The Simmons School of Education and Human Development invites applications for tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty positions in its Technology and Education Cluster, Department of Teaching and Learning, Department of Education Policy and Leadership, Department of Applied Physiology and Sport Management, Department of Counseling, and Area of Graduate Liberal Studies and Dispute Resolution. Brief overviews of the Simmons School, the University, and the City of Dallas follow the position announcements.

Department of Applied Physiology and Sport Management

Associate/Full Professor/Department Chair in Data Science Cluster, Position Number 6313

The Simmons School of Southern Methodist University (SMU)—a nationally ranked, private, non-sectarian research institution located in one of the nation’s largest and fastest growing metropolitan areas—invites applications for two faculty positions in the Department of Applied Physiology and Sport Management (APSM): a tenured Associate/Full Professor / Department Chair (Position # 6313) and a non-tenured Clinical Assistant or Clinical Associate Professor (Position # 53286). Both positions are scheduled to begin in August 2024.

Distinguished candidates at the rank of Associate/Full Professor with tenure should present a program of research in a substantive area of sports or health analytics. Examples of methodologies and data analytic approaches with significant potential to enhance SMU’s capacity in Data Science include but are not limited to: 1) computational modeling and machine learning applications; 2) high-speed computing for analysis of large datasets (e.g., neuroimaging, diagnostic data, health care disparities); 3) intensive mobile data collection and data sensing (e.g., geolocation, smartphone usage); and 4) use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for assessment, intervention or treatment.

This position is part of a cluster hire in Data Science and is one of twelve positions allocated to the cluster around three areas of focus: Data Core, Health Analytics, and Technology and Education. The cluster represents an ambitious program to develop large-scale collaborative research projects responding to some of humankind’s most daunting challenges. The candidate is expected to collaborate with other faculty in the Technology and Education and Data Core groups with the goal to acquire, manage, analyze, interpret, and transform data into accurate, consistent and timely information that can help us further identify, understand, and control the burden of health-related challenges.

The Department Chair is a half-time administrative position that allows for participation in research. The Department Chair oversees an interdisciplinary department of clinical and tenure-line faculty with undergraduate concentrations in Applied Physiology and Health Management, Sport Management, and Sport Performance Leadership as well as graduate programs in Health Management and Sport Management. Successful candidates must be able to contribute meaningfully to the doctoral program in the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. The Department Chair supports ongoing efforts towards equity and inclusion, advances the quality and reputation of the programs within the department, and builds on the collaborative and supportive culture for faculty, staff, and students. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds. For additional information about the faculty and the department, visit https://www.smu.edu/apsm.

SMU has many strengths to support research in the Data Science Cluster. SMU is home to one of the fastest and most powerful academic supercomputers in the nation (ManeFrame II), which can handle large volumes of sensing data as well as the ability to implement advanced algorithms for time-series analysis, data mining, and machine learning. Maneframe II is currently being upgraded to include an NVIDIA DGX SuperPod with a theoretical performance of 100 PFLOPS for AI calculations that is available for use by all faculty and graduate students. SMU will be one of only two universities in the U.S. to have a DGX SuperPod.

Required qualifications

  • an earned doctorate and/or post-doctoral training in a field aligned with Sports or Health Analytics--e.g., data science, analytics, statistics, mathematics, economics, finance, sports management, physiology, genomics, epidemiology, public health, kinesiology, biostatistics, or biomedical informatics;
  • ongoing record of scholarly work commensurate with rank of full professor with tenure;
  • a rigorous and highly productive research program that can generate external funding;
  • commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness;
  • demonstrated administrative and leadership ability developed through prior experiences in administering centers, large grants, or interdisciplinary programs; and
  • excellence in teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses.

Preferred qualifications

  • experience developing and/or sustaining collaborative partnerships and interdisciplinary initiatives;
  • leadership experience within higher education, such as serving in administrative positions such as department chair or program director;
  • demonstrated mentorship of doctoral students and junior faculty, and
  • experience serving in leadership roles in national professional organizations, grant review panels, or major editorial roles in their field.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted electronically via Interfolio to http://apply.interfolio.com/114180. Reference position number # 6313 on all documents submitted. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter highlighting the candidate’s qualifications, including how they would contribute to SMU’s Data Core groups as well as their philosophy for leading a department; a curriculum vitae; and a list of references with contact information for at least three references. Review of applications will begin March 15, 2024. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by March 15, 2024, but the position will remain open until filled. For questions about the search submission process or position, contact Dr. Anthony Petrosino (apetrosino@smu.edu), Associate Dean for Research Outreach and Search Committee Chair. The committee will notify applicants of its employment decisions after the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.

