Chair of the Department of Native American Studies Faculty Appointment

University of Oklahoma Norman Campus: Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences: Native American Studies

Location

Norman, OK

Open Date

Sep 22, 2023

Description

Native American Studies at the University of Oklahoma—a dynamic and growing academic department—is pleased to announce that we are seeking applications for Department Chair, a faculty position at the rank of Associate or Full, to begin Fall 2024.

The department seeks a visionary leader to work collaboratively with the faculty, students, and staff in the Native American Studies department (NAS) as well as with campus leadership and affiliated units across campus. This individual would articulate a long-term vision and goals, leveraging the many outstanding resources at the University of Oklahoma and in the state, and guide the department’s significant community outreach and educational activities designed to promote respect for the distinctive histories and cultures of Native Nations as well as the recognition of and respect for their continued sovereignty.

The Department Chair works closely with core faculty and the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences leadership and is expected to the following: 1) articulate a long-term vision for the department and engage in strategic planning; 2) oversee basic departmental activities including curriculum, student recruitment, and faculty procedures; 3) serve as a liaison with the university administration and associated departments; 4) interact with the department’s constituencies and articulate for them our vision and educational mission.

The teaching load for this position is 1/1 (one course each semester) and includes the ability to create and teach specialized upper-division courses and graduate seminars in addition to the core course requirements.

Native American Studies at The University of Oklahoma:

Native American Studies (NAS) places tribal sovereignty, community, and futurity at the center of academic study and prioritizes meaningful engagement with and service to Native Nations and communities. Our curriculum is anchored by our commitment to Indigenous methodologies, ways of knowing and relational accountability. NAS currently offers an undergraduate minor, B.A., and M.A. Our curriculum is organized around core courses in critical Indigenous theory and research methods and includes four areas of emphasis: (1) Tribal Governance and Policy; (2) Cultural Knowledges and Language; (3) Indigenous Media and Arts; and (4) Indigenous Community Planning. Our curriculum is designed to be responsive to the needs of Native Nations and communities as they articulate them, particularly the 39 sovereigns in Oklahoma.

Native American Studies at the University of Oklahoma has a strong foundation from which to grow. In the past ten years, Native American Studies has moved from a program to a fully-fledged department with six tenured/tenure-track faculty and numerous affiliated faculty. We now offer four Indigenous languages, a Tribal Service-Learning course and Internship program. Notably, Native American Studies has recently became home to the Andrew Mellon Impact Fellowship program, which provides unique opportunities for students and post-doctoral fellows. We have established and renovated dedicated faculty offices, classrooms, and event space, providing a home for Native faculty and students and are at work on a physical building study.

As part of the University of Oklahoma's commitment to Indigenous peoples and their substantial presence, the University established the Native Nations Center to support and respond to tribal research and policy needs, as well as the office for the Associate Vice President for Tribal Relations. The University of Oklahoma Press is working with the Native Nations Center and affiliates to support a variety of publications in Native American and Indigenous studies. Critical support for students is provided by American Indian Programs & Services in the Office of Student Life, and faculty find campus community through the Indigenous Circle Faculty/Staff Resource Group. The University of Oklahoma is also home to unparalleled Native American museums, collections, and archives, including the Western History Collection, the Fred Jones Museum of Art, and the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History. Signature campus events include the Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair, the Native Crossroads Film Festival, Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration, and the Spring Powwow, now in its 109th year.

Qualifications

Applicants must be at the Associate or Full Professor level, and have a PhD in in a field related to Native American Studies or in a specific relevant discipline related to Native American Studies.

Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, service to the field, and history of community-engaged and reciprocal research. Experience teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Native American Studies or relevant field. Experience with student recruitment/retention is preferred.

Application Instructions

Please submit the following materials electronically at http://apply.interfolio.com/131602: Cover letter, CV, and name and email address for three references. In their cover letter, the candidate may elaborate on their leadership/vision statement, research statement.

Application will remain open until the position is filled. We will begin reviewing applications on November 28th, 2023. Additional materials may be requested at a later date.

Direct inquiries to Dr. Farina King, Search Committee Chair, at farinaking@ou.edu. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to:  admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides.

Diversity Statement 

The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.

Mission of the University of Oklahoma

The Mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.