National search under way for meteorology professor

The Department of Agriculture, Geosciences and Natural Resources is conducting a national search for a meteorology professor to replace Dr. Todd Albert, currently an assistant professor of meteorology here at UTM. The search will continue through Feb. 3, at which point departmental representatives will review the applications and begin to invite qualified candidates for campus interviews.

The advertisement for the official position, published in the Association of American Geographers newsletter, as well as in other professional publications, calls for applicants demonstrating "exceptional ability to teach undergraduate courses in meteorology, including thermodynamics, dynamics, boundary layer and instrumentation," as well as introductory geography courses.

"We have no more important job than good staffing. That is what this university is about and what gives students such a good experience," said Dr. Jefferson Rogers, professor of geography and former chair of the Department of Geology, Geography and Physics.

UTM's meteorology concentration is the first and only of its kind in Tennessee, designed to "train students for a career in the atmospheric sciences and to supplement their training in geosciences," according to the department's website.

It was created when UTM geography professors saw an increase in students' interest in climate change and a gap in the state's available degree programs for this area.

"Given the strengths we had in staffing at the time and the available marketing opportunities, we said, ‘Let's go for it!'" Rogers said.

After a two-year search for an additional meteorology professor, the department finally found Dr. Albert.

Albert, who is largely responsible for the construction of the weather station located on the UTM farm, is finishing his third year with the university and leaving for personal reasons.

"I am somewhat sad to be leaving UTM, especially the students, colleagues and friends that I am leaving behind. Luckily, technology today makes it easy for us to all stay in touch. I will still be there for students via email and other means, even if they won't be able to drop in to see me in person," Albert said.

Rogers said meteorology students will not experience a gap in their course offerings because of the staffing change. Albert will finish this spring semester and knows his students will be on track for graduation.

"The meteorology students will have all of the classes that they need. I am only offering more classes so that students have the opportunity to take more with me before I leave. The program is strong and will survive well after I am gone. I am also very confident that the new faculty member they hire to teach my courses will be the best one for the program," Albert said.

The new candidate should begin work on Aug. 1.

But even if the search for a new professor takes longer than expected, procedures are already in place to ensure students are not inconvenienced. Dr. Robert Simpson, professor of geography, is also a climatologist, meaning he is prepared to take over Albert's course load if a suitable replacement cannot be found in time for the fall semester.

"We will not hire someone who we're not comfortable running our classes," Rogers said, further stating that the department is prepared to conduct multiple searches if the proper candidate cannot be found on the first try.

Students majoring in the geosciences will have the opportunity to interact with and critique potential professors as they go through the interview process this semester. Candidates will conduct lectures and be available to answer student questions during their time on campus.

While students may not have an official vote in the selection process, their opinions will be taken seriously in the final faculty decision.