Associate or Full Professor & Director of Center for Leadership & Strategic Studies

Job Title
Associate or Full Professor & Director of Center for Leadership & Strategic Studies

Agency
Tarleton State University

Department
College of Leadership & Military Studies

Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate

Job Location
Stephenville, Texas

Job Type
Faculty

Job Description

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Associate or Full Professor & Director of Center for Leadership & Strategic Studies in the College of Leadership and Military Studies . As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives-on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco , along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further.

At the heart of it all is Stephenville , where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

No matter where you're located-on campus or online-you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond.

The Director for the Center for Leadership and Strategic Studies coordinates and supports the College of Leadership and Military Studies and its efforts to promote learning, research and programming in fields related to security studies. The Director serves as the primary contact and coordinator with academic and governmental partners.

This is a 12-month tenure-track position located on Tarleton's main campus in Stephenville, Texas. Work hours: Mon-Fri; 8 AM-5 PM or as work and teaching requirements indicate. May be assigned to teach at various campus locations or through approved instructional modalities, as determined by the institution based on operational needs. Serves as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate excellence and innovation in teaching, maintain an impactful research program, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and participate in the necessary operation of the institution.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

50% Administrative:

• Implement the Center for Leadership and Strategic Studies strategic plan.
• Assist with building an M.S. in Leadership and Strategic Studies.
• Coordinate with aligned departments, colleges, and divisions to promote programming and research related to the broad field of security studies.
• Promote the Center's mission locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Ensure accountability for program outcomes, performance metrics, and stakeholder reporting.
• Oversee grant writing, program budgets, and fund development initiatives.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private sector partners.
• Facilitate applied research on security studies.
• Promote knowledge exchange and capacity-building through publications, presentations, and events.
• Manage Center staff including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
• Maintain a collaborative and welcoming work environment.

40% Teaching and Service:

• Teach a 2/2 course load in the broad field of security studies.
• Plan, prepare, and deliver lectures, seminars, and/or laboratory offerings to undergraduate and/or graduate students, which may include general education core curriculum.
• Develop course syllabi, select instructional materials, and design assessments such as exams, quizzes, papers, etc.
• Assess student performance, provide timely feedback, and evaluate student learning outcomes to inform teaching practices and curriculum improvements.
• Engage students in active learning, foster critical thinking skills, and provide opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and hands-on learning.
• Provide academic support and guidance to students through office hours, feedback on assignments, and mentoring.
• Adhere to university policies, academic integrity standards, and accreditation requirements related to teaching responsibilities.
• Incorporate innovative teaching methods, technologies, and pedagogical approaches to enhance student learning and engagement.
• Engage in ongoing professional development activities to stay current in the field, improve teaching skills, and explore new instructional strategies.
• Collaborate with colleagues, departmental faculty, and university staff to coordinate course offerings, share resources, and contribute to program development and improvement.
• Participate in institutional service roles including but not limited to, college committees, advisory committees, student/faculty recruitment, and mentoring of new and part-time faculty.

10% Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity:

• Maintain an active agenda for research, scholarship, or creative activity appropriate to the applicant's academic discipline.
• Make original contributions to the advancement of knowledge/creative expression in the applicant's discipline through scholarly publication, presentation, or exhibition.
• Demonstrate potential for external funding, national impact, or professional recognition.

Minimum Requirements:

• Earned doctorate/terminal degree in the teaching discipline from an accredited university in a field related to security studies (e.g., political science, law, military strategy, criminal justice, military science, defense and strategic studies, military history).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Preferred Requirements:

• More than 10 years of related senior leadership experience including direct supervision.
• Prior experience teaching or working in or with the U.S. military service academies and officer training.
• Military service with a rank of Lt Colonel or higher.
• Familiarity with university budgets, policies, rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of academic programs and graduate-level student services in public and/or international affairs.

Academic Rank:

• Knowledge of academic programs and graduate-level student services in public and/or international affairs.
• Must have a distinguished record that warrants a faculty appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.
• If requested, tenure upon arrival would be granted pending approval from The Texas A&M University System.
• Credit towards tenure will be assessed and offered at hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge and understanding of disciplinary subject matter at a level adequate for graduate-level instruction; written and oral communication skills sufficient to conduct effective teaching and research activities; ability to interact with students, staff, and faculty in a professional, collegial, and collaborative manner.

***Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience***

Application Procedure:

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents, and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via the "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include (required):

• Completed online application
• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information
• Unofficial transcripts
  
  • Applicants with degrees earned outside the United States must submit transcripts translated into English, along with an official credential evaluation from a recognized service.
• Philosophy Statement related to Teaching, and Research - no more than 1500 words.

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered. Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. "See resume" is not an acceptable entry in the job application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Anticipated start date Spring/Fall 2026.

Official transcripts must be received directly from each degree-granting institution prior to a letter of appointment being issued.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.