Professor & Department Chair, David L Payne Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

Hiring Department

The David L Payne Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer
Science, University of Missouri, Columbia

Job Description

The University of
Missouri (Mizzou) and Mizzou Engineering
invite nominations and applications for Chair of the
David
L. Payne Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer
Science (EECS).

The future of engineering and computing is being rewritten—and the
next chair of Mizzou's David L. Payne Department of Electrical
Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) has an extraordinary
opportunity to help shape what comes next. Spanning electrical
engineering, computer engineering, computer science, information
technology, and data science, EECS brings together expertise in
fields transforming industry and society—from AI and quantum
technologies to cybersecurity, geospatial intelligence,
bioinformatics, and energy. With substantial research strengths,
interdisciplinary partnerships, and institutional investment, the
department is poised to play a defining role in advancing Mizzou
Engineering's strategic
vision to Educate Future Leaders, Drive Engineering Impact, and
Foster Engineering Connections.

At the convergence of rapid technological change and historic
investment, EECS has an opportunity to reimagine its academic
programs, strengthen student success, and develop pathways aligned
with tomorrow's workforce. David L. Payne's transformational $50
million gift is supporting a comprehensive renovation of EECS’s
home (Naka Hall), significant laboratory and equipment investments,
and a departmental endowment. The University's Payne Energy Innovation Center ,
which will house EECS faculty and research activities, further
expands these possibilities. Together with
Mizzou Forward and major research initiatives—including the

Center for Geospatial Intelligence , Mizzou AERI , Quantum
Innovation Center , and MUMSEI —these investments provide
a powerful platform to accelerate discovery, strengthen research
and faculty capacity, and elevate EECS's national prominence.

EECS serves approximately 1,000 undergraduate and 220 graduate
students across five undergraduate and seven graduate programs.
EECS faculty include 32 tenure and tenure-track and 10 non-tenure
track members, with many nationally recognized as fellows of AAAS,
IEEE, AIMBE, AMIA, and other professional societies. The department
averaged approximately $14 million in annual research expenditures
over the past five years—the highest in the College. .

The next chair will turn this momentum into lasting impact. Working
with faculty, staff, and College leadership, this individual will
advance a shared vision, revitalize academic programs, strengthen
research, recruit and develop exceptional faculty, and translate
institutional investments into enduring excellence. Mizzou seeks an
accomplished scholar and proven academic leader with the
imagination to see what EECS can become, the conviction to navigate
difficult choices, and the ability to inspire others to realize
that vision.

Mizzou is the flagship university of the four-campus University
of Missouri System and one of the most comprehensive universities
in the United States. Mizzou is a member of the prestigious AAU
(Association of American Universities) and is designated as a
Carnegie R1 and Land-Grant University. It prioritizes
interdisciplinary collaboration, creativity, and investments in
hands-on learning to prepare students to become professionals who
transform lives locally and globally. It is home to numerous major
research centers and the world’s first journalism school. The
University is also one of only six public universities in the
country with schools or colleges of engineering, medicine,
veterinary medicine, agriculture, arts and science, law, and a
powerful research reactor all on one campus; MURR is the largest
university-based nuclear research reactor in the United States.
Mizzou is centrally located in Columbia, Missouri, a place
consistently ranked as one of America’s best places to
live.

Departmental Priorities

• Renew EECS education for a changing world. Lead an

evidence-based evolution of the department’s programs in response
to AI, shifting career opportunities, and changing student
expectations.

• Strengthen research and faculty capacity. Leverage

faculty talents and MU’s vibrant interdisciplinary ecosystem to
grow funded research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and graduate
education. Advance strategic faculty recruitment and development,
partnering with center directors to translate research priorities
into high-impact initiatives.

• Build a shared departmental vision. Engage faculty and

staff in setting and advancing a shared direction aligned with
College and university priorities. Cultivate a culture of trust,
collaboration, mentoring, and accountability that values faculty
input and drives progress.

• Leverage investments to advance EECS. Shape academic and

research priorities through Naka Hall’s renovation, laboratory
investments, and stewardship of endowed resources. Align facilities
planning with departmental goals and advance EECS’s role in the
Payne Energy Innovation
Center .

• Forge partnerships for greater impact. Champion deeper

ties with industry, government, alumni, and philanthropic partners
to accelerate research, inform curricula, strengthen student career
pathways, and attract resources.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute a shared EECS strategy, engaging faculty,

staff, and College leadership while using data and measurable goals
to drive progress.

• Recruit, retain, and develop outstanding tenure-track and

non-tenure-track faculty; strengthen mentoring and professional
growth for faculty and staff.

• Champion academic excellence through curricular innovation,

effective teaching, and student success.

• Advance research and graduate education through high-impact

scholarship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and external
funding.

• Steward departmental resources, including personnel, budgets,

facilities, and instructional capacity, with integrity and
strategic focus.

• Build and empower an effective leadership team, fostering

communication, shared purpose, and accountability.

• Advocate for EECS across Mizzou and beyond, cultivating

industry, government, alumni, and philanthropic partnerships
alongside College leaders.

• Guide academic and research planning for Naka Hall’s renovation

and related facilities transitions, aligning investments with
departmental priorities.

• Oversee ABET accreditation for applicable undergraduate degree

programs.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Doctorate in electrical engineering, computer engineering,

computer science, or a closely related field.

• Academic accomplishments that merit an appointment at the rank

of Full Professor.

Candidates will be evaluated on

• Demonstrated ability to set direction, mobilize people, and

achieve improvements in programs, research, or organizational
performance.

• Scholarly accomplishments, a strong record of externally funded

research, and the academic credibility to lead and champion a
research-intensive department.

• Ability to lead across electrical engineering, computing, and

related disciplines while recognizing their distinct educational
and research missions and opportunities for collaboration.

• A forward-looking perspective on emerging technologies, coupled

with the ability to translate shifts in technology, student demand,
and workforce needs into academic and research opportunities.

• Integrity, courage, and outstanding communication skills, with

the ability to listen, build trust, navigate disagreement, and
follow through.

• A record of developing faculty and staff, building effective

teams, and managing people and resources to advance shared
priorities.

• A strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate student

success and to the teaching, research, and public-service mission
of an AAU, R1, land-grant university.

Application Materials

Applications should include:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement
• Teaching Statement
• Reference Checks will be completed for finalists

Application Deadline

The position will be open until filled

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship may be available for this
position.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and
a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests.
Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its
location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and
travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia
is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple
hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone
County’s largest population center offering big-city culture,
activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is
home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts
more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your
career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire,
Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your
total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits
package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement,
and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For
additional information on University benefits, please visit the
Faculty & Staff Benefits website at
https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an
Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of
Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

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