The list of faculty searches at Baker University keeps growing.

Along with the search for a university provost, Baker is looking to fill positions in various academic departments.

Rob Flaherty, acting associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said although the list of openings is long, it’s not as unusual or unexpected as it may seem.

“It’s quite a bit,” he said. “It’s not super unusual but probably double the amount that’s normal for a year, and there are a number of circumstances for that. Last year there were a few positions that we didn’t fill that were put off until this year, and we have people moving up into administration. Many of these are actually new positions, so it’s not considered as if we’re replacing anybody.”

With two positions already filled, the art department is continuing to search for a graphic designer to bring on board. Lee Mann, former chair of the design department at the University of Kansas, has been hired to take over as the chair of the art department at Baker, and Michelle Mosely Christian, a former Baker faculty member, will return to campus to teach art history.

“We’re starting with a pretty new crew and building up,” Professor of Art Inge Balch said. “(Because graphic designers) really can make more money in the field than teaching, I find it more important that a candidate has a good teaching background, knows their graphic design and can work with our computers.”

The biology department is working to fill a newly created position by mid-March.

“We’re looking for a developmental biologist,” department chair Calvin Cink said. “It’s a new position that we created because it’s an area of biology that is not covered well by our faculty now. We want to expand the range of courses we offer in biological education.”

Junior Nate Michel, a history major, was selected to be a part of the search committee for a new professor of U.S. history. The committee just finished the process of reviewing applications and hopes to fill the position by the end of the semester. Michel said he believes the numerous faculty position openings will enhance the university.

“I see it as an opportunity,” he said. “When you can bring in new professors and new faces, that gives everyone new academic offerings and new chances.”

The search for a university provost, a position that has not been filled in almost a decade, is a unique search organized by University President Pat Long. Dean of the School of Nursing Kathy Harr and Professor of English Preston Fambrough are chairs of the provost search committee. Fambrough described the university provost as the top academic officer.

“We’re looking for someone with a strong liberal arts educational background,” Fambrough said, “We’d like to see evidence of outstanding teaching and scholarship, and obviously, someone with strong leadership and communication skills, as well as impeccable personal integrity.”

Long was optimistic about the caliber of candidates applying for the position.

“We have some really top-notch people that we’re bringing in as finalists,” she said. “We’re going to have a lot of local interest, but I think we’re going to have a lot of good national interest as well. I think we’re going to have a great pool. I’m very, very encouraged.”

Ongoing Searches

Economics – tenure track positionSociology – gender studies focusBiology – developmental, cell and microbiology focusPsychology – research oriented not clinical History – U.S. focusHead men’s and women’s track and field coach – full-time faculty with teachingMass media – mass media, news writing, copy, web, yearbook, converged mediaArt – graphic arts, design and digital photography