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Fort Hays State University
Chair, Department of Management
Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Fort Hays State University in its search for Chair, Department of Management.
For full consideration, please apply by September 9, 2026.
A central component of the Robbins College of Business & Entrepreneurship (RCOBE), the Department of Management (the Department) at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is well positioned for its next chapter of leadership and growth. Supported by experienced faculty, established academic programs, and a broad portfolio of disciplines, the next Chair will work with faculty and college leadership to advance curricular innovation, strengthen connections with employers and industry partners, and ensure students are prepared for success in a changing business environment.
Recognized as one of the Midwest's most innovative regional universities, FHSU serves more than 12,000 students through its residential campus, online programs, and international partnerships. The University continues to expand its impact through workforce partnerships, new academic pathways, and its Strategic Affiliation Initiative connecting institutions and communities across Kansas and beyond. The Department of Management plays an important role in supporting these efforts through business education, workforce preparation, and community engagement.
The Department delivers undergraduate and graduate programs, supports core BBA and MBA curricula, and prepares students to lead in an increasingly complex business environment. Through on-campus, online, and global partnership programs, the Department advances the University's mission while extending its reach across Kansas, the nation, and internationally. Academic strengths span management, human resource management, entrepreneurship, business law, and related disciplines.
Reporting to the Dean of RCOBE, the Chair provides strategic, academic, and operational leadership for the department. The Chair will foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, student success, and continuous improvement while building consensus around shared priorities, supporting faculty development, strengthening external partnerships, and ensuring programs remain responsive to evolving workforce and educational needs.
The position is a 12-month, tenure-track appointment at the Associate Professor or Professor rank and reports to the Dean of the College.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Chair provides academic, administrative, and operational leadership for the Department of Management and is responsible for the overall management and success of the department. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the department budget and other financial resources.
• Overseeing course scheduling, curriculum management, and academic program quality.
• Initiating and facilitating high-quality academic programs, certificates, partnerships, and other on-campus and online educational opportunities.
• Leading annual program assessment activities and supporting continuous improvement efforts.
• Conducting goal setting and performance reviews for faculty and staff.
• Leading student recruitment and retention initiatives within the department.
• Promoting collegiality and collaboration within the department, college, and university.
• Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses through on-campus and online modalities.
• Ensuring departmental initiatives align with College, University, and Kansas Board of Regents strategic priorities.
• Participating in college and university service activities and maintaining an appropriate record of scholarly activity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Earned doctorate from a regionally accredited institution in management, human resource management, entrepreneurship, production/operations management, business law, or a closely related discipline represented within the department.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service sufficient to merit appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor at Fort Hays State University.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Record of successful academic administrative experience, including both fiscal and supervisory responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success with student recruitment and retention initiatives.
• Experience with formalized assessment processes.
• Record of external funding through grants and/or fundraising.
• Demonstrated success with online education.
• Experience developing and sustaining external partnerships.
• Experience with strategic planning and new program development.

Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit FHSU Benefits.
About Fort Hays State University
Founded in 1902 as the Western Branch of Kansas State Normal School, Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a comprehensive public university and a recognized leader in accessible, innovative higher education. Serving more than 12,000 students from Kansas, across the United States, and around the world, FHSU offers more than 200 academic programs spanning business, education, health and behavioral sciences, arts and humanities, science and mathematics, and applied technology.
Located in Hays, Kansas, FHSU combines the personalized attention of a regional institution with a global reach. Through its residential campus, FHSU Online, and an extensive network of international partnership campuses, the university delivers affordable, high-quality educational opportunities to diverse learners, including traditional students, working professionals, military-affiliated students, and international populations. This distinctive model has positioned FHSU as a national leader in distance and international education while maintaining a strong commitment to student success and academic excellence.
Guided by its mission to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality education, Fort Hays State University continues to expand its impact as a forward-thinking institution that advances economic development, workforce preparation, and educational opportunity throughout Kansas and beyond.
Learn more about the university here: Quick Facts
About the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the Department of Management
The W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship (RCOBE) prepares future business leaders through innovative, student-centered education emphasizing entrepreneurship, applied learning, and professional engagement. More than 50 full-time faculty, 50 adjunct faculty, and 10 professional and support staff serve approximately 1,700 domestic undergraduate students, 260 domestic graduate students, and 1,400 international students through campus, online, and international partnership programs. Guided by the university's "Forward Thinking. World Ready." philosophy, the College equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities necessary to succeed in a dynamic global economy.
One of four academic departments within the College, the Department of Management plays a vital role in delivering undergraduate and graduate business education. The department offers degree programs and certificates through on-campus, online, and global partnership pathways while also supporting core BBA and MBA curricula.
Faculty combine academic expertise and professional experience to prepare students to think strategically, lead effectively, and succeed in a dynamic business environment. The department is committed to innovation, workforce relevance, and continuous improvement and is well-positioned to expand its impact through curricular innovation, industry engagement, student success initiatives, and new program development.
Living in the Area
Located in the heart of western Kansas, Hays offers an exceptional quality of life with affordable housing, short commute times, excellent healthcare, and a powerful sense of community. Home to approximately 20,000 residents, Hays serves as the region's economic, educational, healthcare, and cultural hub, providing many of the amenities of a larger city while maintaining the accessibility and friendliness of a close-knit community.
Residents enjoy a cost of living well below the national average, highly regarded schools, diverse dining and shopping options, and abundant recreational opportunities. The community features an extensive network of parks, trails, athletic facilities, golf courses, and aquatic amenities, while nearby lakes, state parks, and wildlife areas offer opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, hunting, and outdoor recreation.
Hays Regional Airport offers daily commercial air service, and the community is conveniently located along Interstate 70, providing easy access to destinations throughout Kansas and the Midwest.
Learn more about the area here: Visit Hays
To Apply
For full consideration, please apply by September 9, 2026.
Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.
Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.
Inquiries and questions: Please send to FHSUChairMgt@acecrsh.com.
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee's name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.
Institutional Information
Notice of Non-discrimination: FHSU is committed to providing equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, employment, services, and activities in compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws. FHSU prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression), age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its programs, activities, admissions, or employment.
Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.
Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.