Job Description

The School of Computer Science (CS), housed within the Gallogly College of Engineering (GCoE), at the University of Oklahoma (OU) invites applications for their next Director. OU seeks an accomplished leader to collaborate with faculty to advance a strong vision for elevating the School’s research and education mission and fostering collaboration within the School and across the OU campuses to meet the growing need for computational sciences in many areas. The current strategic focus areas in CS are high-performance computing, artificial intelligence/machine learning, computational biology, computer science education, computational meteorology, cybersecurity, computer networking, human-centered computing, and robotics.

The School of Computer Science offers ABET-accredited B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. programs. The School currently has 27 regular faculty members with a significant number of junior faculty members. The student enrollment consists of approximately 800 undergraduate students and 140 graduate students. The total research expenditures last year were $5.3 million, 16 percent higher than the previous year. A significant investment by OU in Computer Science is anticipated to promote substantial growth in the next few years.

The College of Engineering has 190 faculty, 4500 students in 7 schools. The college is on an aggressive growth trajectory: faculty numbers are up over 70% since 2017; incoming students have increased by 45% since 2020; and research expenditures have increased by 150% since 2020. Several new innovative programs support student pathways into the college, and numerous advanced programs prepare students for the workforce and graduate school. The college is expanding its footprint with a new building breaking ground, a second new building funded, and a third new building in the planning phases, with several significant renovations underway as well. The CS director will play a strong role in influencing overall college strategy, investments, and direction.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

The University of Oklahoma is a Carnegie-R1 comprehensive public research university known for excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement, serving the educational, cultural, economic and health-care needs of the state, region, and nation from three campuses: the main campus in Norman, the Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, and the Schusterman Center in Tulsa. OU enrolls over 30,000 students and has more than 2,700 full-time faculty members.

More students than ever are choosing OU, with the last four years seeing record-breaking freshman classes. With nearly 5,600 students, the Class of 2028’s size represents a 20% increase over the last two years. The class is breaking other university records, with the highest number of first-generation college students and the most Oklahoma residents of any other incoming class.

OU’s research momentum continues to accelerate, reaching a record $411 million in externally funded research awarded. The OU research enterprise has achieved an average 12% annual growth rate for awards over the last four years, and OU ranks among the top 8% of research universities nationally.

The historic merger in 2021 to create OU Health has brought immense benefits to the state and its people. As Oklahoma’s first comprehensive academic health system, OU Health is delivering world-class health care, training tomorrow’s health professionals, and meeting the toughest medical challenges with pioneering research and innovation.

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center remains Oklahoma’s only national cancer institute-designated cancer center, standing at the forefront of cancer research and treatment. In April 2024, OU announced that it will bring NCI-level cancer care to thousands more Oklahomans by expanding the Stephenson Cancer Center to Tulsa. Plans are in motion to build a state-of-the-art facility at OU-Tulsa, with an anticipated opening in June 2027.

Supporting Oklahoma’s workforce is another key priority of the Strategic Plan, and OU has significantly expanded enrollment in several key academic areas to support workforce demands. Nursing has seen its annual number of graduates more than double. Across all Health Sciences academic programs, fall 2024 new student enrollment is up 18% compared to two years ago. OU has also expanded its top-ranked aviation program to meet growing workforce demands, with enrollment in the School of Aviation more than doubling in just two years. The OU Polytechnic Institute at OU-Tulsa welcomed its inaugural class in fall 2024. OUPI combines cutting-edge curriculum in critical STEM fields with on-site training, equipping graduates to transform Oklahoma industries and fuel economic prosperity.

An abundance of other successes have come to life since the Strategic Plan’s introduction in July, 2020 – the announcement of a historic $2 billion fundraising campaign, a continued focus on balancing excellence with affordability, the addition of premier freshman housing, entering the South Eastern Conference (SEC), and more. In spring 2024, OU embarked on a Strategic Plan refresh to ensure this roadmap continues to evolve to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world while still serving the distinct needs of the OU community. Learn more about the details of the Strategic Plan, “Lead On, University.”

LEADERSHIP

Dean John Klier, Ph.D., joined OU in July of 2020 as Dean of the Gallogly College of Engineering and professor in the School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering. Before that, he was at UMass Amherst where he served as professor and department head of Chemical Engineering for 5 years. Previously, he spent 25 years at The Dow Chemical Company in technology and technical management roles.

In 2014, he was named Distinguished Fellow, the highest technical position at Dow. Dr. Klier is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Inventors and several professional organizations.

