Oklahoma State University

Master of Business Analytics and Data Science Program

Program Director Position Announcement

The Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University (OSU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the MS in Business Analytics and Data Science (MS-BAnDS) program. The preferred start date is Spring 2027, though an earlier or later start may be negotiated. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business is home to a nationally ranked and highly reputed MS in Business Analytics and Data Science (MS-BAnDS) program. It is a college level graduate program (somewhat like an MBA) whereby the classes are shared by faculty members in various departments. The program grew from our well-established MS in MIS program as a collaboration between the School of Marketing and International Business and the Department of Management Science and Information Systems. Spears Business is looking to hire the next leader of this program. The Director provides strategic leadership to the Spears Business AI/Analytics/Data Science program.  The faculty director will report to the Vice Dean for Graduate Programs and Research and focus on managing all aspects of the program in collaboration with the Watson Graduate School of Management (WGSM) team and faculty members from participating departments. They will also have an academic home in one of the Spears School of Business academic departments. It is an 11-month open rank career track position. Salary is competitive for a comprehensive research university and contingent on available funding.

Responsibilities/Duties

Overall Program Leadership

• Serve as the main faculty point of contact and champion for the BAnDS program, working with the WGSM team to manage program operations across all venues.
• Partner with the Dean and Vice Dean on fundraising, Advisory Board relations, and alumni engagement to support program activities and scholarships.

Curriculum Leadership

• Lead strategic development, evaluation, revision, and maintenance of BAnDS program options, certificates, and offering venues (Stillwater, Tulsa, online, executive, and international), including curriculum design and accreditation assessment.
• Chair the BAnDS Core Faculty Committee; collaborate with SSB departments on scheduling, faculty team building, and cross-program relationships in consultation with the Vice Dean.
• Drive student recruitment and retention by developing annual goals, a marketing plan, 4+1 pipeline opportunities, and leading the ADS Admissions decision process.
• Teach in the program per expected workload expectations.

BAnDS Student/Staff Operations

• Manage graduate assistantships, scholarships, travel awards, internship approvals, and academic integrity matters.
• Oversee student orientation, competitions, professional development, and engagement opportunities for both full-time and part-time students.
• Track program enrollments, graduation rates, and coordinate alumni and employer outreach.
• Evaluate BAnDS-specific staff and provide input on broader WGSM staff assessments.

Qualifications and Experience

• Earned doctorate in a closely related field.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching, professional service, and research.
• Highly effective communication, interpersonal and leadership skills as evidenced by the ability to engage with faculty, students, staff, alumni, and the business community.
• Academic or industry experience that demonstrates planning, program development, evaluation, problem solving, external relations, and collaboration skills.

Academic Environment

OSU is a modern land-grant institution with an interdisciplinary approach to programs that prepares students for success. Through leadership and service, OSU is preparing students for a bright future and building a brighter world for all. As Oklahoma's only university with a statewide presence, OSU improves the lives of people in Oklahoma, the nation, and the world through integrated, high-quality teaching, research, and outreach. OSU has more than 35,000 students across its five-campus system.  The main campus is in Stillwater, a city of about 50,000 residents situated approximately 65 miles from both Oklahoma City and Tulsa, and approximately 250 miles from Dallas and Kansas City. OSU Stillwater has more than 24,500 students on its campus, representing all 50 states and more than 100 countries.

Stillwater is a diverse and welcoming academic and cultural community. Students and staff of OSU comprise about half of the city's population. Stillwater has been described as “America’s Friendliest College Town,” and has been listed as one of Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live. Stillwater boasts a historic downtown, a superb campus, highly rated public schools, and a regional airport with direct flights to and from Dallas-Fort Worth. The city offers a variety of activities on campus and in the community, including music, drama, art, speakers, recreation, and sporting events. Examples include the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, the Colvin Center, and the Seretean Wellness Center for physical education and recreation. Nearby lakes, walking/biking trails, and local/state parks are popular with students and faculty.

Additional Resources

• MS-BAnDS program-  https://go.okstate.edu/graduate-academics/programs/masters/business-analytics-and-data-science-ms.html
• Spears School of Business - https://business.okstate.edu/
• Oklahoma State University - https://go.okstate.edu/
• OSU interactions with the Stillwater area - https://go.okstate.edu/about-osu/visit-stillwater.html
• Information about the Stillwater area - www.visitstillwater.org

Applications and Nominations:

Applications received by August 15, 2026, will receive priority consideration; however, application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applications will be accepted online at jobs.okstate.edu.

Candidates should submit the following materials: letter of interest; statement of teaching, research, and service/outreach; summary of prior teaching evaluations; curriculum vitae; and list of three references.

Questions regarding this position or nominations, including the name, address, phone number, and email of the individual you are nominating, may be directed to:

Dr. Ramesh Sharda

ConocoPhillips Chair and Regents Professor of MSIS

Spears School of Business

383 Business Building | Stillwater, OK 74078

Ph: 405-744-8850

Email: ramesh.sharda@okstate.edu