Department of Counseling

No positions available at present.

About the Graduate Counseling Program

The Program in Counseling is a part of the prestigious Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development at Southern Methodist University. The Program in Counseling is a vibrant SMU community with a strong history of public service, rigorous academics, innovative curricula, as well as opportunity for study in Taos, New Mexico, and abroad. The Program maintains approximately 270 graduate students whose capstone experience is practica in the state of the art SMU Center for Family Counseling.

The program offers three CACREP accredited Specialties: Clinical Mental Health; Marriage, Couple & Family; and School Counseling. The program also offers a robust 9-hour elective concentration in LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy to equip counselors-in-training in culturally competent counseling services for LGBTQ+ individuals, couples and families. The Center for Family Counseling offers counseling services to the community and provides a laboratory experience for students prior to clinical internship. Supportive faculty work collaboratively to sustain a nurturing and innovative environment, which is the hallmark of the program and has contributed to its ongoing success. Visit the Counseling Program website to learn more.

Department of Education Policy and Leadership

No positions available at present.

About the Department of Education Policy and Leadership

The Department of Education Policy and Leadership cultivates and supports leaders and researchers who seek to improve educational outcomes and the culture of learning in schools, colleges, and educational systems through leadership development, scholarship, and service. Our department consists of five programs, Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Ed.D. in Higher Education, M.Ed. Accelerated Leadership, M.Ed. Higher Education, and M.Ed. Urban Leadership, which are supported by sixteen faculty and two staff members. Learn more about the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development.

  • The Ed.D. program in Educational Leadership for PK - Grade 12 (Pre-kindergarten-Grade 12) practitioners is designed to prepare high-level practitioner leaders in PK - Grade 12 educational organizations.
  • The Ed.D.in Higher Education prepares high-level leaders for a variety of roles in postsecondary education settings, including two- and four-year colleges and universities, state and federal agencies, policy organizations, and foundations.
  • The Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership is designed to prepare educational administrators in accordance with certification requirements established by the state of Texas and consistent with national standards and empirical evidence on effective school leadership knowledge and skills.
  • The Master of Education degree in Higher Education is a 36 credit-hour program designed to prepare individuals to assume roles in higher education institutions and related fields in accordance with professional standards and empirical evidence on effective leadership knowledge and skills for post-secondary educational settings.
  • The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Urban School Leadership is a program born with a sense of passion and urgency in response to the leadership vacuum that often exists in struggling schools--particularly those in urban settings. The program is a joint venture between the Teaching Trust and the SMU Department of Education Policy and Leadership.

Department of Teaching and Learning

No positions available at present.

About the Department of Teaching and Learning

The Department of Teaching and Learning (T&L) is a dynamic and collegial environment where research, policy, and practice are valued in the preparation of Teachers and Teacher Leaders. Faculty members have extensive expertise in both research and practice, drawing on a variety of experiences. The Teaching and Learning Programs engage in continuous assessment and improvement of department courses and organizational structures with an emphasis on incorporating diversity and equity and is committed, as well, to providing mentoring support to new members of the department commensurate with their rank. Explore more at http://www.smu.edu/Simmons/Academics.

The department includes graduate study in Learning Sciences, Teacher Education, Bilingual/ESL Education, Special Education, Literacy, Gifted and Talented, Math Education, STEM Education, and Urban Education. In addition the department, includes the Technology-Enhanced Immersion Learning (TEIL) cluster that focuses on learning sciences, artificial intelligence, machine learning, technology-enhanced learning, assessment, and behavior change.

Program Area: Graduate Liberal Studies and Dispute Resolution

No positions available at present.

About the Program Area of Graduate Liberal Studies and Dispute Resolution

The Graduate Liberal Studies and Dispute Resolution program area offers a wide range of interdisciplinary, skills-based master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs for professionals, community leaders, and individuals. Students in this vibrant community represent a range of professional and community backgrounds and educational goals. The program area offers a Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution, Master of Liberal Studies, Doctor of Liberal Studies, Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution, Executive Coaching Concentration, Healthcare Collaboration and Conflict Engagement Certificate, and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study.

About the Simmons School, SMU, and the City of Dallas

The Simmons School of Education & Human Development

Ranked among the top 11 private graduate schools of education in the nation and among the top 3 public and private schools in Texas according to U.S. News & World Report.

