Chair, Department of Business and Economics
Department of Business and Economics
The University of Virginia's College at Wise

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) invites nominations and applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Business and Economics. The Chair is a 12-month tenured position, responsible for the supervision, administration, and leadership of programs in Accounting, Business Administration, and Economics. This position represents a transformative opportunity to shape the future of the Department along with the College. The College recently adopted a new strategic plan built around five strategic pillars that will help the College strengthen its core curriculum; align mission, demand, and regional need; invest in faculty and staff recruitment and retention; attract, engage, and retain students; and update systems, policies, and processes at UVA Wise. The Chair of the Business and Economics Department is one of ten chairs from departments across the College that make up its Council of Chairs and who report directly to the Provost. This cross-institutional leadership team works with the Provost in developing long-range and strategic planning, academic policy development and management, and critical academic decisions.

The Department of Business and Economics is at a critical juncture with recent investments from the General Assembly to create an interdisciplinary program in Hospitality and Tourism Management that aligns with regional economic development efforts, particularly new investments by Hard Rock Corporation to build an entertainment district in Bristol, Virginia around a casino that opened in summer 2022 and a full-scale resort slated for opening in 2024. Also, under consideration by the department, is an overhaul of its curriculum to meet the changing needs of students and the opportunity to partner with a new program in data analytics. Further, as the relationship with the UVA main campus has strengthened over the past few years, including current MOUs with the McIntire School of Commerce and the Darden School of Business, the new chair will have the opportunity to work closely with colleagues in Charlottesville on shared initiatives.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The successful candidate will have demonstrated successful leadership in a business-related academic field. Of particular interest will be candidates with a background in or familiarity with hospitality and tourism management or closely related fields. The ideal candidate should also be a creative thinker, have a collaborative leadership style, and be committed to advancing equity and inclusion in the Department as well as across campus. The successful candidate will also possess:

• An explicit interest in UVA Wise’s student-centered and experiential learning mission and integrating its liberal arts curriculum with the Department’s professional education.
• An understanding of the programmatic and curriculum needs to prepare students for careers in Southwest Virginia in particular but nationally and globally as well.
• An understanding of the teaching and research requirements of faculty at a public liberal arts institution and the ability to lead and mentor both tenure-track and contingent faculty. A record of success in hiring and retaining productive faculty members.
• Ability to build on existing external relations with industry leaders and economic development teams in Southwest Virginia, particularly toward the goal of opening more internship potential for students.

Education and Experience
An earned doctorate in a business-related field with a record of teaching, research, and service appropriate for a full professor within the Department of Business and Economics. Candidates who demonstrate the experience and ability to oversee the development of a Hospitality and Tourism Management concentration and interdisciplinary minor will be of particular interest. A record of successful business and/or industry leadership will also be considered but the candidate must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the processes of an academic environment.

The Department of Business and Economics
The Department of Business and Economics is founded on a commitment to teaching excellence and continuous quality improvement. It guides and mentors its students to build the knowledge and skills they will need to become the next generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders of economic prosperity. The Department is comprised of 9 dedicated faculty members teaching courses in accounting, business computing, business education, business statistics, commercial law, economics, finance, marketing, strategy, and management. It currently offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees with majors in accounting, business administration, and economics as well as minors in accounting, business administration, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, and international business. About UVA Wise

A division of the University of Virginia and a member of the Council for Public Liberal Arts Colleges, The University of Virginia's College at Wise (UVA Wise) is an inspiring place to teach, learn, work, and call home. Through personalized attention and commitment to individual growth, UVA Wise prepares students to be engaged citizens. Drawing upon its foundation as a public liberal arts institution in the Appalachian region of Southwest Virginia, the College strives to build a diverse community of learners with the drive to serve and lead in their communities, the nation, and the world.

We offer access and affordability along with challenging academic work in the liberal arts tradition. The result is well-rounded graduates who earn fulfilling positions at leading organizations and pursue graduate study at prestigious institutions. And better yet, UVA Wise is consistently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation whose students graduate with a low average student loan debt.

UVA Wise Mission
Through excellence in teaching, personalized attention and commitment to individual growth, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise prepares students to be engaged citizens. Drawing upon its foundation as a public liberal arts institution in the Appalachian region of Virginia, the College strives to build a diverse community of learners with the drive to serve and lead in their communities, the nation, and the world.

UVA Wise Fast Facts

• Total Enrollment: 2,021
• 33 majors
• 39 minors
• 24 teaching licensures
• 13:1 student-faculty ratio
• Moderately selective and university admissions is offered on a rolling basis
• 82% recent bachelor’s recipients either employed or in graduate school
• All-Steinway School
• Apple Distinguished School of Honor
• Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

What makes UVA Wise one of the best public liberal arts colleges in the nation?

• Proven academics.
  While offering a variety of academic degrees, pre-professional study tracks, and teaching licensures, our leading liberal arts college maintains an impressive 13:1 student-faculty ratio.
• Dedication to reducing or eliminating student debt.
  Eighty percent of our students receive financial assistance, and 97 percent of our graduates are currently employed or seeking a higher degree.
• Thriving student life.
  With more than 50 student organizations, spirited NCAA athletic programs, and near-daily campus events, our students have many opportunities to get involved, grow as individuals and discover their passions.
• Picturesque campus.
  UVA Wise sits on an expansive 396-acre campus nestled amid the Appalachian Mountains, where students can experience unique cultural flavor as well as the great outdoors.

About Wise, VA
Home to some of the most scenic stretches of the Appalachian Trail, vital natural resources, local music and culture, and flourishing new industries, Southwest Virginia is a welcoming and growing region.

The College at Wise is located in Wise, Virginia, a small town with a rich history. The historic downtown is a short stroll from campus and features many locally owned shops and restaurants. Local farmer’s markets, summer movies in a downtown glade, and local festivals round out the variety of offerings in Wise. Just beyond Wise, you’ll find plenty to see and do, whether you love hiking, canoeing, and camping or shopping local boutiques and enjoying delicious food and drink with friends. Wise is located approximately an hour from the Tri-Cities region of northeastern Tennessee, which includes Bristol, Va./Tenn., home to both the Bristol Motor Speedway and the Birthplace of Country Music, the organization that hosts the internationally renowned Rhythm and Roots festival each year. The Tri-Cities region boasts an international airport, the Barter Theatre, South Holston Lake, and more amenities including a wide array of shopping, dining, arts, and cultural attractions, historic sites, outdoor adventures, and more!

Nomination and Application Process
Salary: Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

How to Apply:
Greenwood/Asher & Associates, LLC is assisting the University of Virginia at Wise in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. For a full application package, please submit a cover letter, CV, and list of five references. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and application materials should be directed to Greenwood/Asher & Associates. Submission of application materials as PDF attachments is strongly encouraged. The search will be conducted with a commitment to confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.

Please direct inquiries, nominations, and application materials to:
Jeremy Duff, Vice President, Executive Search, Greenwood/Asher & Associates
[email protected]

or

Shelley Feather, Senior Executive Search Consultant
[email protected]

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System and the University Physician’s Group and the College at Wise are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.

UVA Wise is committed to helping the campus community provide for their own safety and security. The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report containing information on campus security and personal safety, including alerts, fire safety, crime prevention tips, and crime statistics is available at www.uvawise.edu/ASR. A copy is available upon request by calling 01 (276) 328-0190 or 01 (276) 376-3451.The material presented in this leadership profile should be relied on for informational purposes only. This material has been copied, compiled, or quoted in part from UVA Wise documents and personal interviews and is believed to be reliable. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, the original source documents and factual situations govern.