Professor and Department Head of Philosophy

Position Description:

The Department of Philosophy at the University of Tennessee Knoxville invites applications for Head of the department, areas of specialization open. We are looking for an individual with a distinguished record of research, excellent teaching, and relevant service or administrative experience. Strong leadership skills and the ability to work effectively, collaboratively, and inclusively with colleagues, staff, and students are especially important. The successful candidate will oversee a department with 30 tenure- and non-tenure track faculty, 25-30 graduate students, and approximately 80 majors.

The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University. UTK is an R1 land-grant university, the flagship institution in the University of Tennessee system, and values engaged forms of research/scholarship/creative activity, teaching and service, and considers evidence of these commitments in the records of applicants.

The city of Knoxville is a hidden gem with a beautiful and walkable downtown, a diverse music scene, active neighborhoods, unique restaurants, and a robust offering of outdoor and cultural activities. UTK is located within easy driving distance to Nashville, Atlanta, Ashville, and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The head is responsible for care of the academic program through recruitment and development of the faculty, including recommendation for hiring, promotion, and salary increases; assignment of courses; assignment of office space; development and review of the curriculum; encouragement and support of faculty teaching and research; encouragement and support of faculty in departmental and university service; representation of the department in the college and university and in the community outside the university.

The head is also responsible for support of the academic program through employment and supervision of support staff personnel, management of departmental physical facilities and equipment, preparation and defense of the departmental budget, and authorization of any expenditure from the departmental budget. Finally, the department head is responsible for endowment funds in the department, and working with the College Advancement Office to cultivate donors in support of the department mission.

The head is supported by staff to accomplish these responsibilities. New heads receive training from the College of Arts and Sciences and mentorship from other heads in the Division of Arts and Humanities. 

Qualifications:

Required qualifications:

Must have a PhD, teaching and service credentials, and a body of research appropriate for appointment to the rank of Full Professor in our department. They must demonstrate evidence of leadership on committees, in departmental or program administration, on association boards, or the professional equivalent. Advanced Associate Professors will be considered as long as they are eligible for Full Professor upon appointment.

The anticipated start date for this appointment is August 1, 2025. Questions about the position should be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Prof. Susan Lawrence ([email protected]).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Requests for accommodations of a disability should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3560 or [email protected] or (865)974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation & Resolution 216 Business Incubator Building 2450 EJ. Chapman Drive Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 or (865)974-0717 or [email protected].