Founding Director, School of Engineering

Tenure-Track Faculty Appointment

Ohio Wesleyan University invites applications and nominations for the Founding Director of the Conrades School of Engineering. This is a career-defining opportunity to design, build, and lead an undergraduate engineering program from the ground up at one of the nation's most distinguished liberal arts universities.

Announced in December 2025, the Conrades School of Engineering is supported by $17 million in alumni contributions, including a lead $13 million gift from George Conrades '61 and Patricia "Patsy" Belt Conrades '63. The School launches with a major in mechanical engineering leading to a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME), two engineering minors, and groundbreaking collaborations with industry partners. The first cohort of students will enroll in fall 2027.

Few roles in higher education offer the chance to design an engineering program from first principles, with $17 million already committed, at a top liberal arts college sitting inside one of the country's fastest-growing technology corridors. The Founding Director will serve as both the academic and strategic leader of the School of Engineering, reporting to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs. Primary responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership and External Engagement

• Serve as the program's primary advocate and public representative.
• Actively recruit prospective students in collaboration with the Office of Admission.
• Engage with alumni, donors, and the Board of Trustees on engineering.
• Manage the program budget, including equipment procurement and resource allocation.
• Support fundraising efforts in collaboration with University Advancement.

Program Launch

• Implement and refine the curriculum for the BSME degree.
• Lead the program through internal governance approvals and external accreditation processes.
• Plan, specify, and oversee the outfitting of spaces for engineering laboratories.
• Establish curricular connections between the engineering program and the OWU Connection.

Faculty Recruitment and Teaching

• Recruit, mentor, and supervise engineering faculty and staff.
• Teach introductory engineering courses and courses appropriate to the candidate's area of expertise.
• Teach courses that contribute to the general education curriculum, including First Year Seminar.
• Foster a culture of teaching excellence, scholarship, and undergraduate research mentorship.

Appointment and Compensation

This is a full-time, tenure-track faculty appointment. Faculty rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, with appointment possible at any tenure-track rank. Credit toward the tenure probationary period may be awarded for relevant prior service at other institutions. Ohio Wesleyan offers a comprehensive benefits package including health and dental insurance, retirement plan contributions, tuition benefits, and relocation support. The anticipated start date is no later than October 1, 2026.

Qualifications and Application

For details regarding qualifications, application instructions, and information about Ohio Wesleyan University, please see the full description for the Founding Director.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

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