence in teaching, research, and service. Teaching responsibilities may include contributing to the needs of the department and advanced courses in the candidate's area of specialization, as well as providing service to the department, school, and university.

The Department of Public Service and Administration offers master's and undergraduate coursework for four tracks of curriculum, including public management, public policy analysis, nonprofit management, and homeland security and emergency management. The School is ranked in the top 10 percent of graduate public affairs schools in the nation ( U.S. News & World Report ). The curriculum within the department is a blend of both the theoretical and the practical-providing students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for successful careers in public service. Students can choose from several concentrations to focus their studies, including state and local government; health policy; education policy; homeland security and emergency management; energy, environment, and technology; analytic methods; and individually designed concentrations offering flexibility to students with specific interests. The department continues to grow and offers a variety of both in-residence and online programs, and at the Washington, DC teaching site.

Qualifications

For Tenure Review Upon Hire: An earned doctorate in public administration, public policy, public affairs, political science, economics, or a related field (Ph.D. preferred) with at least 5 years of experience in an academic leadership role. Successful candidates will have significant professional, research, and teaching experience in a related field.

For Academic Professional Track : A master's degree in public administration, public policy, public affairs, political science, economics, or a related field and 25 years of experience in a related discipline, and at least 5 years of experience in an academic leadership role. Successful candidates will have significant professional, research, and teaching experience at the college/school level the field or in a related field.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit the following materials electronically through Interfolio:

• Cover letter that discusses approach to leadership, goals, and vision for the department, and an explanation of how your research and teaching can fit within the department.
• Curriculum vitae
• Personal statement to include philosophy and plans for teaching, research, and service.
• Five (5) professional contact references. References will be contacted for finalists only.

For the Academic Professional Track, please submit materials here: apply.interfolio.com/176319

For Tenure Review Upon Hire, please submit materials here: apply.interfolio.com/176325

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The review of applications will begin on January 5, 2026 and applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Questions regarding this position should be sent to Porscha Cooks at [email protected] .

Application Process

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.
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