College of Arts and Sciences
Professor and Chair - Tenured
World Languages and Literatures

The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) seeks an innovative, visionary, and inclusive leader to chair the Department of World Languages and Literatures. This position begins in Fall 2026. We welcome applications from scholars and educators from all areas of the discipline of World Languages and Literatures.

A PhD with a specialization in Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese or a comparable field is required, with preference given to candidates able to teach an additional language.

The successful candidate will enhance departmental efforts to promote student success through mentorship and innovative pedagogies, including proficiency-based learning and preparation for careers. Additionally, the candidate will work to increase student enrollment in the department’s major, minor, and certificate programs. Essential proficiencies for this position include supervision and mentorship of both faculty and professional staff and the ability to manage budget models to achieve department and university goals. We seek a leader who communicates effectively; advocates for each of the languages and programs represented in the department; builds strategic relationships throughout the university and the local and larger community; and works collaboratively with all stakeholders to develop visionary initiatives.

The successful candidate will demonstrate effective leadership experience. They will have a proven track record of effective service, teaching and mentorship, and a distinguished record of scholarly excellence that is consistent with appointment at the rank of Full Professor with tenure. Effective leadership includes demonstrating a collaborative leadership style; engaging with colleagues within and beyond the department; communicating with transparency and clarity; identifying emerging department priorities; engaging in strategic planning and implementation; supporting faculty teaching, research, and creative activity; managing enrollment; and fostering growth in undergraduate programs and beyond.

The Department of World Languages and Literatures (DWLL) hosted the first International Symposium on Languages for Specific Purposes in 2012 and offers the only Spanish for Specific Purposes Certificate in Alabama and the Southeast. The DWLL has major tracks in both Applied Professional and Traditional Spanish and is the only department in the state with a major track in Japanese. The UAB DWLL was the first university department in Alabama to offer the Global Seal of Biliteracy proficiency rating to its students and now serves as a local test site to administer this proficiency credential.

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is home to 19 academic departments and six Centers and Institutes. Our 19 departments — home to over 300 full-time faculty and more than 58 baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees — make us the largest academic entity in the UAB academic enterprise. We are home to research centers, community outreach programs, and interdisciplinary cooperation.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a research university and academic health center that discovers, teaches, and applies knowledge for the intellectual, cultural, social, and economic benefit of Birmingham, the state, and beyond. UAB is internationally renowned for its intensely collaborative culture that has — for more than five decades — produced breakthroughs in education, health care, research, and service. UAB was ranked #1 in the United States for 2018 and 2019 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Young University Rankings. In 2021, Forbes named UAB as America’s No. 1 Best Large Employer, topping a list of more than 500 public and private corporations, hospitals, universities, Fortune 500 companies and more, across dozens of industries. Most recently, UAB earned the distinction of being named to the 2025 Great Colleges to Work For Honor Roll.

Spanning more than 100 city blocks, UAB is the state of Alabama’s largest single employer with over 28,000 employees and has an annual, state-wide economic impact of $12.1 billion. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 “America’s Best Graduate Schools” ranks 16 UAB graduate programs among the nation’s top 25 and eight UAB specialties were ranked among the nation’s top 50 in the magazine’s 2022-2023 Best Hospitals report. UAB received $774.5 million in research grants and extramural awards for the 12-month period ending Sept. 30, 2023, an 8.2 percent increase from fiscal year 2022, according to data from its Office of Sponsored Programs. This milestone marks a $247.5 million increase in funding over the past five years and a 73 percent growth over the past nine years. Within the $774.5 million record, $413.7 million came from National Institutes of Health awards, keeping UAB in the top 1 percent of all NIH-funded institutions, including private, public and international organizations. Furthermore, all six of UAB’s health-related schools are in the top 15 public universities in NIH funding in FY 2022.

All applications should include the following documents: (1) a cover letter that specifically addresses your qualifications, (2) current CV, (3) a statement articulating your leadership experience and philosophy, and (4) the names and contact information for three professional references outside the UAB Department of World Languages and Literatures.

Applications received by December 1, 2025, will receive full consideration. Please follow this link to apply: https://uab.peopleadmin.com/postings/26442.

Nondiscrimination Statement: UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.

Pre-employment Background Check: A pre-employment background check investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.