Chair, Electrical and Computer Engineering
The University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM - United States
The University of New Mexico School of Engineering seeks a visionary and collaborative leader to serve as the next Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
The University of New Mexico was founded in 1889 as New Mexico’s flagship institution. The University is the only R1 institution in the State and offers various academic programs through 14 colleges and schools. These academic options include more than 215 degree and certificate programs, including 94 baccalaureates, 71 master’s, and 37 doctoral degrees. UNM is a Hispanic Serving Institution that takes pride in the extraordinary diversity of its students and in providing opportunities for students, regardless of socioeconomic background. UNM has 4 branch campuses across the state, which provide academic and vocational training, leading to certificates, associate degrees, and transfers to baccalaureate programs. The University enrolls over 26,000 students and employs over 10,000 faculty and staff.
The University of New Mexico School of Engineering, originally known as the College of Engineering, opened in 1906 with a faculty of two and a single classroom. With time, advances in technology, social change, and the dedication and foresight of many talented people, the School has become a leader in education and research in engineering and computer science. The School programs include chemical and biological engineering, civil, construction, and environmental engineering; computer science, electrical and computer engineering; mechanical engineering; and nuclear engineering. The School benefits from robust partnerships with national labs, including Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the Air Force Research Laboratory, which provide strong research collaborations and offers students excellent internship and career opportunities. UNM also provides an excellent entrepreneurial ecosystem to translate intellectual property into business.
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) was founded in 1906 and evolved into a four-year undergraduate degree-granting program in 1917. Today, the Department continues to command nationwide recognition and respect–a direct result of over 115 years of history on the University of New Mexico campus. The department has state-of-the-art facilities, and its proximity facilitates collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the Air Force Research Laboratory. The research expenditures of ECE and associated research centers are over $25 million per year.
The ECE Chair will report directly to the Dean of the School of Engineering and will be an integral and vital part of the School’s leadership team. As the department’s academic and administrative leader, the ECE Chair is responsible for all education, faculty, research, and service activities across Electrical and Computer Engineering. The Chair oversees the department’s operations and budget, manages resources strategically and responsibly, and works with the Dean to encourage philanthropic engagement and support. Toward that end, the ECE Chair will be expected to lead and unify the department around a cohesive vision and supportive culture; improve Student Success and prioritize undergraduate enrollment; develop, recruit and retain faculty and staff; build a culture of equity and inclusive excellence; grow research and innovation, and develop and expand partnerships.
The University of New Mexico, School of Engineering, seeks a Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering who has the leadership capacity and collaborative approach to develop, with input from stakeholders, consensus around a strategic vision and plan for the department that aligns with the School of Engineering and the University’s strategic priorities. An earned doctorate in electrical or computer engineering or a related field is required as is a record of scholarly achievement meriting appointment as a tenured full professor. A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success, as well as working with broadly diverse communities is strongly preferred. Prior administrative experience, as well as a demonstrated commitment to collaborative leadership and a strong track record of impactful research and excellence in teaching is also preferred.
WittKieffer is assisting the University of New Mexico in this search. 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 the leadership profile. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by December 9, 2024.
Application materials, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to: Jessica Herrington and Corin Edwards at [email protected].