Job Description

Position Function:

Professor and Head of the Department of Classical & Modern Languages and Literatures, Mississippi State University. The Department seeks an accomplished scholar to lead a dynamic program, with an energetic and productive research and teaching faculty experienced in training high-achieving undergraduate and graduate students.

Salary Grade: UC

For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

The Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures in comprised of 13 tenured and tenure-track faculty, as well as cohorts of teaching professors, instructors, and lecturers. The Department offers a BA in Foreign Languages with concentrations in Asian Studies (Chinese and Japanese), Classics (Ancient Greek and Latin), French, German, and Spanish; an International Business Program (a BA in Foreign Languages and a BBA from the College of Business) and, offers an MA in Foreign Languages, with areas of study in French, German, and Spanish. Other languages offered are Italian and Russian; and, the Department has several study abroad program options for students. Faculty have affiliations with the Shackouls Honors College, the Institute for Humanities, and Gender Studies. For additional information, please visit www.cmll.msstate.edu.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

July 1, 2027

Tenure Track Status:

Tenured

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advance the Department’s mission, which promotes the social, intellectual, and economic advancement of MSU students through teaching world languages, their associated literatures, and cultural contexts.
• Articulate a unifying vision for scholarship, teaching, and professional service. In providing such leadership, the Head will guide curricular revision and programmatic assessment; guide faculty through the tenure and promotion process
• Oversee all personnel matters
• Manage the budget
• Serve as a liaison between faculty and administration
• Sustain and enhance collaborative programs with other campus units
• Teaching within field of expertise (course load negotiable)

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must have a terminal degree in Classics, Modern Languages and Literatures, Comparative Literature, Comparative Languages, Linguistics, or an appropriate and related humanities field; and, a distinguished publication record appropriate for appointment at the rank of professor with tenure. Documented experience in departmental or college leadership positions is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with leadership in a multi-disciplinary or interdisciplinary department.
• Experience in managing, promoting, and/or creating study abroad programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent communication and written skills

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

-Typical office working environment

Instructions for Applying:

All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and submit a letter of interest describing administrative experience and philosophy, CV, and names of three references with contact information to MSU Human Resources: www.msujobs.msstate.edu.

Nominations and questions should be directed to Dr. Lara Dodds, chair of the search committee (LDodds@english.msstate.edu). For fullest consideration, please submit your application by November 30, 2026. Review of applications will begin on this date and continue until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.