Search Postings

Division Name: Academic Affairs
College/Unit: College of Arts and Sciences
Department: Sociology and Anthropology
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Illinois State University invites applications for the position of Department Chair, for a 12-month, 5-year (renewable) term, preferably to begin July 1, 2026. As the Department’s chief administrative officer, the chairperson reports to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The chairperson will be expected to provide vision and leadership, to secure resources to accomplish the Department’s goals, and to foster a collegial atmosphere conducive to teaching and research. The chairperson also teaches one course per year and will be expected to maintain scholarly productivity.

The successful candidate will possess a) leadership abilities; b) communication skills; c) experience with budget management; and d) significant research and teaching accomplishments. We seek a candidate who will balance the varied disciplinary needs of the Department. The Department has a special interest in candidates who can support the core values of both the Department and the University, which include shared governance and diversity.

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology is one of 19 departments, schools, and interdisciplinary programs in the College of Arts and Sciences. The Department includes 24 tenure-line faculty, four part-time instructors, and three administrative professional staff, and currently has approximately 200 undergraduate majors, 240 minors, 40 graduate students, and a substantial role in supporting the university’s general education curriculum. The Department offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Sociology and Anthropology and includes a four-field anthropology program. The curriculum offers graduate certificates in Museum Studies and Latin American and Latino/a Studies and undergraduate certificates in Media and Culture and Forensic Anthropology. The Department is affiliated with interdisciplinary programs such as Latin American and Latino/a Studies; Food Studies; Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Water Sustainability; Studies of Global Asia; Anthropology Geographic Information Systems; and Applied Community and Economic Development

Additional Information

 University Benefit Highlights:

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life (eligibility determination)
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Illinois State University was founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university. We enroll approximately 21,000 students in six colleges. Learn about ISU’s Metrics of Excellence at IllinoisState.edu/PointsofPride. Our strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2030, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. For more information visit: https://strategicplan.illinoisstate.edu/.

Bloomington-Normal Community: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems, and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. Bloomington made Livability’s top 100 Best Places to Live (2024) and ranked No. 3 on College Values Online’s list of Best Small College Towns in America (2024). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis; two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis; and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield. Many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via Amtrak, which is located one block from Illinois State’s campus. For more information on our community, visit visitbn.org.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$120,000-$170,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Required Qualifications

1. The Chair must be a tenured associate or full professor.
2. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. or equivalent in Sociology or Anthropology or a closely-related field.
3. Applicants must have a substantial record of teaching and research in addition to a substantial record of institutional service and leadership.
4. State law mandates demonstrable oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position.

Work Hours

Varies

Proposed Starting Date

July 1, 2026

Required Applicant Documents

1. Letter of application that includes a discussion of the applicant’s administrative philosophy.
2. Current curriculum vita.
3. Names and contact information for three or more professional references. References will be contacted for candidates invited to participate in a campus interview.

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Initial review of applications will begin on November 12, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

Contact Information for Applicants

Questions before November 12th may be directed, via e-mail, to the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Richard Hughes, rhughes@ilstu.edu. Please include Sociology/Anthropology Chair Search in the subject line.

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.