Description

Position Overview

The University of Kansas (KU) School of Engineering is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Chairperson
and Professor 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 that is housed in newly
renovated, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.

The University of Kansas School of Engineering was founded in 1891 and is the oldest engineering school in the
state. An ABET-accredited public engineering school, KU Engineering is located on the beautiful and historic Mt.
Oread-Lawrence campus of the University of Kansas -1 institution and a
member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). The KU School of Engineering has long emphasized
interdisciplinary research. Engineers and computer scientists from different disciplines work together to provide
innovative solutions to global challenges. Numerous departments and programs are ranked among the best in the
world.

The ME Department currently comprises 17 tenured/tenure-track faculty and four teaching professors, serving
approximately 550 undergraduate and 50 graduate students. The department offers bachelor's, master's, and
doctoral degrees and has a strong tradition of impactful research and student success. Located near the Kansas
City metropolitan area home to the fourth largest concentration of architectural, engineering, and construction
firms in the country the department enjoys rich opportunities for corporate engagement and partnerships.
Research strengths within the department include biomedical engineering, energy storage and transitions, and
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.

Please see the Additional Candidate Instructions section at the end of this announcement to apply, submit a nomination, or express personal interest in this position.

Job Description

Chairperson Responsibilities (60% Administrative Appointment)

The Chairperson serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the Mechanical Engineering
Department, reporting directly to the Dean of Engineering. This leadership role encompasses strategic planning,
academic oversight, and operational management. The Chair is expected to foster excellence in teaching,
research, and service, while advocating for faculty, staff, and students. The Chair promotes a collaborative and
inclusive departmental culture, supports high-impact research, and ensures effective communication among all
stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include overseeing academic programs, managing departmental resources and facilities, and
guiding faculty development and evaluation. The Chair will be responsible for ensuring that financial resources are
used efficiently to advance departmental priorities and will have a key role in securing additional resources
through philanthropy and strategic partnerships. The Chair represents the department at various institutional and
external levels, coordinates accreditation and assessment efforts, and cultivates relationships with alumni,
industry, and donors. A strong emphasis is placed on student access and success, continuous improvement, and
external engagement.

Tenured Faculty Responsibilities (40%)
In addition to administrative duties, the Chairperson maintains an active research program and teaches
undergraduate and graduate courses within the department. This dual role ensures continued engagement with
the academic mission and contributes to the department's scholarly output and instructional excellence. The precise distribution of effort is negotiable with a typical assignment of 15% teaching and 25% research.

Required Qualifications

The University of Kansas, School of Engineering, seeks a Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering
who has the leadership and managerial capacity to develop and implement a strategic vision for the department
that fosters innovation and growth in both research and education. The successful candidate will bring the
following background, skills, and qualities.

• A doctorate in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline and a distinguished record of research, teaching, and service that merits appointment at the tenured professor level;
• Proven leadership and management skills; strong interpersonal and communication abilities; excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• A commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and student success, and a dedication to fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment;
• Ability to serve as an academic leader and team builder, fostering research and educational collaborations among faculty, alumni, and affiliated units;
• Ability to create, communicate, and implement, in collaboration with department faculty, a vision for the department's future; the ability to inspire key constituencies in support of the department's priorities;
• Enthusiasm for forging new opportunities for industry partnerships, sponsored research, and alumni engagement and philanthropic support;
• A desire to engage and mentor faculty, staff, and students; and to work effectively across the school, campus, and with external groups; and
• Capacity to lead diverse teams and manage complex projects.

Additional Candidate Instruction

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 this profile.

WittKieffer is assisting the University of Kansas in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials
should be received by November 3, 2025.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:
Jessica Herrington, Lucy Leske, and Corin Edwards at KUMEChair@wittkieffer.com

Disclaimer

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 procedures 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. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.