Job Description

Southern Methodist University (SMU) invites applications and nominations for an accomplished scholar and academic leader to serve as Chair of the Department of History during a period of significant growth and opportunity. The successful candidate will hold a tenured appointment at the rank of Professor and will assume the chair position beginning August 1, 2027. The field of academic specialization is open.

The Department of History is comprised of a vibrant community of scholars committed to excellence in research, teaching, and service. It supports robust programs for majors and minors, in addition to meeting vital curricular needs across the campus. The department has a strong PhD program in United States history, to which all members of the department in and out of that field contribute. It also offers MAs in both US and Global history. It collaborates closely with the Clements Center for Southwest Studies and the Center for Presidential History. The University provides access to first-rate archival collections, including the new Rees-Jones Library for the American West, DeGolyer Library, Bridwell Library, and the George W. Bush Presidential Library. The next chair will have an exceptional opportunity to work with faculty, students, college leadership, and university partners to advance the department's academic mission and long-term vision.

About SMU and Dedman College

SMU is a nationally recognized, Carnegie R1, private research university located in Dallas, Texas. With approximately 12,000 students drawn from across the United States and around the world, SMU provides students with small classes, as well as meaningful opportunities for research and leadership and an intellectually engaging education. The University is home to eight degree-granting schools and colleges, creating substantial opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences is the academic heart of SMU and encompasses a broad range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. The College is committed to advancing knowledge through outstanding scholarship while providing students with a rigorous and transformative liberal arts and sciences education.

Located in the dynamic Dallas–Fort Worth region, SMU offers faculty an exceptional environment for research, teaching, collaboration, and engagement with one of the nation's most rapidly growing metropolitan areas.

The Opportunity

The Department Chair will provide strategic, academic, and administrative leadership for the department while working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, the Dean, and university leadership.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Collaboratively build and implement an ambitious vision for the department's academic and scholarly future;
• Support excellence in research, graduate education, and undergraduate education.
• Work with faculty and the Dean to identify strategic priorities for faculty hiring and program development;
• Advocate effectively for the department and represent it within the College and University;
• Recruit, mentor, and retain outstanding faculty; support the professional development of junior scholars; and support external funding opportunities for faculty at all levels;
• Oversee departmental budgets, resources, personnel, and academic programs in collaboration with college leadership;
• Foster a collegial, inclusive, and intellectually vibrant departmental culture.
• Encourage interdisciplinary research and collaboration within Dedman College and across SMU; and
• Engage constructively with students and contribute to the broader educational mission of SMU.

The chair will join a university committed to intellectual diversity, academic freedom, rigorous inquiry, and the development of students as ethical and engaged leaders.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold an earned Ph.D. and have a distinguished record of scholarly achievement commensurate with appointment at the rank of tenured Professor.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A distinguished record of research, scholarship, or creative achievement in the field of history;
• Demonstrated academic leadership and administrative experience;
• Demonstrated excellence in advising and mentoring graduate students, including doctoral students, and interest in making significant contributions to the department’s graduate program;
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level;
• A record of effective faculty collaboration and shared governance;
• The ability to articulate a compelling vision for the future of the department; and
• The interpersonal and organizational skills necessary to lead an academic department effectively.

Candidates with experience in interdisciplinary research, program development, external funding, faculty recruitment, or strategic academic planning are especially encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit the following materials through https://apply.interfolio.com/193610.

1. A cover letter describing the candidate's qualifications for the position, research and scholarly accomplishments, teaching experience, and vision for leadership of the Department of History;
2. Curriculum vitae;
3. A statement of leadership philosophy and administrative experience; and
4. Contact information for three professional references.

Applications received by October 30, 2026 will receive full consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

The anticipated start date is August 1, 2027.

Questions regarding the position may be directed to Professor Katherine Carté, kecarte@smu.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.