James Madison University (JMU) invites applications for the position of Academic Unit Head for the Department of Psychology in the College of Health and Behavioral Studies (CHBS). We seek a visionary leader who emphasizes a commitment to undergraduate education including active collaboration with faculty and staff. The successful candidate will provide leadership for the JMU Department of Psychology and participate in leadership of CHBS as a member of its Leadership Council. We are an R2 institution with a strong teaching focus and productive research labs.
CHBS is committed to shaping a forward-thinking and dynamic environment by refining policies, practices, and processes that strengthen our community, drive real-world advancement, and maintain spaces conducive to individual and collective growth. Through education, scholarship, and service, individuals are inspired to make responsible and meaningful contributions to the college, campus, local community, and broader world. Join us in fostering collaboration and innovation as we grow a dynamic college that embodies an atmosphere of belonging, champions excellence, and shares a sense of purpose. James Madison University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a thriving environment where a wide range of perspectives are embraced, and fairness is upheld.
The Department of Psychology is a thriving and supportive academic unit with 29 full-time faculty members and 1200 undergraduate majors. The department provides significant contributions to the General Education Program and we co-direct the Psychological Sciences master’s degree program with the Department of Graduate Psychology. The mission of the Department of Psychology is “to educate students in, and contribute to, the science of psychology.” To this end, the department offers a wide variety of innovative learning opportunities, including working on student-centered research projects.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The position is a 12-month, tenure-track faculty appointment at the Full Professor rank. Consideration of tenure will be made at the time of appointment. The Academic Unit Head reports to the Dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Studies, in which Psychology is one of eight academic units in the College. The desired starting date is July 1, 2026.
Responsibilities include providing visionary and collaborative leadership in a variety of endeavors, including instruction, extramural funding, department governance, faculty development, program assessment, curriculum planning, community outreach, and advocacy for the department both within and beyond the University. The Academic Unit Head will collaborate with other academic units in the College and with the Dean’s office to work towards the College’s strategic goals. Other responsibilities include teaching within the department, being research productive, and performing service at the department, college, and university levels.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Successful candidates will demonstrate: (1) experience working with students, faculty, and administrators, individually and in team endeavors; (2) evidence of leadership experiences; (3) experience supporting and advancing a sense of belonging among students, faculty, and/or staff; (4) evidence of excellence in teaching; (5) evidence of substantial accomplishments in scholarship and potential for future scholarly contributions; (6) evidence of substantial commitment to service at the department, college, university, and/or discipline levels; and (7) a doctoral degree in Psychology or a closely related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preference will be given to candidates who share evidence of effectiveness in academic leadership roles, including effective personnel and fiscal management.
Additional Posting Information:
Review of applications will begin October 31, 2025. To apply, please submit the following to https://jobs.jmu.edu/jobs/
For questions, please contact Dr. Kevin Apple, Search Chair, 540-568-3696 or applekj@jmu.edu.