Position Summary
The Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Purdue University invites applications and nominations for the position of Department Head. The position is a full-time, 12-month appointment and will be available July 1, 2027. We seek an accomplished and dynamic academic leader with a strong record of achievement as a faculty member, a history of skillful interdisciplinary leadership, and an inspiring vision for the Department.
The SLHS Head will be an internationally recognized scholar who serves as a member of the College’s leadership team and provides strategic, academic, and administrative leadership for the Department. The Head will oversee all aspects of departmental operations at the West Lafayette campus while fostering a growth-oriented vision for expanding the Department’s presence and opportunities at the Indianapolis campus.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include supporting faculty and staff recruitment, development, and success; advancing excellence and innovation in research, teaching, clinical education, and engagement; strengthening alumni and community relationships; and advocating for the Department within the College, across the University, and among external partners and stakeholders.
EDUCATION
The Head provides leadership and oversight for the Department’s educational programs, fostering excellence and innovation across undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and clinical education. The Head supports the continued development of curricula and learning environment that prepare students for excellence in clinical practice, research, and other professional careers. The Head also ensures that accredited programs maintain compliance with the standards of the Council on Academic Accreditation and works collaboratively with faculty and program leaders to identify opportunities for continued growth and improvement.
TALENT DEVELOPMENT
The Head recruits, develops, supports, and retains outstanding faculty and staff and ensures that key leadership roles within the Department are filled by dedicated and talented individuals. The Head fosters an environment in which faculty and staff can thrive across research, teaching, clinical service, engagement, leadership, and professional development. Recognizing the breadth and interdisciplinary nature of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, the Head supports the varied contributions and career trajectories of faculty and staff while developing the talent and leadership necessary to advance the Department’s strategic priorities.
RESEARCH ADVANCEMENT
The Head fosters an environment that supports innovative, high-impact research and scholarship across the breadth of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. The Head supports faculty in developing and sustaining successful research programs, including efforts to secure external funding, and advocates for the resources and infrastructure necessary to advance the Department’s research mission. The Head also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration within and beyond the Department and identifies opportunities to expand the reach, visibility, and impact of its research.
Responsibilities Continued
FISCAL OVERSIGHT AND COMPLIANCE
The Head provides responsible stewardship of the Department’s financial and other resources, leading budgeting and resource-allocation processes in alignment with departmental priorities and strategic goals. The Head considers diverse perspectives in financial decision-making while effectively managing and leveraging available resources. The Head also ensures compliance with applicable University policies and procedures and relevant regulations and laws.
PHILANTHROPY AND ALUMNI RELATIONS
The Head works collaboratively with College and University advancement leaders to strengthen philanthropic support for the Department and advance its strategic priorities. The Head articulates the Department’s vision, accomplishments, and opportunities to alumni, donors, and other stakeholders and helps cultivate relationships that may lead to philanthropic investment. The Head also supports alumni engagement efforts that strengthen connections among alumni, the Department, the College, and the University.
Minimum Qualifications
- Demonstrated record of successful administrative leadership in a complex academic or clinical organization, including fiscal and resource management.
- History of mentorship and leadership focused on excellence and professional development.
- Strategic national academic and research leader, grounded in personal integrity with the ability to energize, inspire, and encourage faculty and student innovation as well as interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Industry partnership experience and vision.
- Evidence of effective community involvement, outreach, leadership, and demonstrated ability to forge partnerships and build productive relationships with both campus and community constituencies.
- Demonstrated commitment to student centeredness and optimization of student learning reflected by active and visible engagement in student activities, initiatives, and programs.
About the Department
About the College of Health and Human Sciences
The College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS) is the fourth-largest College at Purdue. It includes nine academic units that hold national and international recognition for their fundamental scientific and programmatic contributions to improving individuals and communities' health. The College strives to elevate Purdue's reputation in the health and human sciences by positioning the University to meet the health and wellness challenges facing the population, growing and creating opportunities for Indiana and the global economy, and enhancing student learning for success in a rapidly changing world. HHS's multidisciplinary learning environment uniquely prepares students to contribute to improved human health and behavior and to serve as leaders in their disciplines. The College also provides a rich environment for world-changing research and discovery. Purdue's land-grant mission facilitates the translation of these discoveries from theory to application, benefiting not only those in Indiana, but society as a whole.
About Purdue University
Established in 1869, Purdue is Indiana's land-grant University, a comprehensive educational and research institution, and a member of the American Association of Universities (AAU). In addition to the College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University's strengths in Agriculture, Education, Engineering, Liberal Arts, Management, Pharmacy, Science, and Veterinary Medicine contribute to a robust research and educational environment. The West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses have ten academic colleges with an enrollment of over 57,000 students from over 120 countries. With the new Indianapolis location, Purdue is preparing career-ready students for the jobs of tomorrow. Strong industry partnerships accelerate hands-on learning opportunities, internships, and co-ops.
Procedure for Candidacy
Nominations and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For best consideration, applications should be received by December 1, 2026, and include a letter of interest describing relevant experience and qualifications, a statement of leadership philosophy, a full curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least three professional references. Additional references or recommendations may be required based on the faculty appointment type. References will be contacted only for candidates selected for an on-campus interview. Applications must be submitted through Purdue University's online application system at Purdue Careers. Nominations and questions regarding the position may be directed to Aubry Johnson, arjohns@purdue.edu, Lead Executive Recruiter.
A background check will be required for employment in this position.
Career Stream
Equal Opportunity Employer
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.