Posting Number F-0982
Position Title Chairperson, Department of Physical Therapy (Tenure-Track, Associate/Full Professor)
College/Unit The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions
Home Department Department of Physical Therapy
Employee Group Tenure-Track Faculty - 12 month
Employment Status Full-Time
Position Type 12 month
Position Classification Tenure Track Faculty
Position Begin Date 01/05/2026
Position End Date
Position Summary
The Department of Physical Therapy at Central Michigan University (CMU) is seeking an experienced and dynamic faculty member committed to working in a collaborative, interprofessional teaching and learning environment. As a member of the regular faculty, the ideal candidate embraces the core mission and vision of the department, college, and university through collaboration and innovation in teaching, research, and service. Additionally, this position will include an initial appointment as Department Chairperson. The Department Chair will provide leadership and direct day-to-day activities for the entry-level physical therapy program while upholding the core values of CMU, which include integrity, respect, compassion, equity, inclusiveness, social responsibility, excellence, and innovation.
The Department Chair reports directly to the Dean of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions and oversees the Department of Physical Therapy faculty and staff. This is a twelve-month (12), tenure-eligible position with a desired start date of January 2026, or as negotiated. This position offers an attractive benefits package, a generous retirement plan, and potential research support. Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Message to Applicants
Applications will be reviewed immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The desired start date of the position will be January 2026, or as negotiated. Electronically attach a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, statement of leadership philosophy (under Other Document (1)), and a list of three professional references, including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses.
Inquiries may be sent to Kate Hodgkins (kate.hodgkins@cmich.edu).
Central Michigan University (CMU) is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU’s mission, vision, and leadership standards.
Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.
About the Department
About the Department of Physical Therapy
The Physical Therapy Program has a history of producing excellent graduates and is well respected in the physical therapy community throughout the nation. With excellent facilities and enhanced commitment to research in The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions, opportunities for growth are plentiful. Please visit the Department of Physical Therapy’s website for more information.
About the College of Health Professions
The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions consists of five academic units: the Department of Physical Therapy, the Department of Physical Education and Sport, the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, the School of Health Sciences, and the School of Rehabilitation and Medical Science. It offers undergraduate and/or graduate degree programs in athletic training, audiology, communication sciences and disorders, exercise science, environmental health and safety, health administration, physical activity specialist, physical education, physical therapy, physician assistant, public health, school and public health education, speech-language pathology, and sport management, delivered by 100+ faculty/staff. To learn more about The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions, please visit www.chp.cmich.edu.
Posting Begins 08/29/2025
Posting Ends
Open Until Filled Yes
Type of Recruitment External
About CMU
Central Michigan University has a more than 125-year legacy of preparing students to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and in their personal and professional lives.
We serve nearly 15,500 students on our Mount Pleasant campus, in satellite locations around the state and throughout the country, and through flexible online programs. Many of our approximately 300 undergraduate, master’s, specialist and doctoral programs in the arts, media, business, education, human services, health professions, liberal arts, social sciences, medicine, science and engineering are nationally ranked for excellence.
CMU leads the nation in leadership development programming through our Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute, and we are proud to be among only 5% of U.S. universities in the top two Carnegie research classifications. Our faculty work with graduate and undergraduate students in areas such as Great Lakes research, medical innovation, engineering technology and more.
Central is home to 17 men’s and women’s Division 1 sports including football, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, wrestling and more. Our student-athletes achieve great success in competition and in the classroom, capturing Mid-American Conference championships and maintaining an average cumulative GPA of 3.17.
CMU is located in Mount Pleasant, a community that blends the best of small-town living with big-city amenities. It’s part of the culturally varied and vibrant Great Lakes Bay Region that also includes Saginaw, Bay City, Midland and the state’s largest Native American community, centered on the Saginaw Chippewa Isabella Reservation in Mount Pleasant.
Area residents enjoy the mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping and dining options, and family attractions. Other major Michigan destinations and attractions — Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Traverse City, wineries, beaches, golf and ski resorts, and many more — are within easy reach of the city’s central location in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
CMU employees enjoy access to a nationally recognized wellness program along with health care and benefits that exceed regional, state and national norms.
EEO Statement
CMU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and institution. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight.
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CMU does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, including admission and employment, and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 not to discriminate in such a matter.
Inquiries about the application of Title IX can be made to CMU’s Title IX Coordinator, the US Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary, or both.
CMU’s Title IX Coordinator can be reached at:
Phone: 989-774-3253
Office: 103 E. Preston St.
Bovee University Center, suite 306
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Email: titleix@cmich.edu
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