Job description
Virginia Beach, VA
VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY (VWU) invites applications for a tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Recreational Therapy in the Department of Sport and Recreation Professions, beginning in spring, 2026 or fall, 2026. A doctorate in Recreation, Leisure Studies or a related field is preferred. However, A.B.D. candidates with evidence that their degree will be completed prior to the fall 2026 semester will be considered. The department’s two majors (Recreational Therapy, and Sport and Recreation Management) are accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT).
We are seeking an innovative and collaborative faculty member to teach and provide direction to the Recreational Therapy major and contribute to the department’s core curriculum. The teaching load is three four-credit courses per semester. A successful candidate will uphold a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and student advising, as well as a passion for service and research consistent with our student-focused Department and University. Additionally, the candidate must hold the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential and ideally demonstrate field experience to provide valuable content to students. This position’s area of academic and professional focus is in Recreational Therapy with a demonstrated interest in partnerships, leadership, and program provision. The salary is competitive, and an attractive benefits package is offered.
Educational offerings within the Recreational Therapy major are augmented by a history of strong collaborations with a number of local agencies for internships and experiential learning. Faculty also have the option to pursue their interests via participation in our January Term, summer sessions, and online programs. The Department of Sport and Recreation Professions enjoys strong support from university administration and is one of the largest departments on campus. Faculty in the department work closely together, value their collegiality, and enjoy an excellent office suite and teaching spaces.
Sport and Recreation Professions website: https://www.vwu.edu/academics/majors/sports-and-recreation-professions/
About Virginia Wesleyan University
Virginia Wesleyan University (vwu.edu) is Coastal Virginia’s premier university of the liberal arts and sciences. Situated on a 300-acre park-like campus in Virginia Beach, VWU annually enrolls more than 5,000 learners in all programs in all locations, including nearly 1,700 students in undergraduate, graduate and online programs. Students thrive in average class sizes of 12, and nearly 90 percent of new graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year of graduation. Through its Environmental Guiding Principles, the University incorporates a commitment to sustainability in every aspect of campus life. VWU is an inclusive community dedicated to scholarship and service grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, inspiring students to build meaningful lives through engagement in Coastal Virginia’s dynamic metropolitan region, the nation and the world.
Location
Virginia Wesleyan has often been defined by its desirable and unique location in Coastal Virginia. Located in Virginia Beach, the University is just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay on a beautiful 300-acre park-like campus. The area is home to a host of business, governmental, and cultural institutions, as well as rich historical and natural resources. Nestled in the heart of one of Virginia’s largest metropolitan areas, Virginia Wesleyan is physically insulated from the bustle of the city traffic, and yet the vast resources of its surrounding urban area are easily accessible. Our region is proud of its vibrant city life, sandy beaches, and rich history. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com/explore.
Virginia Wesleyan University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered on the basis of skills, experience, and qualifications without regard to race, religion, color, creed, gender, national and ethnic origin, age, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, the presence of non-job-related medical disability, or any other legally protected status.
How to apply
Applicants should upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, transcripts (unofficial are acceptable at this point), and three letters of reference as PDF attachments to the Virginia Wesleyan University Career Site and follow the instructions to submit an application. All materials other than the letters of reference should be submitted as a single pdf. For assistance with the Career site please contact Regina Barletta at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin immediately, and continue until the position is filled. Questions prior to application may be directed to Dr. Jill Sturts, Department Chair, via (757) 455-3306 or [email protected].