Elementary school student

The Simmons School was founded in 2005 and named in 2007 in recognition of a landmark gift from Harold C. and Annette Caldwell Simmons of Dallas. It has 1300 undergraduate and graduate students in five academic departments, including Counseling and Dispute Resolution, Teaching and Learning, Education Policy and Leadership, Applied Physiology and Sport Management, and Graduate Liberal Studies. As a catalyst for discovery and innovation the School promotes excellence by engaging in and disseminating research, preparing exemplary professionals in education and human development, collaborating with other schools and institutions in the development of model programs, and furthering positive learning experiences in all stages of life. The mission of the School is to integrate the theory, research, and practice of education and human development; promote academic rigor and interdisciplinary collaboration; educate students for initial certification and professional practice; and nurture collaboration across the academic community. Simmons offers school-wide degree programs, including doctoral and master’s degrees, graduate-level certifications, and undergraduate programs. The School also includes research institutes and community engagement centers.

Research and community programs at Simmons include the Center on Research and Evaluation, Budd Center for Involving Communities in Education, Institute for Evidence-Based Education, Institute for Leadership Impact, Applied Physiology Laboratory, Locomotor Performance Laboratory, Research in Mathematics Education, Center for Family Counseling, TRIO College Access, and McNair Scholars program.

Despite many issues and challenges confronting higher education, the Simmons School has experienced tremendous growth as illustrated by the following:

  • Has partnered with Toyota, Dallas ISD, and the West Dallas community to develop and implement a model for a PK-8 STEM-focused school that can be replicated and scaled elsewhere.
  • Developed the academic infrastructure for five new departments to launch a new school of education and human development through its inaugural dean.
  • Developed four new doctoral programs, including a Ph.D. in Education, two Ed.D. programs in School Leadership and Higher Education, and a Doctor of Liberal Studies program (one of only three of its kind in the U.S.).
  • Created strategies to build a constituency of friends and alumni by highlighting the accomplishments of the school during its first 10 years in building support for scholarship and programs.
  • Created a strategic vision focused on undergraduate and graduate programs built on evidence-based practices to improve the lives of children and their families.
  • Built a $24 million operating budget in seven years by employing strategy-based budgeting and careful enrollment management.
  • Recruited and hired a world-class faculty and staff, growing from 50 employees in 2007 to the current 167.
  • Developed a network of partner agencies in Dallas that allows Simmons faculty and students to engage with multiple communities, including K-12 education, the sport industry, wellness and medical communities, and the non-profit sector.
  • Secured support for three new endowed chairs, an endowed deanship, and an endowed professorship.
  • Developed an annual gala to honor Simmons Luminaries, which highlights the contributions of local, state, and national groups or individuals who improve educational outcomes for children.
  • Developed a research and training infrastructure that results in approximately $10 million annually in expenditures and that continues to grow with grants and contracts from federal and state agencies, foundations, and private and corporate donors.
  • Cultivated an alumni and donor network that resulted in an endowment of more than $18 million and more than $45 million in support for capital projects.
  • Completed the design and construction of two state-of-the-art academic buildings with over 80,000 sq. feet of office and classroom spaces, applied physiology labs, and a 21st century teacher development studio designed to advance the development of pre-service and in-service teachers using innovative technologies.
  • Created two centers and an institute designed to engage the Simmons School in the community as a source of support for leadership development, non-profit impact, research, and evaluations of community-based projects.
  • Enhanced enrollment and quality of the Graduate Liberal Studies Program focused on an alternative student body of professionals interested in pursuing liberal arts.

To learn more about the dynamic research and teaching environment of the Simmons School, visit smu.edu/simmons.

SMU: The University

Dallas Hall, SMU's iconic building with a dome, symbolizes the university's classic Georgian style and intellectual tradition.

SMU is a global research university with a liberal arts tradition that is nonsectarian in its teaching. It has seven degree-granting schools: Cox School of Business, Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Dedman School of Law, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Perkins School of Theology, and Simmons School of Education and Human Development. These schools offer undergraduate, master’s, professional, and doctoral degrees in various fields of the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and professional disciplines. The University has an enrollment of 11,000 students, 42 percent of whom are pursuing graduate studies. The students are taught by more than 700 faculty members and have access to library holdings of almost 4 million volumes. In addition to the Dallas campus, SMU has a campus in Taos, New Mexico.

