Description

Western Michigan University (WMU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Full Professor in the School of Social Work, based at the main campus in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This is an academic year faculty position that also carries the role of The Clair & Clarice Platt Endowed Chair of Online Learning, Educational Technology, and Professional Development. This is a three-year strategic leadership appointment, with the possibility of a two-year renewal based on performance and available funding. The position reflects the School of Social Work’s strong commitment to online education, digital innovation, workforce development, and academic excellence in the digital era. The Endowed Chair will play a transformative role in shaping the future of social work education at WMU. Key responsibilities include: (a) leading the design, development, marketing, implementation, assessment, accreditation, outreach, recruitment, and continuous quality improvement of online social work degree programs; (b) advancing cutting-edge professional development initiatives for faculty, students, alumni, social work professionals, and community partners; and (c) guiding the ethical and strategic integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the social work curriculum and research initiatives. This is a unique opportunity for an innovative and visionary leader to make a significant impact on the delivery of social work education and professional training. Applicants must meet the criteria for appointment at the rank of Full Professor. Please note that this position is not a tenure-track appointment.

Major Responsibilities:

The Clair & Clarice Platt Endowed Chair of Online Learning, Educational Technology, and Professional Development will provide visionary academic and administrative leadership across several critical areas. Responsibilities include:

-   Leading the design, development, marketing, implementation, assessment, accreditation, outreach and recruitment, and continuous quality improvement of the School of Social Work’s fully online BSW, MSW, and DSW programs, ensuring alignment with CSWE accreditation standards.

-   Overseeing the creation, launch, and management of a comprehensive professional development portfolio, including CEU-certified short courses, micro-credentials, and executive certificates.

-   Advancing ongoing faculty development initiatives focused on online teaching excellence, digital pedagogy, AI fluency, and instructional technology.

-   Supporting the adaptation and development of online curricula that meet emerging needs in the profession and reflect current best practices in digital education.

-   Leading the ethical and strategic integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into social work education and research, fostering innovation while upholding the profession’s core values.

This position requires a dynamic and future-focused leader who can guide transformational change in digital education while maintaining a strong commitment to academic rigor, equity, and community engagement.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: The ideal candidate should,

-   Hold a doctorate in Social Work or a related field, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program.

-   Possess a minimum of 10 years of experience in social work higher education, including at least 5 years of school- or departmental-level leadership.

-   Demonstrate proficiency with Learning Management System platforms and digital instructional tools (e.g., virtual simulations, multimedia development, Canva, Microsoft Teams, WebEx, Zoom, Google Classroom), as well as familiarity with Online Learning Consortium and Quality Matters (QM) principles and rubrics.

-   Demonstrate experience in developing, launching, leading, and assessing online graduate social work programs.

-   Demonstrate experience with online curriculum management, including course development and delivery that meet CSWE competency standards.

-   Demonstrate experience with CSWE accreditation and reaffirmation processes, including competency-based curriculum design.

-   Demonstrate the ability to mentor a diverse faculty with varying levels of technological proficiency and the ability to plan, organize, and lead complex projects with multiple deadlines.

-   Demonstrate knowledge of and experience with market analysis, strategic planning, program assessment, quality management, and data-informed reporting.

-   Demonstrate experience with innovative and effective pedagogical applications of technology in online/hybrid course delivery, including instructional design principles and curriculum adaptation for online/hybrid formats.

Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates who,

-   Demonstrate expertise in AI applications, digital and new media literacies, digital innovation, or technology in social work or human services, along with a strong understanding of AI ethics and data equity in marginalized communities.

-   Demonstrate excellent organizational, analytical, and planning skills, as well as experience with collaborative leadership, including managing online and hybrid initiatives.

-   Demonstrate outstanding oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal and presentation abilities, and a proven capacity to remain current with rapidly evolving technologies.

-   Have a record of peer-reviewed scholarship related to technology, digital social work education, or closely aligned areas.

-   Demonstrate a sustained commitment to advancing equity, access, and inclusion in social work education.

The University: Western Michigan University (WMU), located in Southwest Michigan,

is a vibrant, nationally recognized student-centered research institution with an enrollment of over 18,000. WMU delivers high-quality undergraduate instruction, has a strong graduate division, and fosters significant research activities. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies WMU as a doctoral university and one of just 185 public universities in the nation conducting research at a high level.

The College: In 1976, pioneering allied health and human services professional programs united in the WMU College of Health and Human Services, carrying on a tradition of excellence and innovation that began in 1922 with the establishment of the occupational therapy program. That tradition continues today. The College of Health and Human Services has high-quality, nationally ranked academic programs; exceptional students and faculty; unmatched clinical education; many regular opportunities for inter-professional education; state-of-the-art teaching facilities; outreach, service and community engagement; and a strong research record that is helping shape the future of health care.

The college is composed of departments, schools, centers and clinics. Departments include Blindness and Low Vision Studies; Occupational Therapy; Physical Therapy; Physician Assistant; and Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. The college’s schools include Interdisciplinary Health Programs, with programs in Gerontology, Healthcare Administration, Integrative Holistic Health and Wellness, Healthcare Services and Sciences, and Public Health; Nursing; and Social Work. The college also houses the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Program. The college also operates the Center for Disability Services, Aging Services, the Resiliency Center for Families and Children, and the Unified Clinics, a multidisciplinary service/training clinic. CHHS is housed on east campus in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with online and regional programs that extend the depth and breadth of the college’s access and influence.

Approximately 100 board appointed faculty serve approximately 1,202 undergraduate and 715 graduate students, with majors and programs that lead to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. A number of graduate certificate programs and undergraduate minors are also offered.

The students and faculty of the College of Health and Human Services extend the energy of the college and University through significant efforts toward community engagement and service. With required internships, field placements and clinical rotations alone, faculty-supervised CHHS students provide more than 600,000 hours of service annually to children and families in the community, region and across the nation. Substantial volunteerism increases this positive impact.

The mission of the College of Health and Human Services is to engage every person in an experiential, interprofessional and inclusive academic environment that inspires compassion, integrity and advocacy. We prepare all learners to thrive in health and human services careers that are high in demand, high in purpose, high in satisfaction and unsurpassed in impact.

Department: The School of Social Work at Western Michigan University is home to high-quality bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in social work. Our curriculum emphasizes social, economic, racial, and environmental justice and is grounded in evidence-based practice to prepare students for effective, ethical, and compassionate professional work. With a dedicated team of 16 full-time faculty members, the School serves approximately 500 social work students across both undergraduate and graduate programs. Courses are offered at two locations—Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids—providing flexible access and strong community connections for students throughout West Michigan.

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, with an excellent benefits package.

Expected Start Date: August 15, 2026

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Required application documents: Cover Letter, Teaching Philosophy, Curriculum Vitae, and References

-   Cover Letter: Include information related to the reason for interest in the position, and a description of the qualifications, accomplishments, and professional experiences related to the position (address the items listed under the major duties, minimum qualifications, & desired qualifications sections). Detailed leadership experience is in social work education, vision for online and AI-integrated education/pedagogy, and experience with assessment and CSWE accreditation requirements.

-   Teaching philosophy: include an overall teaching philosophy that should contain information regarding online pedagogy and AI integration.

-   Curriculum Vitae: include information related to, but not limited to, education, work history, leadership and mentorship experience, teaching history, research, and scholarship, and grantsmanship.

-   References: include at least two professional references (e.g., academia, field, community, colleague). The references should include names, titles, telephone number/s, and postal & e-mail addresses.

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Chair of Search Committee: Dr. Mioara Diaconu

WMU is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Veterans, individuals with disabilities, and all other qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.