Dr. Melody & Gov. Ronnie Musgrove Endowed Chair of Special Education

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

Position Description

Endowed Chair in Special Education

The University of Mississippi – Department of Teacher Education

The University of Mississippi invites applications for the inaugural Gov. Ronnie and Dr. Melody Musgrove Endowed Chair in Special Education. This prestigious position honors former Mississippi Governor Ronnie Musgrove, a lifelong advocate for education, and his late wife, Dr. Melody Musgrove, a former faculty member in the School of Education who held numerous leadership roles in education at the state and national levels. Dr. Musgrove notably served on the Mississippi Department of Education in the early 2000s and was appointed by President Barack Obama to lead the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs from 2010 to 2016.

This endowed chair position is housed in the Department of Teacher Education and is designed for a distinguished educator with a strong record of leadership in the field of special education. The successful candidate will be expected to guide academic initiatives related to special education, support the preparation of future special education teachers, and influence educational policy and practice at the state and national levels.

Position Details

Appointment: 9 Month

Assignment Type: Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

• Terminal degree in special education or closely related field.  Experience in educational policy, curriculum or instruction with a research agenda aligned to impact the field in a substantial way.

• Minimum of five years of professional experience in special education, with demonstrated impact in academic, policy, or leadership roles

• Proven ability to lead initiatives that result in meaningful and lasting contributions to the field

• Strong record of scholarship, teaching, or policy work relevant to special education

 

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Application Procedures

To apply, please submit the following:

    •    A cover letter outlining your qualifications and vision for the role

    •    A current curriculum vitae

    •    A completed online application

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

About the University of MS & Oxford, MS

Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi (UM), affectionately known to alumni, students and friends as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R-1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. The University of Mississippi, consistently named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For,” is located in Oxford, MS, which is ranked one of the “Top 10 Best College Towns.” With more than 24,000 students, UM is the state's largest university and is ranked among the nation's fastest-growing institutions. The University of Mississippi, which has aggressively implemented many health and wellness initiatives for its more than 2,900 employees, has consistently been named one of Mississippi’s Healthiest Workplaces.

 

Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South”, creativity abounds in Oxford as musicians, artists and writers alike find inspiration in Oxford’s rich history, small town charm and creative community. Oxford is a one-hour drive south of Memphis, TN and is known as the home of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner. Over the years Oxford has also been known for offering exceptional culinary experiences and as the home of the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels, there is always something here to immerse yourself in. Oxford has also been featured as a literary and arts destination in such publications as The New York Times, Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, and GQ. Among other cultural activities, annual events include the Oxford Film Festival, a thriving local music scene, and the Ford Center Performing Arts Series. Oxford is a vibrant university town, filled with unique shops and galleries, eclectic restaurants and clubs, historic landmarks, and comfortable inns.

 

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

 

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.