The Center for World University Rankings placed SMU among the top 15 percent of 1,000 universities ranked worldwide again this year. SMU ranked No. 142 overall and No. 27 in the alumni employment category, which is assessed by the number of alumni who have held CEO positions since 2011 at the world’s top 2,000 public companies listed on the Forbes Global 2000 list.

SMU was founded in 1911 by Dallas civic leaders in partnership with the Methodist Church and has been shaped ever since by a commitment to academic freedom and open inquiry as well as the entrepreneurial spirit of the region.

Students walking down Dallas Hall steps

Fall 2022 Campus Profile

Faculty
  • 85% of full-time faculty members hold the doctorate or highest degree in their fields.
  • The student-faculty ratio is 11-to-1
  • Total Fall 2022 Full-time Faculty – 743
  • Male – 56%
  • Female – 44%
  • Minority – 24%
Enrollment
  • Total Fall 2020 Enrollment – 12,053
  • Undergraduate students – 7,056
  • Graduate students – 4,997
  • Total new first-year undergraduate students – 1,639
Undergraduate Enrollment by Gender
  • Female – 51%
  • Male – 49%
Graduate Enrollment by Gender
  • Male – 51%
  • Female – 49%
Diversity
  • Total Fall 2022 Identified Minority Enrollment – 3,987
  • Hispanic – 1,680
  • Asian – 960
  • Black/African American – 846
  • American Indian/Alaska Native – 27
  • Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander – 8
  • Two or more races – 466
  • Minority percentage of total enrollment – 33%
Socioeconomic

Three out of four SMU students receive scholarships and/or financial aid, including academic and need-based.

National

More than half of undergraduates come from outside Texas, with students from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Following Texas, the leading home states for first-year students are California, Florida, Illinois and New York.

International

International enrollment of 1,007 students (8.3% of total enrollment) from 88 foreign countries. The largest international groups are from China, Mexico and Canada.

Religious – Among students reporting a religious preference
  • 28% are Catholic
  • 12% are Methodist
  • 40% are from other Protestant denominations
  • and 14% represent other religions (including Judaism, Islam and Hinduism).
  • Diverse Campus Ministries organizations support and nurture students in the development of faith and ethics.
Degrees Conferred in 2022-2023
  • Total –4,079
  • Bachelor’s – 1,909
  • Master’s – 1,776
  • Doctoral-Professional (J.D.) – 268
  • Doctoral-Research/Scholarship –126
Degrees Awarded by School in 2022-2023
  • Simmons School of Education and Human Development – 508
  • Cox School of Business – 1,376
  • Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences – 842
  • Lyle School of Engineering –522
  • Meadows School of the Arts – 372
  • Dedman School of Law – 327
  • Perkins School of Theology – 92
  • The Guildhall – 80
  • Research and Graduate Studies (M.S.D.S.) –93

The City of Dallas

The City of Dallas is one of the nation’s most cosmopolitan commercial and cultural centers, and the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex is the fourth largest in the US. A great many publicly traded corporations are headquartered in DFW, with nine Fortune 500 companies based within Dallas. The DFW airport was the fourth-busiest airport in the world in 2020, and travel to nearly anywhere in the world is extremely convenient, often by direct flight. Dallas’ quality of life is exceptional, with a relatively low cost of living and a variety of housing options from high-rise, urban apartments to country-style single-family homes. A full range of professional sports teams, popular to highbrow music venues, a lively and innovative restaurant scene, and more make Dallas an extremely livable city. 

Dallas boasts the nation’s largest urban arts district, which consists of world-class museums and a luminous cluster of performing arts spaces, highlighted by the Winspear Opera House, described by Opera magazine as America’s finest. With the Trinity River, White Rock Lake, almost 400 parks, and over 125 miles of urban hiking and biking trails, the city provides abundant opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The city has been named one of the Greenest Cities in the world. SMU students and faculty utilize the Dallas metropolitan area as an extension of the classroom, characterized by engaged learning projects and corporate and community partnerships. To learn more about the rich culture of Dallas, visit https://www.visitdallas.com/.

SMU does not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

SMU researchers are part of an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community of internationally recognized scholars across the humanities, social sciences, mathematical sciences, engineering, and business with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusiveness. SMU is committed to inclusive teaching and opportunities for mentoring diverse students at graduate and undergraduate levels and offers excellent benefits including full same-sex domestic partner benefits. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds. Explore SMU at http://www.smu.edu.

Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.