The Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Fort Hays State University invites applications for Chair of the Department of Informatics. The position is a 12-month, tenure-track appointment at the Professor or Associate Professor rank. Master’s and Doctorate degree candidates are encouraged to apply.
The department seeks a dynamic and collaborative leader who brings strong communication and organizational skills, demonstrated leadership and management abilities, and a deep understanding of the needs of faculty, staff, and students in applied technology-driven fields. The Chair will have the ability to unify and appreciate diverse technological disciplines working together toward shared goals. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to navigate conflict constructively in an applied academic setting committed to professionalism, integrity, and accountability. The Chair will foster an environment that upholds the principles of free expression and open dialogue while maintaining a strong, visible presence in the department and broader campus community. Equally important, this leader will strategically guide the department, adapt to emerging technologies and shifts in higher education, ensure curriculum is updated and relevant to modern workforce needs, and build culture as a forward-looking technology department.
The successful candidate will have a distinguished record of teaching, research, and service, with an understanding of on-campus, online, and global partnership-based delivery models. This is an on-campus appointment and is not eligible for remote work.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Earned master’s degree or PhD from a regionally accredited university in a discipline within the department (e.g., information systems, media studies, web development, networking and cybersecurity, digital media production, technology law and policy, computer science, or a closely related applied field)
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching, scholarly accomplishments, and service at a level commensurate with associate or full professor rank
- Evidence of successful leadership in programs or initiatives
Preferred Qualifications:
- Record of successful academic administrative experience including both fiscal and supervisory responsibilities;
- Demonstrated success with student recruitment and retention initiatives;
- Experience in formalized assessment and accreditation processes
- Record of external funding through grants and/or fundraising;
- Demonstrated success with online education and technology-enhanced education
- Experience developing and sustaining industry or community partnerships
- Experience with strategic planning and new program development in technology or media-related fields
- Advocate for First Amendment rights as it applies to media and technology-based fields
Responsibilities: The Chair of the Department of Informatics reports to the Dean of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship. The Chair will provide strategic, academic, and administrative leadership for the Department of Informatics. Responsibilities include:
- Management of the department budget and other financial resources;
- Overseeing course scheduling, curriculum management, and accreditation-related reporting
- Leading innovative program development in areas such as emerging technology, media production, cybersecurity, and information systems
- Building and sustaining external partnerships with industry, government, and educational organizations
- Leading annual program assessment and continuous improvement initiatives
- Setting goals and conducting performance reviews for faculty and staff
- Supporting student recruitment and retention efforts in both on-campus and online programs to continue department growth
- Promoting a collaborative, innovative, and collegial departmental culture
- Teaching 6 credit hours per semester and 3 credit hours during the summer (courses may include both introductory and advanced courses, taught on-campus or online)
- Ensuring departmental initiatives align with RCOBE, University, and Kansas Board of Regents strategic plans
- Participating in college and university service activities
- Engaging in scholarly and professional activities appropriate to the discipline
Rank: Professor or Associate Professor
Appointment Date: July 2026
Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit
FHSU Benefits.
Priority Deadline: Review of applicants will begin January 19, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
Application Process: To apply for this position, please visit
FHSU Careers. Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.
Required Application Documents: Candidates should submit a single PDF containing:
• Cover letter addressing experience, qualifications, and how the applicant is suited for the position based on the job description;
• Current curriculum vitae;
• The names and contact information of at least three professional references.
Candidates requesting additional information about this search may do so by contacting the search committee at:
Dr. Stacey Smith, Search Chair
Community of Hays
FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.
Notice of Non-discrimination – Fort Hays State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin, color, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or veteran status.
Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.
Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or
www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.
