Job description

The Department of English at Winthrop University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position to teach in our B.A. and M.A. programs. Specialization should be in African American Literature and/or Afro Caribbean Literature of any period. Research interests might include gender and sexuality studies, diaspora studies, literary and cultural studies, and/or postcolonial studies. This individual must have both a strong teaching record and a promising research agenda.

Major Responsibilities:

• Teach the equivalent of four courses each semester, including courses in Winthrop’s innovative general education core (Composition, The Human Experience, and Critical Reading, Thinking, and Writing)
• Deliver upper-division courses and graduate courses in African American literature
• Develop curriculum, new courses, and topics classes for our B.A. and M.A. programs; collaborate with our interdisciplinary African American Studies Program to develop courses and programming
• Pursue productive research in the discipline and promote undergraduate and graduate research
• Participate in professional service activities for the department, college, and university
• Engage with students from diverse backgrounds and advise and mentor English majors

About Winthrop University

Founded in 1886, Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, offers its 6,000-plus undergraduate and graduate students an educational experience that blends liberal arts, professional programs, global awareness, and civic engagement. In its colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business and Technology; Education, Sport, and Human Sciences; and Visual and Performing Arts, Winthrop embraces only those programs and activities that can be delivered at an exemplary level. Winthrop University is achieving national stature as a competitive and distinctive co-educational, public, residential, comprehensive, values-oriented institution. The values of service, excellence, community, and leadership provide the foundation for Winthrop’s continuing development and shape Winthrop’s continuing success. Numerous national accolades reflect the sustained high quality and value of the Winthrop Experience, including the most recent U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Winthrop as one of the top-10 public comprehensive universities in the South. Winthrop is an active member of the Rock Hill community and recognized as a key component of the region’s economic resurgence. Approximately 20 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina, Winthrop has direct access to and is engaged in a broad and expansive regional business community. Winthrop’s beautiful campus encompasses a rich architectural blend of neo-Georgian buildings and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The attractive recreational and research complex area that surrounds Winthrop Lake is home to Winthrop’s 18 Division I men’s and women’s sports.

Benefits

At Winthrop University, we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that significantly enhances the total compensation for our employees. In partnership with the State of South Carolina and the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), our benefits include health and life insurance, generous paid leave, parental leave, and retirement programs. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting the well-being and financial security of our employees. For more information please visit: https://www.winthrop.edu/hr/employee-benefits.aspx

Background Check

Winthrop University is committed to providing a safe campus community. Winthrop conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in English with specialization in African American Literature and/or Afro Caribbean Literature required. ABDs may be considered for appointment in a non-tenure track position at the rank of instructor if all degree requirements are not completed by the expected start date of August 16, 2026.

How to apply

Applicants should submit: 1) a letter of application stating candidate’s qualifications for the position and teaching philosophy; 2) a current CV; 3) a sample of representative writing (an article, or chapter-length contribution); 4) three current letters of recommendation; 5) names, titles, addresses, phone numbers, and email-addresses, if available, of at least three persons who know the candidate professionally, and 6) all graduate transcripts (unofficial are acceptable for initial review). All materials should be submitted electronically by October 27, 2025

For any questions, please contact:

Department of English
250 Bancroft Hall
Rock Hill, SC 79733
803-323-2171
[email protected]

Winthrop University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group of individuals on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.