Chairperson

East Carolina University ( ECU, https://www.ecu.edu), a member of the 17-campus University of North Carolina System, is committed to being a national model for student success, regional transformation, and public service. Through education, research, health care, community engagement, cultural enrichment and more, ECU enhances the quality of life for our students, our state, and our world, and launched an exciting strategic plan for 2023-2028, Future Focused - Innovation Driven. ECU is classified as an R-1 Doctoral/Research-Intensive University. It participates in Division I NCAA athletics and enrolls around 27,000 students, with over 5,500 pursuing graduate and professional degrees, including in education, medicine, and dental medicine. ECU is located in Greenville, NC (est. pop. 90,000 with a metropolitan population of over 170,000), a university town 90 miles east of the Research Triangle Park and 80 miles west of the Coastal Studies Institute in Wanchese, NC, a research facility led by ECU.

A thriving regional center for education, health, and the arts, Greenville is a great place to live, work, play, and visit. It has a cost of living more than 10 percent below the national average and boasts a vibrant Downtown district with restaurants, breweries, and shopping. Greenville hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year and offers numerous recreational opportunities, including access to the Tar River, over nine miles of greenways, nearly 30 parks and recreational facilities, and a growing arts scene.

The Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences ( https://thcas.ecu.edu/) is home to fifteen academic departments and several interdisciplinary research centers. The mission of Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences is to provide high-quality undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and sciences. We do so through thought-provoking classes taught by experts in their fields, as well as engaging high-impact practices outside of the classroom through research, leadership, outreach, and study abroad experiences. Our graduates are equipped to address complex challenges, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and lead fulfilling lives. The vision is to be an engine of access, knowledge, and opportunity for all learners through transformative education, innovative research and creative activities, and meaningful community engagement. The College seeks to create an environment that fosters the recruitment and retention of our student body, faculty, staff, and administration by building a culture of care, belonging, and opportunity.

The Department of Earth, Environment and Planning is a collaborative, research-active, and collegial unit that offers several Bachelor of Science degrees and three master's degrees. The unit also supports the Integrated Coastal Sciences PhD program and is home to the Center for Geographic Information Science. The Department's mission is to bring an integrated and interdisciplinary perspective to the study of earth systems and the interactions between environmental processes and human activities. Coursework and opportunities for hands-on experiences in the department prepare students for success in a wide range of scientific, environmental, and technological career paths. Outside the classroom, there are opportunities to enrich the learning experience through internships, undergraduate research, or participation in student organizations. The outstanding faculty are dedicated to student success and are making valuable research contributions in areas ranging from climate science and coastal resilience to global environmental stewardship, water resource management, disaster planning, and health disparities.

INTERNAL POSTING: Only open to applicants currently employed by East Carolina University.

The Department of Earth, Environment and Planning seeks to fill the position of chair at the tenured rank of Associate Professor or Professor (preferred), with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026. This is a 12-month, leave-earning position. This is an internal posting available only to ECU employees. The primary responsibilities for this position include: overseeing administration and leadership of the department; promoting excellence in faculty research and teaching; mentoring faculty members; assisting in efforts to secure external funding; ensuring quality, integrity, and growth of student degree programs; supporting departmental, college, and university policies and standards; fostering collegial relations among all stakeholders; serving as an advocate for departmental needs and priorities; and effectively representing the department to internal and external constituents. The chair is expected to spend at least 50% of their time on administration and leadership duties, with the remaining time devoted to research, teaching, and service. The chair will teach regularly in the department and maintain an active research agenda. Service to the university, community, and profession is expected. The chair will be committed to fairness in hiring, resource allocations, promotion, research, engagement, and teaching. They will provide leadership to meet the needs of a broad community of learners and scholars with varied intellectual interests.

Contingent upon availability of funds.

Qualifications for the position include: (1) a Ph.D. in a discipline of the Department of Earth, Environment and Planning or a closely related field; (2) a strong and continuing record of scholarly publications and productivity, commensurate with an appointment at the tenured rank of Associate Professor or Professor; (3) demonstrated excellence in teaching and service; and (4) administrative experience or evidence of management skills commensurate with the position.

None.

Applications must be submitted online at www.jobs.ecu.edu and should include: (1) a curriculum vitae; (2) a cover letter that includes a statement of administrative philosophy and experience; and a description of current research and teaching interests; (3) the names of and contact information for at least three current references (internal references are acceptable), and (4) a separate document outlining the candidate's vision for the future of the Department of Earth, Environment and Planning.

Screening will begin February 19, 2026. References will receive an automated email from PeopleAdmin to submit a letter. Letters of reference will be requested upon selection as a finalist.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Official transcripts and three official letters of reference are required upon employment.

Inquiries regarding this position may be directed to Dr. Chad Morris, morrisch23@ecu.edu, or (252) 328-9435.

East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees. ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act ( ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/ TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. If highest degree earned is from an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, final candidates are required to have their degree validated as equivalent to the degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.