School Head, Kinesiology, Applied Health, and Recreation

Company: Oklahoma State University
Location: Stillwater
Posted on: February 2, 2025

Job Description:

Head of the School of Kinesiology, Applied Health, and Recreation
August 2025
POSITION: Oklahoma State University invites experienced applicants for the School Head of the School of Kinesiology, Applied Health, and Recreation (KAHR) in the College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS). Successful applicants will be eligible for appointment as a tenured Professor. The school and college seek an innovative visionary leader for faculty, staff, and students committed to enhancing the visibility and impact of the academic and research programs in the school. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to champion and advocate the land-grant mission of teaching and mentoring, research and scholarship, and outreach/extension for all aspects of the School of Kinesiology, Applied Recreation and Health at a comprehensive research university. This twelve-month, full-time, tenured faculty position is based on the OSU-Stillwater campus and has an anticipated start date of August 2025. Reporting directly to the Dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences, the head will be a dynamic and accomplished leader dedicated to the principles of shared responsibility and ethical leadership. The head will further develop a climate for continued growth of the instructional, research, and service missions of the school. Successful candidates will exhibit the leadership to strengthen and grow the research profile of the school while maintaining a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring students.
RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide authentic, visionary, and transparent leadership to KAHR and CEHS representing both the faculty and administration to fulfill school, college, and university goals and initiatives.
  
• Develop a shared vision and strategic plan for the school by engaging faculty, staff, students, alumni, and industry and community partners.
  
• Mentor and support faculty in striving for instructional excellence, high-quality research, and impactful outreach/extension activities.
  
• Facilitate support for research collaborations and the acquisition of resources through external grants and development efforts to enhance the school's mission.
  
• Prioritize mentorship and guidance of dynamic and highly productive school faculty and staff to aid in their professional development and continued growth.
  
• Navigate the fiduciary oversight and equitable stewardship of school resources.
  
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a healthy learning and working environment for faculty, staff, and students.
  
• Demonstrate a commitment to the success of all populations and facilitate a culture that celebrates and recognizes the individual experiences of faculty, staff, and students.
  
• Work effectively and collegially with administrators, faculty, staff, and students, fostering a strong sense of community.
  
• Foster development and maintenance of community partnerships and stakeholder relationships.
  
• In coordination with the college and university administration, represent KAHR to state and federal agencies, private organizations, partners and collaborators, and key industry groups as needed.
  
• Cultivate empowerment in Extension education and community engagement.
  
• Lead the continued development and implementation of innovative undergraduate and graduate programs in the school.
  
  REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  

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• Earned Doctorate in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Recreation, or a closely related field.
  
• Demonstrated record of effective administrative, leadership, and personnel management experience.
  
• Demonstrated record of promoting high-quality instruction and mentoring.
  
• Demonstrated record of extramurally funded research.
  
• Demonstrated record of supporting extension/community engagement activities.
  
• Thorough understanding and appreciation of a comprehensive research university and the land-grant mission of KAHR, CEHS, and OSU.
  
• Ability to create a school culture wherein faculty, staff, and students thrive.
  
• Proven record of effective communication and interpersonal skills.
  
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide spectrum of stakeholders.
  
• Ability to increase national and international prominence of KAHR through its academic programs, research, and outreach/extension activities.
  
• Record of scholarly achievement commensurate with appointment at the rank of Professor with tenure.
  
  PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  
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  • Experience in administrative roles at an R1 comprehensive research university.
    
  • Experience with accreditation processes resulting in professional certifications in relevant areas.
    
  • Strong background in fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.
    
    SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary will be commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications and contingent on available funding. Benefits include comprehensive medical and retirement plans. Information on benefits can be found at .
    GENERAL INFORMATION: The School of Kinesiology, Applied Health, and Recreation (KAHR) offers 3 undergraduate degrees (Applied Exercise Science, Recreation and Athletic Management, and Recreational Therapy), 1 graduate certificate (Recreation and Leisure Management), 2 M.S. and Ph.D. degrees (Health and Human Performance and Leisure Studies). These programs are experiencing unprecedented growth with 800 undergraduate students, 150 M.S. students, and 45 Ph.D. students. Additionally, one of the PhD degrees offers both in-person and online options, with the online option expected to double in size by Fall 2025.
    KAHR is physically housed in the Colvin Recreation Center and includes offices, classrooms, research space, workout spaces, recreational sports, outdoor pool, and Outdoor Adventure with an indoor climbing and bouldering wall.
    The College of Education and Human Sciences includes 7 academic units, 172 faculty, and nearly 200 full-time staff. Additional information regarding the College of Education and Human Sciences may be found at .
    Oklahoma State University is a comprehensive land-grant university with an enrollment of more than 26,000 students. The university offers 91 programs of study leading to bachelor's degrees, 70 master's programs, and 46 programs at the doctoral level.
    The position will be located at the main campus in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Stillwater provides a combination of large city amenities but maintains the charm of a smaller community. Stillwater is ideally situated between Oklahoma City and Tulsa; thus, a short drive provides opportunities for dining, arts/cultural, and professional sporting events. Stillwater is a remarkable community, offering affordable housing, multiple daycare options, and excellent schools. Stillwater has been ranked as one of America's safest cities.
    APPLICATION INFORMATION: The process of reviewing applications will begin December 1, 2024, and will continue until a successful candidate has been selected. To apply, submit:
    
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    • A cover letter outlining the candidate's qualifications for the position.
      
    • Curriculum vitae.
      
    • A brief (no more than 2 pages) description of administrative philosophy and goals for the school, specifically addressing:
      
      
    • The ability to foster academic, research, and extension/community engagement programs across multiple disciplines.
      
    • How the applicant would promote the success of all populations, helping achieve the university's goal of improved access to higher education.
      
    • How the candidate would balance the roles of advocating for faculty with representing the administration as it relates to college and university goals, priorities, and initiatives.
      
      
    • Contact information for five professional references.
      All application materials should be submitted to .
      Search and Screen Chair: Dr. Norman Hord (Department Head and Professor) serves as Search and Screen Committee Chair and may be reached at to answer any applicant questions.
      Oklahoma State University (OSU) strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, OSU conducts pre-employment background checks on final candidates. Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal (felony and misdemeanor) history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the university, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
      Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit eeo.okstate.edu.
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Keywords: Oklahoma State University, Stillwater , School Head, Kinesiology, Applied Health, and Recreation, Healthcare , Stillwater, Oklahoma