NORMAN AND OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA

The third-largest city in the state, Norman, Oklahoma is a classic college town filled with excitement and the energy of its 115,000 residents. With both a small-town feel and big-city resources, Norman has a thriving local music scene and plenty of local shops and eateries. Boasting outstanding schools, amenities, and a low cost of living, Norman is a perennial contender on the "Best Places to Live" rankings.

Oklahoma City is only 30 minutes from Norman and is a hub of entertainment. Many OKC restaurants, concert venues, movie theaters, and shopping districts are popular with OU faculty and students. Bricktown entertainment district is home to numerous dining and nightlife options and other attractions. Sports fans who can’t get their fill from Sooner sports alone can cheer on the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Oklahoma City Comets, a minor-league affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. For those passionate about the arts, visit the Oklahoma City Ballet, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, or the Paseo Arts District. Other popular OKC features include the Myriad Botanical Gardens, Plaza District, and Wheeler Park.

For more helpful information regarding OU and Norman, please visit: https://www.ou.edu/facultyrecruitment.

ABOUT THE GALLOGLY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

The Gallogly College of Engineering (GCoE) is organized into seven schools (https://www.ou.edu/coe/academics/degree-programs) with each School offering one or more undergraduate degree programs, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees:

• Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering and Environmental Science
• Computer Science
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Engineering Physics
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering
• Sustainable Chemical Biological and Materials Engineering

In addition, the Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering is in the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Graduate instruction and research in computer science began in 1969 at the University of Oklahoma with the creation of a unit called Information and Computing Sciences. This unit was under the direct supervision of the Provost until 1972, when it became part of the College of Engineering. An undergraduate program in computer science was added in 1976, and computer science became an integral part of the School of Electrical Engineering, which was later renamed as the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The first MS degree in computer science was awarded in 1972, the first PhD in 1973, and the first undergraduate degree in 1979-80.

In 1992, the School of Computer Science was formed with nine faculty members. Since its creation, the School of Computer Science has grown to 27 faculty, 25 of whom are tenured/tenure track. Each faculty member has expertise in emerging research areas, with the goal of continued growth of the School’s research program and quality of instruction. The School continues to recruit top undergraduate and graduate students and encourage the development of its students’ research interests.

Beginning with the Spring 2010 semester, Computer Science moved operations to Devon Energy Hall. The five-story, 103,000-square-foot Devon Energy Hall has some of the latest technological advancements in its classrooms, team rooms, teaching labs, and research space, providing the best for students today and tomorrow.

The Mission of the School of Computer Science is to generate and disseminate durable knowledge within and around the rapidly evolving discipline of computer science by:

• Educating bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree candidates in Computer Science.
• Contributing to the education of degree candidates in related fields, including mathematics, meteorology, computer engineering, industrial and systems engineering, and electrical engineering.
• Generating knowledge in theoretical and applied topics within and around Computer Science and disseminating the results.
• Contributing to professional societies within and around Computer Science.
• Producing graduates who are highly sought by industry, government and universities.

The School of Computer Science provides a broad and flexible undergraduate curriculum. In addition to a standard Bachelor of Science degree, the School offers qualified undergraduate students an accelerated dual degree (BS, MS) program. The program allows students to pursue a graduate degree in conjunction with the undergraduate degree requirements. Also, the School of Computer Science, in cooperation with the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, offers a dual degree program in which the BS degree is in Computer Engineering and the MS degree is in Computer Science.

The Master of Science degree is designed for those wishing to improve their professional competence or to prepare for work toward a doctoral degree.

The Online Master of Science in Computer Science degree is designed for those wishing to improve their professional competence or to prepare for work toward a doctoral degree. This degree program requires 12 courses totaling 33 credit hours. A thesis is not required.

The Doctoral Degree Program aims to prepare and develop professionals capable of conducting and directing research within the discipline of computer science. This degree program requires a minimum of three years of full-time study beyond the bachelor’s degree that can be completed with a minimum of 45 hours of coursework and a minimum of 30 hours of dissertation research, for a combined total of 90 hours.

The School of Computer Science’s research programs cover many exciting areas. Each of these research areas brings a unique perspective and expertise to the School of Computer Science, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and technology in their respective areas of focus. Focus research areas include:

• Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
• Bioinformatics / Computational Biology / Neuroscience
• Computer Science Education
• Computer Science Theory
• Computational Meteorology
• Computer Networking
• Computer Security
• Databases
• High-Performance Computing
• Human Centered Computing

ROLE OF THE DIRECTOR, SCHOOL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

The Director of Computer Science will join the School during a period of substantial growth. The Director will continue to elevate the School’s research profile, create innovative programs, and enhance the visibility of the School of Computer Science nationally and internationally. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of Computer Science as a vibrant, growing school that is an integral part of the College of Engineering and the University of Oklahoma. Serving as an academic thought partner and leader, the Director will play a crucial role in mentoring junior faculty, as well as graduate and undergraduate students, taking the School’s research, ranking, and visibility to new heights and inspiring innovative program development.

