The University of Mississippi is an R1 institution in an exciting phase of institutional growth and is located in the city of Oxford, a vibrant community known for its small-town charm and outstanding educational and cultural opportunities. The African American Studies Program develops and coordinates an interdisciplinary undergraduate curriculum that focuses mainly on the African American experience in the United States, especially in Mississippi and the South. Its objectives are to encourage all students and faculty to examine the African American experience, to facilitate a cultural and intellectual atmosphere on campus favorable to such studies, and to develop and support a related program of research and community service. Our program goals are supported by the larger University of Mississippi and College of Liberal Arts’ strategic commitment to access and opportunity. In addition to supporting the current objectives of the Program by supervising the administrative aspects of the program, working with program faculty and students, and coordinating outreach and public programming activities, the new AAS Director will take the lead in shaping a vision for the program’s future. The Director carries a 1-1 teaching load.
Candidates for the position of Director must have a Ph.D. or terminal degree with an outstanding academic record of teaching and publishing on subjects related to African American Studies and must hold the rank of tenured Associate or Full Professor at the time of application. Though we are open to candidates with research focuses in any field of the liberal arts, we seek candidates with a strong commitment to undergraduate education and knowledge of the broad curricular and academic issues in the field of African American Studies. The successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills; experience in personnel management and fiscal management is also desirable. Candidates with demonstrable commitment to and experience in fostering supportive communities for research, teaching, and learning are of particular interest.
The University of Mississippi embraces a meaningful and holistic commitment to complying with relevant laws and non-discrimination provisions, and in doing so, to advancing access and fair treatment for all in a welcoming environment. The University of Mississippi is committed to fostering a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive community that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.
To apply, visit careers.olemiss.edu. In addition to completing the online application, please upload the following: 1) under “Resume” a CV which includes the names and contact information for three professional references); 2) under “Other” an extensive cover letter summarizing your qualifications and academic background, making sure to address 1) your general administrative philosophy and relevant administrative experience; 2) your preliminary vision for the program; and 3) your experience with and approaches to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for a vibrant community of students, faculty, and staff.
Review of applications will begin in November and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated starting date is July 2025 but is flexible. Questions about the position may be addressed to the search committee chair Dr. Molly Pasco-Pranger (mpranger@olemiss.edu, 662-915-7097).