Department: School of Criminal Justice

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: 8-5 M-F occasional weekends and/or evenings

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

Wichita State University invites applications for a visionary scholar–practitioner to lead its historic School of Criminal Justice, established in 1934—the second-oldest program of its kind in the nation. The School offers robust undergraduate and graduate programs in Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, and Forensic Science, including newly launched M.S. degrees in Forensic Biology and Forensic Firearms. Online modalities are available for several programs, including the BS in Criminal Justice, BS in Homeland Security, and the MA in Criminal Justice.

The Director will provide strategic, academic, and operational leadership to advance the School’s mission, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthen partnerships with federal and local law enforcement agencies. The role includes oversight of curriculum development, accreditation efforts (including FEPAC), faculty mentoring, and engagement with the WSU Midwest Criminal Justice Institute and other stakeholders.

This 12-month appointment as Director of the School of Criminal Justice will be at the professor or associate professor rank with tenure, depending on credentials and experience. The Director of the School will collaborate with the Director of Forensic Sciences to lead efforts for WSU forensic sciences programs to become fully accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). We are especially interested in candidates with experience in working with external partners, in addition to academic leadership. Applicants should be capable of establishing and sustaining an active research program that engages undergraduate and graduate students in the various areas of criminal justice, including forensic science programs. The Director reports to the Dean of the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Wichita State University, located in the Air Capital of the World, is a leading urban research institution with a dynamic Innovation Campus, a 120 acre hub that has earned the prestigious 2023 Emerging Research Park Award. It features more than 50 industry partners, including heavyweights in law enforcement, aviation, and defense such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Wichita Police Department, Sedgwick County Sheriff, Airbus, Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, and the Department of Defense via the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). WSU is the only public university in the nation with an onsite facility for the ATF.

Through strategic alignment with industry partners WSU faculty and students have unparalleled access to cutting edge research facilities, including on campus labs for the ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center, NNCTC II-NIBIN correlation, Wichita Crime Gun Intelligence Center (WCGIC), and ATF National Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory. These assets provide opportunities for students and faculty to foster ongoing collaboration with federal agencies, industry, and DOD initiatives.

WSU offers a unique combination: a nationally recognized criminal justice legacy, direct access to prestigious law enforcement and defense partners, and a catalytic Innovation Campus that bridges classroom, lab, and field. We invite forward thinking leaders to join us in guiding the next wave of criminal justice education, research, and interagency impact.

Job Duties

Strategic Leadership & Administration
• Develop and implement strategic plans for academic programs, research initiatives, and community engagement.
• Lead accreditation efforts for forensic science programs through FEPAC.
• Oversee program reviews to ensure academic quality and resource efficiency.
• Manage budgets, staffing, and operational planning for the School.
• Cultivate relationships with law enforcement, forensic labs, and federal agencies.
Academic & Research Leadership
• Teach undergraduate or graduate courses in criminal justice or forensic science.
• Mentor faculty and students; promote inclusive excellence and student success.
• Secure external funding for research and applied learning initiatives.
• Support faculty development and interdisciplinary collaboration.
External Engagement & Innovation
• Serve as liaison to the Midwest Criminal Justice Institute and other partners.
• Establish and maintain constructive relationships with community and external stakeholders.
• Promote applied learning through internships, field placements, and research labs.
• Advance innovation through alignment with WSU’s Innovation Campus and federal partners.

Faculty Requirements

• Earned PhD in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, forensic science, or a closely related field.
• Research and teaching experience in criminal justice, forensic science, or criminology.
• Record of excellence in teaching, research, and service in higher education.
• Credentials commensurate with appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor with tenure.
• Leadership experience in academic or professional settings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Commitment to fostering an environment in which all students, faculty, staff, and community partners feel welcome, valued, supported, and engaged.
• Ability to secure external funding.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with a broad pool of students and colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with FEPAC (Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission) or similar accreditation processes.
• Proven success in launching or expanding academic programs.
• Experience with curriculum design and assessment.
• Familiarity with law enforcement training standards and public safety education.
• Background in interdisciplinary or applied research involving criminal justice systems.

Additional Information:

To apply to this position, please complete the Faculty Profile including the names and contact information for three (3) professional references and be prepared to upload the following documents:

1. Cover letter describing interest in position, leadership philosophy, teaching philosophy, and area of research expertise
2. Curriculum Vitae

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position – Frequent 60-90%; Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators – Frequent 60-90%