Founding Director of the School of Architecture

Tennessee Tech University seeks a visionary architect-educator to serve as the Founding Director of its new School of Architecture. The Director will lead the launch, continual development, and accreditation of a new Bachelor of Architecture program that prepares graduates to become competent, skilled, professionally licensed, and community-minded architects. This search seeks a collaborative and innovative leader with the vision to build a nationally distinctive architecture program from the ground up. Supported by Tennessee Tech’s strong culture of cross-campus collaboration, the Director will be able to focus on advancing curricular excellence, developing state-of-the-art facilities, promoting professional and practice readiness, and recruiting and mentoring outstanding faculty and students. The Director is a full-time, 12-month faculty appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor and reports to the Provost.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership for the growth of the Bachelor of Architecture program, establishing a distinctive vision aligned with Tennessee Tech’s mission and goals.

Academic and Administrative Oversight

• Oversee curriculum refinement, assessment, and accreditation readiness (NAAB). 
• Coordinate the renovation of facilities to create state-of-the-art studio space, classrooms, and labs.
• Recruit, mentor, and support faculty and staff, cultivating a collegial, collaborative, and respectful culture. 
• Guide the admissions process and student recruitment strategy in partnership with the Division of Communication and Enrollment.
• Cultivate relationships with external partners, practitioners, and community organizations to enhance student career readiness and program impact.
• Provide administrative oversight of faculty, budget planning, and resource allocation.

Teaching and Scholarship

• Teach courses in the Bachelor of Architecture program and contribute to its intellectual and creative culture.
  • Support scholarship and/or professional practice that enhances architectural education. 

Accreditation and Assessment

• Lead the process of seeking initial NAAB accreditation and ensure compliance with all accreditation standards. 
  • Develop and oversee ongoing program assessment, continuous improvement, and professional relevance. 
  • Serve as the primary liaison with NAAB and relevant professional bodies.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of a master’s degree in architecture (NAAB-accredited M.Arch or equivalent).
• Demonstrated record of excellence in architectural education, including teaching architecture studios, lecture-based courses, and seminars. 
• Evidence of an established record of peer-reviewed creative work and/or scholarly productivity.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with NAAB accreditation processes. 
• Leadership experience in higher education, architectural practice, or related settings.

Preferred qualifications:

• Ph.D. or other terminal research degree in architecture or a closely related field.
• Professional licensure in architecture.
• Experience in strategic planning, curriculum development, program assessment, and budget and resource management.