The College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky is seeking an experienced, energetic, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the inaugural Director, Criminal Justice Programs. Created in 2024, the programs seek to grow from their initial offerings to become a destination for in-person and online undergraduate and graduate students, as well as for researchers and practitioners who are committed to improving the administration of justice and advancing the national dialogue and understanding of structures and systems that are simultaneously just, equitable, and effective. As programs within the College of Social Work, the new director will have the resources of an established college, already well-grounded in the human services professions, as well as the presence offered by a public, flagship research university.
The ideal candidate will possess an entrepreneurial spirit, exhibiting experience challenging the status quo, passion to inspire others, and innovation to shape the future of criminal justice education. The director will have the opportunity to create a team of distinguished and dedicated faculty members, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and student success. A commitment to justice will be instrumental in shaping the programs’ curricula, policies, and practices.
The director will be a growth-oriented leader, tasked with identifying opportunities for program expansion and improvement, adapting and evolving to address needs of current and future leaders, practitioners, researchers, administrators, and educators. The ideal candidate will be ready to create an academic community and set of offerings that is inspired by the setting of the programs within the College of Social Work and at the Commonwealth’s flagship land-grant university.
The successful candidate will be required to have an earned doctorate or terminal degree. The director must also have an outstanding record of research, teaching, and service commensurate with an Associate Professor or Professor in the College of Social Work, as well as a demonstrated commitment to ensuring diverse representation of people, processes, methodologies, and content areas. The director should have at least two years of administration or management experience, or a history of progressively responsible administrative/leadership experience. The director must exhibit a commitment to ensuring diverse representation of people, processes, methodologies, and content areas.
Candidates should provide a resume and a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the Leadership Profile.
Please direct all nominations and inquiries to Rob Springall and Anissa Conner by using the WittKeiffer Candidate Portal or via email to: KentuckyCriminalJustice@wittkieffer.com. The Candidate Portal is a secure, easy way to nominate a colleague, express interest, or apply for a position.
The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn, and live.
In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients, and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
