Job description
Cottey College, a private liberal arts and sciences college for women, invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of English position, beginning August 2026. We are specifically seeking a candidate with expertise and passion for teaching undergraduate introductory writing courses. The candidate must have a Ph.D. in English, Rhetoric and Composition, or Writing Studies. Degree must be in hand by the position’s start date.
In addition to teaching general education writing courses, the successful candidate will be able to design and teach courses that contribute to Cottey’s Writing Minor. Areas of secondary specialization are open; candidates with the following specialization are especially encouraged to apply: Cultural rhetorics, queer rhetorics, rhetorics of health and medicine, or political rhetorics.
Typical teaching load will be three courses per semester. Cottey faculty also engage in activities related to scholarly vitality, advise and mentor students, sponsor student organizations, engage in service, and participate in the life of the College.
About the Department of English:
Cottey College’s Department of English, which includes faculty in literature and in writing, is a collaborative, supportive environment. The department offers a B.A. in English, a minor in English, and a minor in writing. The department has endowed funds that support experiential learning. Students have access to out-of-class learning opportunities, such as honor societies, internships, and a student creative journal. Writing faculty likewise coordinate an annual writing contest that celebrates student writing in all disciplines.
About General Education Writing Courses:
Cottey College has a well-developed, two-course writing sequence in its general education program: First-Year Writing Seminar (FWS 101) and College Writing (WRI 102). The successful candidate will teach these two courses most frequently.
- FWS 101 is taught by faculty from across the academic disciplines and combines writing instruction with an introduction to the college’s threads (leadership, social responsibility, and global awareness). Sections in the course follow a shared curriculum, which faculty in the program have input in revising and refining each year. FWS 101 strives to create a cohesive, community-building experience for 2 first-semester students through elements such as common reader text and out-of-class events.
- WRI 102 is taught by faculty in English. The course has shared learning outcomes and a shared, general assignment sequence that emphasizes textual analysis, production, and research (primary and secondary). Even with these commonalities, the sections of WRI 102 are far from identical; instructors choose their own textbooks and design their own specific assignments to fit the overall sequence.
About Cottey College:
Cottey College, located in Nevada, Missouri, has offered young women the opportunity to learn and grow since 1884. It encompasses a diverse group of students, faculty, and staff, including first generation students, students awarded Pell Grants, students of color, international students, faculty of color, and international faculty. The successful candidate will have demonstrated favorable results in working with diverse populations. A Cottey education is guided by three threads: Leadership, social responsibility, and global awareness. Cottey College helps each student excel as learners, leaders, and global citizens – providing a comprehensive and empowering experience in an intimate academic setting that transforms them to reach their highest potential.
How to apply
Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Applicants must submit the following materials: A cover letter; curriculum vitae; statement of teaching philosophy, including philosophy of teaching a diverse student body; copies of transcripts; and the contact information for three references.
Application materials should be submitted by email as PDF documents to Dr. Karla McCain, VPAA, Cottey College, Nevada, MO 64772. E-mail: [email protected]; Phone: 417-667-8181, ext. 2128. Applicants must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship. Further information about Cottey is available at http://www.cottey.edu. Cottey College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
