Hiring Department
The David L Payne Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Missouri, Columbia
Job Description
The University of Missouri (Mizzou) and Mizzou Engineering invite nominations and applications for Chair of the David L. Payne Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS).
The future of engineering and computing is being rewritten—and the next chair of Mizzou's David L. Payne Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) has an extraordinary opportunity to help shape what comes next. Spanning electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, information technology, and data science, EECS brings together expertise in fields transforming industry and society—from AI and quantum technologies to cybersecurity, geospatial intelligence, bioinformatics, and energy. With substantial research strengths, interdisciplinary partnerships, and institutional investment, the department is poised to play a defining role in advancing Mizzou Engineering's strategic vision to Educate Future Leaders, Drive Engineering Impact, and Foster Engineering Connections.
At the convergence of rapid technological change and historic investment, EECS has an opportunity to reimagine its academic programs, strengthen student success, and develop pathways aligned with tomorrow's workforce. David L. Payne's transformational $50 million gift is supporting a comprehensive renovation of EECS’s home (Naka Hall), significant laboratory and equipment investments, and a departmental endowment. The University's Payne Energy Innovation Center, which will house EECS faculty and research activities, further expands these possibilities. Together with Mizzou Forward and major research initiatives—including the Center for Geospatial Intelligence, Mizzou AERI, Quantum Innovation Center, and MUMSEI—these investments provide a powerful platform to accelerate discovery, strengthen research and faculty capacity, and elevate EECS's national prominence.
EECS serves approximately 1,000 undergraduate and 220 graduate students across five undergraduate and seven graduate programs. EECS faculty include 32 tenure and tenure-track and 10 non-tenure track members, with many nationally recognized as fellows of AAAS, IEEE, AIMBE, AMIA, and other professional societies. The department averaged approximately $14 million in annual research expenditures over the past five years—the highest in the College. .
The next chair will turn this momentum into lasting impact. Working with faculty, staff, and College leadership, this individual will advance a shared vision, revitalize academic programs, strengthen research, recruit and develop exceptional faculty, and translate institutional investments into enduring excellence. Mizzou seeks an accomplished scholar and proven academic leader with the imagination to see what EECS can become, the conviction to navigate difficult choices, and the ability to inspire others to realize that vision.
Mizzou is the flagship university of the four-campus University of Missouri System and one of the most comprehensive universities in the United States. Mizzou is a member of the prestigious AAU (Association of American Universities) and is designated as a Carnegie R1 and Land-Grant University. It prioritizes interdisciplinary collaboration, creativity, and investments in hands-on learning to prepare students to become professionals who transform lives locally and globally. It is home to numerous major research centers and the world’s first journalism school. The University is also one of only six public universities in the country with schools or colleges of engineering, medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, arts and science, law, and a powerful research reactor all on one campus; MURR is the largest university-based nuclear research reactor in the United States. Mizzou is centrally located in Columbia, Missouri, a place consistently ranked as one of America’s best places to live.
Departmental Priorities
- Renew EECS education for a changing world. Lead an evidence-based evolution of the department’s programs in response to AI, shifting career opportunities, and changing student expectations.
- Strengthen research and faculty capacity. Leverage faculty talents and MU’s vibrant interdisciplinary ecosystem to grow funded research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and graduate education. Advance strategic faculty recruitment and development, partnering with center directors to translate research priorities into high-impact initiatives.
- Build a shared departmental vision. Engage faculty and staff in setting and advancing a shared direction aligned with College and university priorities. Cultivate a culture of trust, collaboration, mentoring, and accountability that values faculty input and drives progress.
- Leverage investments to advance EECS. Shape academic and research priorities through Naka Hall’s renovation, laboratory investments, and stewardship of endowed resources. Align facilities planning with departmental goals and advance EECS’s role in the Payne Energy Innovation Center.
- Forge partnerships for greater impact. Champion deeper ties with industry, government, alumni, and philanthropic partners to accelerate research, inform curricula, strengthen student career pathways, and attract resources.
Responsibilities
- Lead and execute a shared EECS strategy, engaging faculty, staff, and College leadership while using data and measurable goals to drive progress.
- Recruit, retain, and develop outstanding tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty; strengthen mentoring and professional growth for faculty and staff.
- Champion academic excellence through curricular innovation, effective teaching, and student success.
- Advance research and graduate education through high-impact scholarship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and external funding.
- Steward departmental resources, including personnel, budgets, facilities, and instructional capacity, with integrity and strategic focus.
- Build and empower an effective leadership team, fostering communication, shared purpose, and accountability.
- Advocate for EECS across Mizzou and beyond, cultivating industry, government, alumni, and philanthropic partnerships alongside College leaders.
- Guide academic and research planning for Naka Hall’s renovation and related facilities transitions, aligning investments with departmental priorities.
- Oversee ABET accreditation for applicable undergraduate degree programs.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Doctorate in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a closely related field.
- Academic accomplishments that merit an appointment at the rank of Full Professor.
Candidates will be evaluated on
- Demonstrated ability to set direction, mobilize people, and achieve improvements in programs, research, or organizational performance.
- Scholarly accomplishments, a strong record of externally funded research, and the academic credibility to lead and champion a research-intensive department.
- Ability to lead across electrical engineering, computing, and related disciplines while recognizing their distinct educational and research missions and opportunities for collaboration.
- A forward-looking perspective on emerging technologies, coupled with the ability to translate shifts in technology, student demand, and workforce needs into academic and research opportunities.
- Integrity, courage, and outstanding communication skills, with the ability to listen, build trust, navigate disagreement, and follow through.
- A record of developing faculty and staff, building effective teams, and managing people and resources to advance shared priorities.
- A strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate student success and to the teaching, research, and public-service mission of an AAU, R1, land-grant university.
Application Materials
Applications should include:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research Statement
- Teaching Statement
- Reference Checks will be completed for finalists
Application Deadline
The position will be open until filled
Sponsorship Information
Employment visa sponsorship may be available for this position.
Community Information
Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.
