Job description
Department: Health and Physical Education
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
Salary: $47,320 – $52,010
About Arkansas Tech:
Founded in 1909, Arkansas Tech University is a comprehensive public institution with a rich history, maintaining regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and classification as a Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) level III institution. ATU was ranked the No. 1 regional public university in Arkansas by U.S. News and World Report in 2021-22 and 2022-23 and CollegeNET recognizes ATU as the No. 1 institution in Arkansas on its Social Mobility Index. Since 2019, Arkansas Tech has been the host institution for the prestigious Arkansas Governor’s School. The 559-acre Russellville campus, located in the scenic Arkansas River Valley between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, is just one hour from the capital city of Little Rock. Russellville features a charming blend of historic and modern architecture as well as the recreational opportunities provided by Lake Dardanelle and several state parks. Offering more than 100 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degree and certificate programs across five academic colleges and two campuses, Arkansas Tech strives to provide a solid educational foundation for life-long learning to a diverse community.
Position Summary:
Instructor or Tenure-Track Assistant Professor to teach undergraduate courses in Health Education, Health and Exercise Science, and Physical Education across traditional, online, and hybrid formats while engaging students in high-impact learning, advising effectively, and fostering collaborative relationships with students, faculty, and community partners. Contribute to program development and assessment, recruitment, service, professional development, and (for tenure-track faculty) establish a sustainable scholarly agenda that includes pursuing external funding, while supporting departmental and university initiatives as assigned.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Teach courses in Physical Education Teacher Education (K-12 Pedagogy).
Advise students effectively at the undergraduate level.
Engage students in high impact best practices in learning.
Develop and maintain a scholarship program including seeking eternal funds to support high quality Physical Education (TT Assistant Professor rank).
Provide impactful departmental, college, university, and professional services relevant to the university, community, and state.
Collaborate with faculty and public-school partners in the development, review, assessment, and improvement of departmental programs.
Assist in promoting Health and Physical Education programs and recruiting students.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the department chair.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Understanding of the knowledge, skill, and dispositions expected of today’s Physical Education professionals, understanding of the public school culture, organized, effective communicator, team player, energetic, enthusiastic, and collegial.
Minimum Requirements:
Instructor or Tenure Track Assistant Professor.
Earned Master’s Degree in physical education, health and exercise science, or kinesiology is required (Instructor position) OR Earned doctorate in exercise science, kinesiology, health and physical education, or a related field (TT Assistant Professor position).
A minimum of two years of public-school teaching experience is required preferably as a teacher of record.
A successful interview and successful teaching demonstration are required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Active participation in Kinesiology/Health/Physical Education professional organizations.
Knowledge and implementation of best practices and methods in traditional, online, and hybrid instruction.
Scholarly activity in research and publication.
Work Location, Environment, and Physical Demands:
The work location will be classrooms and gyms in the Hull Physical Education Building and/or physical activity facilities on the ATU campus.
Physical demands include managing equipment for various activities, moving equipment, and participating in activities.
Computer use will be necessary.
Have and maintain the physical and mental abilities, communication skills, and stamina necessary to complete the essential functions.
How to apply
What to Submit:
Cover letter.
Current vita.
Three references with contact information.
To be considered for the position of Instructor or Assistant Professor of Health and Physical Education, all applications must be received nd processed through our applicant tracking system Cornerstone prior to the closing date on May 1, 2026, before 6:00 pm central time.
Please go to https://atu.csod.com/ats/careersite/search.aspx?site=1&c=atu to apply now.
This position is subject to a pre-employment criminal background check. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
Arkansas Tech University is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, national origin, religion, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.
