Auburn University - Head, Department of Economics, College of Liberal Arts

Auburn University seeks a transformative and inclusive leader who is deeply committed to culture and change to serve as the next head of the Department of Economics. Applications, inquiries, and nominations are invited.

Auburn University is one of the nation’s premier public land-grant institutions, and it was ranked 42^nd among public universities by U.S. News and World Report in 2022. An R1 university, Auburn maintains the highest levels of research activity as well as exceptional standards for teaching excellence. The University offers bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees in the arts and sciences, agriculture, economics, and the professions of pharmacy and veterinary medicine. Its 2022-23 enrollment of 31,764 students includes 25,379 undergraduates and 6,385 graduate and professional students. Organized into 12 academic colleges, Auburn’s 1,432 faculty members offer more than 150 degree and certificate programs. The University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, positive work environment, student engagement, and beautiful campus.

The Department of Economics is currently composed of 13 tenure-track professors and three full-time instructors. Research specialties include applied microeconomics, economics of education, economic history, environmental economics, health economics, international economics, labor economics, and macroeconomics. In addition to a thriving undergraduate program, the department offers, in conjunction with the Department of Agricultural Economics and the Department of Forestry, a Ph.D. program in applied economics.

The Department of Economics is one of fourteen units that make up Auburn’s College of Liberal Arts. Under the leadership of Dean Jason Hicks, the college has outlined an inspiring vision for the future, emphasizing the value of an outstanding student learning experience and excelling in research, scholarship, and creative works. The college’s priorities include positively engaging in outreach and service and fostering inclusive excellence across the college and university. As a member of the college’s leadership team, the economics head will play a critical role in realizing the College’s vision.

Reporting to the dean, the next head will be responsible for visioning, strategic planning, operations, finances, faculty affairs, academic and research programs, external relations, and fundraising supporting the department’s aspirations. They will develop a vision for the future; evolve the curriculum; advance diversity, equity, and inclusion; recruit, develop, and retain faculty and staff; nurture and develop collaborative relationships within the department and across the College; conduct long-range planning and advocate for the department; and enhance the visibility, brand, and reputation of Economics. The new leader will support and nurture an environment where creativity, research, and engagement thrive. 

In achieving these objectives, the next head must be a collaborative and inclusive leader and possess the leadership skills, strategic thinking, and creative spirit to advance the department. Additional essential qualifications include successful administrative experience in a department, college, or university; a strong record of advancing equity and inclusion; communication and interpersonal skills; 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.

WittKieffer is assisting Auburn University in this search. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited.

Applications should include, as three separate documents, a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile; a statement of contribution to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility; and a CV or resume. Professional references are not requested at this time.

For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by March 24, 2023. Application materials should be submitted to WittKieffer’s candidate portal using the buttons below.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Bree Liddell, Melissa Fincher and Luis Bertot
Auburn-EconDeptHead@wittkieffer.com

 Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability Employer and committed to building an inclusive and diverse community.