Auburn University and the College of Liberal Arts seek a transformative leader who is deeply committed to culture and change to serve as the next head of the Department of Economics.
The Department of Economics is currently composed of 13 tenure-track professors and three full-time lecturers. Research specialties include applied microeconomics, economics of education, economic history, environmental economics, health economics international economics, labor economics, and macroeconomics. In addition to a thriving undergraduate program, the department offers, in conjunction with the Department of Agricultural Economics and the Department of Forestry, a Ph.D. program in applied economics. The Department is one of fourteen units that make up Auburn’s College of Liberal Arts.
Reporting to the dean, the next head will be responsible for visioning, strategic planning, operations, finances, faculty affairs, academic and research programs, external relations, and fundraising supporting the department’s aspirations. They will develop a vision for the future; evolve the curriculum; recruit, develop, and retain faculty and staff; further and develop collaborative relationships within the department and across the College; conduct long-range planning and advocate for the department; and enhance the visibility, brand, and reputation of the department. The new leader will support and nurture an environment where creativity, research, and engagement thrive.
The department head is a full-time, 12-month administrative position; appointment will be for an initial term of 5 years that may be renewed contingent upon satisfactory annual reviews and continued need.
About the College: The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) comprises 46 majors in a wide range of fields, including the humanities, the fine and performing arts, the social sciences, communications, health services administration, and aviation. We produce successful business leaders, industry professionals, and researchers who work in the U.S. and around the world. The CLA’s cutting-edge facilities provide the opportunity to collaborate with other researchers at the forefront of their respective fields. We value various backgrounds, and unique perspectives and experiences.
About Auburn University: The Auburn family values tradition while eagerly preparing for the future. Rooted in more than 160 years of history, Auburn University occupies 1,841 acres and is the academic home to more than 30,000 students. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement and professional success, as well as its many public and private partnerships, garners a growing reputation for outreach that delivers broad economic, health, and societal impact. Auburn University is one of the best places to work in the state of Alabama, according to the 2022 America’s Best-in-State Employers list released by Forbes magazine.
Location: Auburn, AL, is a vibrant and thriving college town and community. Southern Living recently recognized the city of Auburn as one of the top small towns in the South, and Money magazine named Auburn the best place to live in Alabama. Known as the ‘Loveliest Village on the Plains,’ Auburn offers a high quality of life, including a vibrant cultural scene at the new Gogue Performing Arts Center, SEC sports throughout the academic year, national award-winning chefs and restaurants, a K-12 school system that is top-ranked in the state, general and concierge healthcare options, and an exceptional College of Veterinary Medicine for pet care. Chewacla State Park, just five miles from campus, offers camping, hiking, mountain biking, and swimming and boating opportunities. Auburn’s historical sister town, Opelika, is a fifteen-minute drive and has become known for its eclectic downtown offerings, including multiple breweries, boutiques, and hobby shops. The Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport is only 90 minutes away, with numerous shuttle service options to/from Auburn daily. Birmingham is a similar drive to the north, and Montgomery, the state capital, is only 50 minutes to the southwest. Beaches and mountains are only a 3-4-hour drive. Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples.
