Graduating doctoral students might be interested to know that the College of Education is accepting nominations and applications to fill the position of chair in the department of Curriculum and Instruction.

The position recently was vacated when previous chairman Alan Voelker was appointed assistant to NIU President John La Tourette.

The position holds many responsibilities. The chair is the chief academic and administrative officer of an interdisciplinary department and reports directly to the dean for all aspects of the operation and development of the department.

Among other things, the chair is the spokesperson of the department, defines the department’s scope, mission and objectives. The position also calls for making budgets and providing effective leadership.

According to the position announcement issued from the department of Curriculum and Instruction, applicants are expected to have earned a doctorate degree. They also should have an established scholarly record in a field appropriate to warrant a faculty appointment in the department at the associate or professional level.

Acting chair, Billie Thomas, said she would like to continue in the position, and that she will apply for the position on a permanent basis.

Thomas added, “The department is very diverse and includes the departments of Early Childhood Elementary Education, Outdoor Teacher Education, Reading, Secondary Education and Curriculum and Supervision.”

A nomination or letter of application, resume and three letters of recommendation should be submitted to Charles Stegman, dean of the College of Education. Applications and supporting documents are due by March 22.