BCAS - Department Chair in Theatre and Dance - 527687

Department/Organization
204271 - Theatre and Dance

Rank
Associate/Full Professor

Position Summary
The University of Alabama invites applications for the position of Chair in its Department of Theatre and Dance, beginning August 16, 2026. We seek a distinguished visionary leader and artist educator with strong administrative experience during a pivotal moment of growth and change, as the department opens the state-of-the-art Smith Family Center for the Performing Arts.

Detailed Position Information
The University of Alabama invites applications for the position of Chair in its Department of Theatre and Dance, beginning August 16, 2026. We seek a distinguished visionary leader and artist educator with strong administrative experience during a pivotal moment of growth and change, as the department opens the state-of-the-art Smith Family Center for the Performing Arts. The successful candidate will teach at the undergraduate and graduate level; pursue an active research agenda appropriate to candidate’s area of specialization; advocate for the department within the college and university; connect with and serve as an ambassador to the community; and represent the department at the national and international levels.

Once chosen, the candidate must be tenured in the College of Arts and Sciences at the rank of associate or full professor. Preferred qualifications: has a terminal degree in a relevant field; is familiar with innovative pedagogies in the arts and has experience managing curricular development; has a history of building lasting community relationships; demonstrates a successful track record of fundraising and resource development and exhibits a dedication to collaboration across multiple disciplines and entities.

Review of applications will begin November 24, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. To apply, submit a letter of application (specifically addressing how your training, qualifications, and experience meet the stated needs of the position), a detailed curriculum vitae, a statement of administrative philosophy, and a list of three to five references with contact information. Position queries should be directed to Professor Seth Panitch at spanitch@ua.edu.

Minimum Qualifications
MFA in Theatre or Dance

Preferred Qualifications
Ideal candidate has a terminal degree in a relevant field; is familiar with innovative pedagogies in the arts and has experience managing curricular development; has a history of building lasting community relationships; demonstrates a successful track record of fundraising and resource development and exhibits a dedication to collaboration across multiple disciplines and entities.

Instructions and Required Materials for Application
Review of applications will begin November 24, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. To apply, submit a letter of application (specifically addressing how your training, qualifications, and experience meet the stated needs of the position), a detailed curriculum vitae, a statement of administrative philosophy, and a list of three to five references with contact information. Position queries should be directed to Professor Seth Panitch at spanitch@ua.edu.

About the Division/College/School
The J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Alabama offers an exciting and dynamic environment for faculty seeking to make an impact in their field and in the lives of the innovators and changemakers of tomorrow.

As the largest college at The University, we house over 9,000 students and 1,000 faculty and staff across our 22 departments.

With nationally recognized programs and award-winning faculty, our College has positioned itself as a leader in higher education. Our facilities and resources include state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and performance venues, providing students with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for research and creative expression.

The College is committed to the liberal arts philosophy that fosters creative and critical thinking and a lifetime of learning.”

About the University
The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, named one of Travel + Leisure’s 25 Best College Towns and Cities in the U.S. As one of the nation’s premier universities, UA offers bachelor’s, master's and doctoral degrees in nearly 200 fields of study. With more than 1,400 acres of tree-lined academic core campus and over 300 state-of-the art facilities, UA has been ranked among the most beautiful and most impressive college campuses in the South, in the state of Ala