The Pennsylvania State University - Head of the Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering

The Pennsylvania State University College of Earth and Mineral Sciences seeks a visionary, collaborative and inclusive leader who is deeply committed to interdisciplinary research and education to serve as the next Head of the Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering. Applications, inquiries, and nominations are invited.

The John and Willie Leone Family Department of Earth and Mineral Engineering (EME) is one of five departments in the College of Earth and Mineral Science (EMS) at Penn State. The college boasts a storied history, one that started in 1859 with the University’s first earth sciences courses. Talented students come to the college from across the country and around the globe to be part of the discoveries and decisions that will shape the future of the planet. The EME department is a unique department at Penn State as the only department that focuses specifically on the study of energy with an integrated focus on both energy and earth resources. The diversity of expertise in the department and value placed on interdisciplinary scholarship enables EME to play a distinctive role in integration across traditionally disparate fields to address major technological and social challenges related to sustainable energy and the use of earth’s resources. Faculty conduct innovative, forward-looking research across the life cycle of energy systems, technologies, economics and policy. They train future energy and natural resource professionals through innovative and accessible educational practices grounded in real-world problems. EME is comprised of five resident academic programs, two online undergraduate programs and faculty are represented in three institutes. EME’s unique interdisciplinary pillars include sustainable energy systems science and engineering, petroleum system science and engineering, and mining and environmental systems science and engineering, all built on a deep expertise in scientific foundations and analytical tools. EME’s more than 46 faculty and 474 undergraduate and 208 graduate students value engagement with the public and private sectors to improve science-based decision-making.

Under the leadership of Dean Lee Kump, the college has outlined an innovative vision and strategic plan emphasizing the need for the college to respond and adapt to transitions experienced across the globe related to global climate change, the transition to the information era, global population shifts and the demand for new educational models and pedagogy. In response to these transitions, the college’s plan centers on four principal goals: promote curricular and co-curricular innovation to grow active, engaged and competency-based learning with a focus on career readiness; build a more diverse, equitable, compassionate, and inclusive community of scholars, where members share a sense of belonging, and respect; perpetuate and expand the role EMS plays as innovator and leader in signature initiatives at the University and beyond; and improve operational resilience and critical infrastructure for research, educational, and outreach initiatives. The EME Head, as a member of the college’s leadership team, will play a critical role in the realization of the college’s strategic vision and goals and ensuring that the EME department’s efforts align with and support these goals.

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, the head is responsible for visioning, strategic planning, operations, finances, faculty affairs, academic and research programs, external relations, and fundraising in support of the department’s aspirations. The next Head will execute and further shape the department’s vision for the future; further integrate, shape, and build a truly excellent and cohesive multidisciplinary department that leverages strengths across all programs; advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; nurture and develop interdisciplinary collaboration; recruit, develop, and retain a faculty and staff of excellence; and advocate for the department and enhance its visibility and reputation. The new Head will support and nurture an environment where creativity and innovation thrive. 

In achieving these objectives, the next Head must be a collaborative, transparent and inclusive leader and possess the leadership skills, strategic thinking, and innovative spirit to advance the department. Additional essential qualifications include successful administrative experience in a university, industry or governmental research environment, a strong record of advancing equity and inclusion, the communication and interpersonal skills and deep intellectual curiosity to engage with and support a diverse set of programs, and a strong record of forging collaborative partnerships. The new Head must possess the scholarly record required to merit a tenured appointment as a full professor in the college.

Penn State is a public, land grant, research-intensive University with campuses and facilities throughout Pennsylvania. Founded in 1855, the University has a threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service. Its instructional mission includes undergraduate, graduate, professional, and continuing education offered through resident instruction and online delivery. Annual enrollment at its 24 campuses totals more than 100,000 graduate and undergraduate students, making it one of the largest universities in the United States.

WittKieffer is assisting Penn State in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by January 30^th. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal, via the buttons below. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Suzanne Teer, Jessica Herrington and Cathryn Davis at PennStateEMEHead@wittkieffer.com

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Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.