Head and Professor - Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling

Overview

About Auburn: At Auburn, our work changes lives. Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a premier public institution, Auburn University is dedicated to shaping the future of the people of Alabama, the nation, and the world through forward-thinking education, life-enhancing research, scholarship, and selfless service. Auburn is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, community outreach, a positive work environment, student engagement, and a thriving community.

Chartered in 1856, Auburn University holds a Carnegie classification of Research 1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production. The university also holds the Elective Classification for Community Engagement. Academic programs at Auburn enroll approximately 28,000 undergraduate students and 6,200 graduate and professional students. Detailed information about the university can be found by visiting https://auburn.edu/.

Why employees choose Auburn: Auburn University was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the state of Alabama’s best employers, with employees staying an average of ten years. Employees enjoy competitive benefits that include top-notch health insurance, generous retirement plans, tuition assistance for employees and dependents, flexible spending accounts, and more.

POSITION: Head and Professor. This is a 12-month tenure-track position in the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling beginning Fall 2027. This faculty member will be hired to serve as the unit leader for the department, which works to improve education and health through research, outreach, and teaching. The department offers a B.S. degree in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, and in Special Education; Minors in Counseling, and in Special Education for Health and Related Service Professions; MEd’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, Collaborative Teacher Special Education K-12, Early Childhood/Elementary Special Education P-6, and in School Counseling; and a PhD in Counseling Psychology, Counselor Education, and Special Education. Also offered are certificate programs in three areas - Transition Specialist, Vocational Evaluation Forensic, and in our Educational to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences (EAGLES) program, which has a substantial footprint across campus and in the community. Additionally, the Auburn University Regional Autism Network (RAN) is a statewide initiative.

The department includes 28 full-time faculty members and 12 full-time staff members. As of Fall 2026, undergraduate enrollment was 242 and graduate enrollment was 171. Research interests of faculty members include various aspects of special education, rehabilitation and disability studies, counseling psychology, and counselor education. The department is housed in the College of Education, which includes three other academic units and boasts an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 1,650 and a graduate enrollment of approximately 850 (as of Fall 2025).

The university’s commitment to excellence is outlined in the Auburn University Strategic Plan 2035: Grounded & Groundbreaking (https://ocm.auburn.edu/strategic_plan/) and the College of Education Strategic Plan 2035 (College of Education Strategic Plan 2035 | College of Education). Review of applications will begin December 4, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Responsibilities

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide visionary and collaborative leadership for all aspects of the department, including but not limited to:
  • Leading effective and efficient academic and administrative operations
  • Recruiting, developing, and evaluating faculty
  • Overseeing and facilitating curricular development, review, and revision
  • Fostering excellence in teaching, research, and outreach
  • Representing the department’s interests, achievements, and contributions to internal and external stakeholders
  • Cultivating a positive and collaborative work environment
  • Advancing strategic revenue-generation initiatives
• Contribute effectively to college-level leadership groups and functions

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Please submit the following:

1. A letter of application for the position that speaks to the required and desired qualifications listed above
2. Curriculum vita
3. Unofficial graduate transcripts (official transcripts required upon hiring)
4. Contact information for 3-5 professional references, preferably from a direct report, a supervisor, and a colleague at a similar level

Questions regarding the position may be addressed to Dr. Matt Miller, Director, School of Kinesiology, and chair of the search advisory committee, at mwm0024@auburn.edu.

Note: Candidates for this position must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time of appointment.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Earned doctorate in one of the department’s program areas or a closely related discipline at the time of employment
• Record of achieving tenure and promotion to full professor at a college or university comparable to Auburn University
• Academic credentials sufficient to meet Auburn University requirements for tenure eligibility
• Distinguished record of scholarship, teaching, and service
• Understanding of unique needs, opportunities, and synergies associated with a unit that houses both clinically focused professional programs and traditional academic programs
• Academic leadership experience at the department, school, or comparable unit level
• Demonstrated success as a collaborative leader across varied academic programs, supported by strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to support faculty success in securing and managing extramural funding

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Record of successful faculty and administrative leadership experience at a Carnegie R1 university
• Familiarity with the mission, culture, and opportunities associated with a land-grant university
• Understanding of the role and responsibilities of a flagship public research university
• Experience with evaluating faculty and staff, overseeing budget and personnel, and managing facilities
• Demonstrated success leading or supporting complex academic, clinical, outreach, or service-oriented programs, centers, networks, or initiatives involving a variety of stakeholders and partnerships
• Experience with accreditation, assessment, program review, and collaborative leadership across multidisciplinary programs, units, and community-engaged enterprises
• Record of leadership on major externally funded research grants, particularly those involving interdisciplinary collaboration
• Record of developing and implementing faculty professional development initiatives related to teaching, research, and scholarly productivity
• Record of supporting and advancing staff professional development
• Record of strategic leadership in revenue generation and resource development
• Record of fostering a positive and collaborative work environment while representing the interests of programs and personnel and promoting understanding of broader institutional priorities within a complex university environment

Contract Type

Continuing

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.