Department Head of Computer Science and Neal Pendergraft Leadership Endowed Chair

Department Head of Computer Science and Neal Pendergraft Leadership Endowed Chair

Company: University of Arkansas at Fort Smith

Job Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas

Category: Computer Science

Type: Full-Time

AGB Search is pleased to assist the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) in the search for the Department Head and Neal Pendergraft Leadership Endowed Chair in Computer Science. The selected individual will be appointed at the rank of full Professor. As one of the Five Pillars of Excellence identified in the 2023–28 UAFS Strategic Plan, Computer and Data Science are primed for expansion at the University and across the Arkansas River Valley. The Neal Pendergraft Leadership Endowed Chair is a distinguished faculty position established through philanthropic support to attract and retain an exceptional scholar and leader in the field.

The Department Head serves as the primary administrator and leader for the academic unit, reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Responsibilities include managing faculty, academic program development, budget oversight, and fostering strong industry and community engagement. The successful candidate will teach a 15-credit hour courseload during the 12-month contract year. The position will start July 1, 2026.

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Computer Science or a related discipline from an accredited institution and have at least three years of demonstrated leadership experience. A strong scholarly record commensurate with appointment as a full professor, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to first-generation and non-traditional learners are required. The salary will be commensurate with education and experience with a minimum of $120,000 plus benefits.

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is a dynamic, mid-sized public university offering over 70 academic programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Fort Smith, Arkansas’s third largest city, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty along the Arkansas River, with a welcoming community and thriving downtown.

A complete Leadership Profile with additional information may be found here.

Nominations and Applications

AGB Search is pleased to assist the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith with this leadership search.

Applications for the Department Head will be received and considered until the position is filled. Applications must include the following:

1. A letter of interest addressing the qualifications and responsibilities identified in the profile;
2. Resume or curriculum vitae, and
3. The contact information (email address and phone number) for five professional references, including their relationship to the candidate. References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the candidate.

To apply to the position, upload materials to the University of Arkansas System Career Site. Please do not submit materials to the AGB Search consultants.

Nominations and expressions of interest in the position of the Department Head and Neal Pendergraft Leadership Endowed Chair are encouraged. Please direct them to UAFSCompScience@agbsearch.com or to the AGB search consultants listed below.

Concetta M. Stewart, PhD
Principal
AGB Search
Concetta.stewart@agbsearch.com
908.341.2178

Jerome A. “Jerry” Gilbert, PhD
Executive Search Consultant
AGB Search
jerry.gilbert@agbsearch.com
662.769.1021