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Palmer Department Chair, Electrical and Computer Engineering

About Iowa State University

• Iowa State University is a very special place, full of history. But what truly makes Iowa State unique is a rare combination of campus beauty, the opportunity to be a part of the land-grant experiment, and the progressive and inventive spirit of the Cyclone experience.

The first class graduated in 1872. Iowa State established the nation's first state veterinary medicine school in 1879. In 1959, the college was officially renamed Iowa State University of Science and Technology.

In addition to being classified as a Carnegie Foundation Doctoral/Research University – Extensive, Iowa State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top public universities in the nation. Over 31,000 students are enrolled and are served by over 6,200 faculty and staff. Committed to its land-grant mission, the University is organized into eight colleges, including the Graduate College. The University provides a broad array of academic degree programs, including more than 100 bachelor degree programs, one Professional degree (the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine offered through the College of Veterinary Medicine), over 100 masters programs, over 80 Ph.D. programs, and over 60 certificate programs. In FY 25, Iowa State secured $329.9 million in external research funding.

The University’s strategic planis based upon four pillars: innovative solutions, education experience, community engagement, and knowledge & discovery. Intersected and interwoven throughout the pillars are its land-grant university hallmarks of teaching, research, service, and extension. Most importantly, the pillars give structure and direction on how the university will make a difference for its state and world in the years ahead.

Our Mission

Iowa State University will create, share, and apply knowledge to make our students, Iowa, and the world better.

Our Vision

Iowa State University will advance the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

Our Values

Iowa State University embraces the values of our Principals of Community.  Respect, Purpose, Cooperation, Richness of Diversity, Freedom from Discrimination, Honest and Respectful Expression of Ideas, and the values of Access, Excellence, and Integrity.

Academics

More opportunities. More possibilities. More potential. With more than 100 majors in six undergraduate colleges to choose from, students can customize their academic journey to maximize their impact in the world. From the first step on campus, they will be surrounded by world-renowned professors, resume-building opportunities, and state-of-the-art facilities.

Iowa State University offers graduate study in more than 250 graduate programs. Choose a full or part-time master's or doctoral degree, a campus-based or online master’s degree, or even a certificate. For those who need to enhance your credentials with additional coursework, or simply interested in taking a class or two, a non-degree-seeking option can be considered. Students can discover and learn within small groups of peers and faculty in classes, seminars, labs, studios, and internship opportunities.

ISU Campus and Ames, Iowa

Fun things to do and endless places to visit. Unique shops and delicious dining. Concerts and performances featuring renowned and up-and-coming names. Iowa State University and the city of Ames offer a perfect blend of arts, culture and entertainment with a stunning backdrop no matter the season – spring, summer, fall, and winter. Whether you're exploring campus or the Ames community, beauty and wonder are around every corner.

University Museums encompasses two art museums, a National Historic Landmark historic home museum, a sculpture garden, and one of the largest campus public art collections in the nation. Enjoy world-class exhibitions with educational programming, a permanent collection of more than 30,000 objects, and a commitment to diversity in the growing Art on Campus collection.

From the Wall Street Journal to Forbes Magazine, the city of Ames continually ranks among America's best cities to live, work, play, and, of course, go to college. From live music and shopping to outdoor activities and arts and culture, there is something for everyone in Ames.

About the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECpE) Department

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is home to world-class faculty, state-of-the-art research facilities, and nationally recognized academic programs. The department offers ABET-accredited undergraduate programs in electrical engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, and cybersecurity engineering, as well as MEng, MS, and PhD degrees in electrical, computer, and cybersecurity engineering. The department is comprised of 44 full-time tenured/tenure-track faculty, 12 non-tenure eligible teaching faculty and 6 non-tenure eligible research faculty, 29 staff members, and approximately 1727 undergraduate and 322 graduate students. Departmental annual research expenditures were in excess of $18.5 million in 2025. With a strong culture of innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry partnership, the department leads transformative work in power and energy systems, cybersecurity, communications, controls, and emerging technologies. ECpE supports a vibrant community of students, researchers, and industry partners committed to solving real-world challenges and advancing the technologies that power our future.

About the College of Engineering

The Iowa State University College of Engineering offers prestigious programs that inspire future engineering leaders, pursue groundbreaking research, transform technology to make a difference, and create solutions that make Iowa and the world a better place. Engineering is the largest college on campus with more than 8,600 students, 540 faculty and staff, 15 undergraduate majors, 20 doctoral and 25 master’s degree programs, multiple research centers and programs, and 13 state-of-the-art buildings that comprise the engineering complex. The College of Engineering consists of eight departments with annual research expenditure exceeding $130 million.For more information about our department’s engineering program, see www.ece.iastate.edu.

The Role

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECpE), in the College of Engineering at Iowa State University (ISU), invites applications for the Palmer Department Chair position. The endowed department chair will be responsible for the scope and effectiveness of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department's teaching, research, and outreach efforts.

Candidates are expected to have an exemplary record of achievement in teaching, research, and service at a level sufficient to qualify for appointment as a tenured Professor. They will have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, proven professional leadership record, strong communication and team-building skills, and the ability to lead others by fostering a collegial environment. They must be committed to the department’s outreach activities and interactions with external stakeholders, and they must motivate others toward a shared vision. An appreciation for university-industry collaborations, technology transfer, and intellectual property management will be treated as an asset. We seek a dynamic and innovative leader with a bold vision for the future of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

The College of Engineering is committed to sustaining a collegial, positive, and productive environment for each individual and for the collective benefit of all. All faculty members are expected to exhibit and convey good citizenship within department, college, and university activities, interact collegially, and maintain the highest integrity and ethical behavior standards.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent qualifications in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or a closely related field
• Exemplary record of achievement in research, teaching, and service in a university, national laboratory, or industry at a level sufficient to qualify for appointment as a tenured Full Professor

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to lead others to execute a shared vision
• Budget and personnel management experience
• Experience in fundraising, donor cultivation, and stewardship
• Experience directing successful interdisciplinary programs in education and research

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by September 1, 2026.

The following documents are required to be submitted in PDF format:

• Letter of application that briefly discusses how you meet each of the preferred qualifications
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of leadership philosophy that includes your vision for the future of the department
• Contact information for at least three references, including name, current title and affiliation, mailing address, email address and phone number.

Buffkin / Baker, an executive search firm, is assisting the university in the search. Inquiries of interest, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to: Mr. Martin M. Baker, Managing Partner and Chelsie Whitelock, Associate Partner, Buffkin / Baker at isuecechair@buffkinbaker.com.

To learn more about this opportunity, please view the Full Leadership Profile. 

Why Choose Iowa State University?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

Retirement benefits, including defined benefits and defined contribution plans

• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.