Head of Department of Civil Engineering

Organization: Purdue University – College of Engineering
Location: West Lafayette, IN, US
Requisition ID: 40033

Overview

Purdue University’s Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering (LSCCE) seeks a visionary Head and Professor to lead the School into its next phase of national and global impact. LSCCE is among the largest and highest-ranked civil and construction engineering programs in the U.S., with 1,146 students and 58 faculty, and offers top-ranked undergraduate, graduate, and online programs. The School houses state-of-the-art laboratories, including the 66,000 sq. ft. Bowen Laboratory for Large-Scale Civil Engineering Research, and reported over $21M in FY2025 research expenditures with a $127.5M endowment.

The next Head will guide the School following its 2024 merger of Civil and Construction Engineering programs, expanding research, education, industry partnerships, and philanthropic engagement, including opportunities at Purdue’s Indianapolis campus.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary and strategic leadership, capitalizing on LSCCE’s unique capabilities and Purdue’s growth areas.

• Integrate Civil and Construction Engineering, streamlining operations and staff alignment post-merger.

• Drive enrollment growth for undergraduate and graduate programs.

• Promote research excellence, increasing funding sources and encouraging technology transfer and entrepreneurship.

• Recruit, develop, and retain faculty and staff talent.

• Expand LSCCE presence and programs to Purdue’s Indianapolis campus.

• Elevate the School’s visibility, reputation, and global profile.

• Align LSCCE’s strategic plan with Purdue Engineering Vision 2030 initiatives.

Qualifications

• PhD in Civil and Construction Engineering or a related discipline by the start date.

• Proven leadership experience with a record of strategic vision, innovation, and administrative management.

• Highly respected research background with successful funding track record.

• Commitment to undergraduate and graduate education, faculty mentorship, and student success.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience in stakeholder engagement including alumni and industry partners.

• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to grow financial resources through programs, fundraising, and partnerships.

School Highlights

• Nine specialty areas, including structural, environmental, transportation, geotechnical, and construction engineering.

• Extensive laboratory infrastructure and modern research facilities.

• Strong graduate and online program offerings with opportunities for expansion.

• Celebrating 50 years of the Construction Engineering program with increased industry engagement.

• Integration with Purdue’s Vision 2030 and broader College of Engineering initiatives, including AI, national security, and energy transition research.

Application Instructions

• Submit CV and letter of interest addressing leadership, teaching/mentoring, research, and administrative experience.

• Materials should be sent to:
  Jett Pihakis, Ph.D., Russell Reynolds Associates
  Email: Purdue.LSCCE@russellreynolds.com | Phone: (202) 654-7870

• Priority consideration: February 23, 2026.

• Background check required for employment.

Full position profile: https://bit.ly/LSCCE

About Purdue Engineering

• One of the largest top-10 U.S. News & World Report-ranked engineering colleges.

• 13,530 undergraduates, 5,929 graduate students, 490 faculty.

• Focus on research excellence, utility patents, and industry collaboration.

• Provides dual career and relocation assistance through Concierge Program.

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access employer.

In your application, please refer to Polytechnicpositions.com