The University of Oklahoma (OU) has embarked on a transformational endeavor to grow the newly established OU Polytechnic Institute (OUPI) housed within the Gallogly College of Engineering. The aims are to further strengthen the educational landscape of the state, provide students with a unique educational experience that will enable them to be successful throughout their careers and respond to industry's need for a varied, well educated, highly skilled and adaptable workforce to meet current and future needs.  This position will begin the newly announced extension of the OUPI from Tulsa at the OU-Tulsa Schusterman Center campus to include the Norman Campus. Enrollment for the inaugural class in applied artificial intelligence began this past November and classes will start in August 2025. The position is expected to be a 9-month appointment with the option for 3 additional months of support.

OUPI seeks applicants for a full-time rank renewable term Assistant, Associate or Full Professor position with teaching emphasis in applied artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and related fields. Prospective applicants should be passionate about teaching and mentoring students and will be instrumental in designing and implementing new degree programs. The OUPI will offer bachelor’s in Norman, bachelor’s completion (junior and senior level classes) in Tulsa and graduate degree programs focused on innovation and advanced technology to meet growing workforce demands, both online and in-person in applied artificial intelligence. Threading through these areas are abilities in data science.  The targeted start date is August 2026 or January 2027.

The successful candidates will provide leadership in curriculum innovation, will be outstanding and effective communicators who enjoy and contribute to a shared camaraderie with faculty, staff, and students; and who show empathy in student interactions. Areas of creative activity emphasis may include but are not restricted to pedagogical methods, curriculum enhancement or design, student recruitment and retention, K-12 outreach, etc. Examples of creative activity output may include presentations at national or international conferences/symposia on computing and/or engineering education and/or publication in educational journals.

In support of our ambitious plan for strategic research growth (https://www.ou.edu/coe/about), GCoE is investing in rapid growth of faculty numbers and we expect to see within the next three years total growth of nearly 70% in faculty size. GCoE currently has more than 5,000+ students and we are heavily invested in growing our graduate and undergraduate student bodies with a goal of reaching more than a 20% increase in the next six years. We seek candidates who are excited to contribute to the goals of our strategic growth and foster a welcoming environment in all aspects of faculty responsibility, including within the classroom and the academic community, and within their professional commitments.  Information about OUPI is available at https://www.ou.edu/polytechnic.  

OU is a Carnegie-R1 comprehensive public research university known for excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement, serving the educational, cultural, economic and healthcare needs of the state, region, and nation from three campuses: the main campus in Norman, the Health Campus in Oklahoma City, and the Schusterman Center in Tulsa. OU enrolls over 30,000 students and has more than 2,700 full-time faculty members. Norman is a culturally rich and vibrant town located in the Oklahoma City metro area. With outstanding schools, amenities, and a low cost of living, Norman is a perennial contender on the “Best Places to Live” rankings. Visit https://www.ou.edu/facultyrecruitment for more information.

OU invests in its faculty by providing support and resources through our Center for Faculty Excellence and Office of Vice President for Research and Partnerships. The GCoE supports faculty development through mentoring, new faculty orientation series, and access to research and educational support. Candidates who seek to work in a rapidly growing college, in collegial interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary groups, and in strong academic units are encouraged to apply.

Strategic Plan

Launched in July 2020, “Lead On, University” defines a clear plan for the future of OU’s Norman campus and comprehensive strategies to achieve it. The plan is built upon five overarching pillars that stem from OU’s core traditions of providing a world-class, affordable education; creating a welcoming place of belonging; and harnessing innovation and pathbreaking discoveries to advance society (see https://www.ou.edu/leadon.html for details).

Applicants must have earned a doctoral degree in a computing-related field by the date the position starts and teaching experience at the college level in artificial intelligence, advanced computing, or a closely related field. Experience with computing student education through teaching and student mentoring is required. Evidence of scholarship in computing and/or engineering education is preferred. To hold the rank of associate or full professor, candidates must have the requisite record of professional experience, research, scholarship, teaching and mentoring  in artificial intelligence or an advanced computing related field. 

Applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the contact information for at least four references. The cover letter may describe how the applicant’s background and career goals will support the success of OUPI students.  Additional materials may be requested at a later date. Documents should be uploaded to https://apply.interfolio.com/189883 . Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries may be sent to the search committee chair: Dr. John Hassell, University of Oklahoma at [email protected].