The next Director of the School of Computer Science will benefit from the School’s and College’s excellent reputation while also facing a number of opportunities and challenges that call for an entrepreneurial mindset and deep experience with academic leadership. The primary items on the agenda for the new Director include the following:

Lead the faculty in creating a shared vision for the future of the School of Computer Science. Working closely with faculty and staff, the Director will create an inclusive strategic vision that provides a clear direction for the future of the School and its place on the local, national, and global stage. The Director serves as the most important leader in this effort, as the key advocate of the School of Computer Science, in various internal and external contexts. The next Director will have the opportunity to raise the School’s profile and ranking within the University of Oklahoma and among global organizations, leaders, and scholars.

Expand and improve the School’s research profile and research domains, including opportunities for undergraduate and graduate research. The Director will work closely with faculty and students to identify funding sources to continue building the school’s research capacity, including support from federal agencies, corporations, and other funding sources. The Director will seek new external partnerships while continuing to build upon existing partnerships with foundations and other organizations for students’ teaching, research, and job opportunities and internships. The Director will set ambitious expectations and support faculty to foster a strong interdisciplinary research agenda within the College and engage in productive collaborations with colleagues across campus, e.g., with the OU Health Sciences.

Optimize enrollment and retention. The success of the school depends on effective, strategic enrollment management. The Director will actively work with college and university leaders to leverage strengths and develop strategies for the growth and strengthening of the student body, especially graduate students, through impactful outputs of students, effective marketing, recruiting globally representative students, and increasing rates of persistence.

Recruit, develop, and retain talented faculty. The Director will provide leadership for faculty and staff hiring and mentoring to ensure that faculty and staff achieve their full potential. The Director will devote considerable time and attention to identifying, recruiting, retaining, and supporting a talented group of as many as 10-11 faculty in the next two years who either are or will be leaders in the field of computer science.

Collaborate with the campus community to ensure that the School of Computer Science continues to be an engaged partner within the University community. By building bridges to other schools and colleges, the Director will provide and support new opportunities for the School of Computer Science faculty and students, who will benefit from exposure to leading-edge knowledge in other areas. The Director will also reach across the University to develop multi-disciplinary research and dual-degree programs that enhance the School of Computer Science’s work.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time position that will be performed on-site in Oklahoma. Salary commensurate with experience with a generous benefits package.

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Computer Science or a closely related field. The Director must have experience with the student body through excellence in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses and mentoring undergraduate, M.S. and Ph.D. students in the School of Computer Science, and demonstrate a commitment to the importance of education.

The successful candidate should have a strong record of peer-reviewed publications with a research focus in CS, and significant external research funding, particularly from competitive sources such as NSF, NIH and DoD that are commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to create and sustain a thriving research environment; evidence of facilitating faculty collaborations and supporting the research success of others is essential.

The Director should have experience of proven professional visibility and the ability to engage with both internal and external stakeholders, a successful track record in fundraising, increasing institutional visibility, and building industry partnerships.

Candidates should embody the following:

• Integrity;
• A growth mindset with a commitment to maintaining a strong commitment to quality;
• Excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service to the University, community, and society;
• Dedication to cultivating and enhancing collaborative relationships with faculty, students, andstaff and valuing others’ contributions; and,
• Well-developed communication and listening skills.

In addition, preference is given to candidates who demonstrate:

• Familiarity with the opportunities and challenges of modern academics and research at a R1institution and demonstrated experience in embracing emerging trends in an evolvingenvironment;
• Vision for advancing computer science education;
• Connection to industry and experience in industrial leadership;
• Commitment to supporting the mentorship of students and junior faculty as they pursueacademic careers as well as promotion and tenure;
• Commitment to the University’s mission and values; and,
• An ability to contribute to fostering an inclusive culture in all aspects of faculty responsibility,including within the classroom, the academic community, and within their professionalcommunities.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS

Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, please submit (1) a cover letter describing your leadership experience, faculty mentorship and research collaboration experience and experience engaging with a variety of stakeholders, (2) your curriculum vita, and (3) a list of at least three references electronically and in confidence, at the following link: https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/21815.

Confidential nominations or referrals should be directed to: [email protected].