Assistant Professor

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Job description

Job Number: job requisition id
R0067318

Location: Fort Smith

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Type of Position:
Faculty – Non-Tenure
Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:
Regular
Sponsors hip Available:

No

Institution Name:
University of Arkansas at Fort SmithUniversity of Arkansas – Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is a dynamic, mid-sized public university that’s redefining higher education. We’re on a mission to provide transformative, hands-on learning experiences for students of all backgrounds and aspirations. Our multi-faceted approach to education offers a wealth of opportunities, with over 70 academic programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. We’re committed to building a diverse community that mirrors Arkansas’s rich tapestry, reflecting our dedication to serving the state’s varied population while enhancing the quality of our institution.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary.

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Nestled along the Arkansas River, this vibrant city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Old West at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, explore the eclectic local art scene, or take a scenic stroll along the picturesque riverfront trails. With a welcoming community, diverse dining options, and a thriving downtown, Fort Smith is the ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking modern amenities.

Thank you for your interest in joining our university. Below you will find details for the position including any supplementary documentation and/or questions you should review before submitting your application. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at (479) 788-7080.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 479-788-7080. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position to which they have applied.

Department:
English, Rhetoric and Writing, and Media Communication

Summary of Job Duties:
The Department of English, Rhetoric and Writing, and Media Communication at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Rhetoric and Writing beginning August 2025. We are a vibrant, collegial faculty committed to excellent teaching, collaboration, and mentorship. The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching classes within the Rhetoric and Writing program as part of the English BA, including general education composition classes. Applicants should be able to teach a broad range of courses in Creative Writing, with a focus on fiction, nonfiction, and publishing. Candidates must have a commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching and scholarship. The position reports to the Department Chair of English, Rhetoric and Writing, and Media Communication.

Qualifications:Required Education and/or Work Experience: Minimum qualifications include an MFA in Creative Writing, with an emphasis on fiction, nonfiction, and publishing; plus two years of college-level teaching experience.

Preferred Education and/or Work Experience: We would be particularly interested in applicants whose scholarly engagement and pedagogy interests involve critical engagement with student focused practices. We are also interested in courses and scholarship that incorporate best practices to support non-heritage English writers and multilingual and multiple-English writers.

Summary of Job Duties:

  • Responsible for teaching undergraduate courses, both online and in the classroom. Course load is 24hrs per academic year, or 12hrs per semester.
  • Create and maintain an environment which emphasizes learning, encourages free discussion of ideas and critical thinking.
  • Employ culturally responsive teaching pedagogies and approaches.
  • Evaluate progress of students concerning educational matters and grade student work.
  • Ability and motivation to foreground issues related to diversity in the curriculum.
  • Recruitment and retention of students.
  • Advise and mentor students, specifically during Fall and Spring Advising sessions.
  • Maintain an active program of personal scholarly advancement, including appropriate national and regional presentations and publication.
  • Maintain appropriate standards of professional conduct and ethics
  • Service to department, college, and University, including committees and assessments.
  • Responsible for maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner to foster teamwork and by providing leadership to subordinates.
  • Requires consistent on-time attendance.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: To perform the job successfully, the following competencies are required for the essential functions of this position:

  • Demonstrated abilities in effective pedagogical practices and strategies in teaching rhetoric and composition.
  • Knowledge of and skills in student focused learning and teaching styles.
  • Knowledge of and skills in hybrid, blended, or online teaching.
  • Ability to engage students through the use of innovative teaching practices and teach students from diverse backgrounds.
  • Ability to build an inclusive learning environment and participate in the support of student writing.
  • Serve on department committees.
  • Collaborate actively with faculty in the Department as well as the Writing Center.
  • Develop and foster relationships across disciplines in order to support programming.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

Additional Information:

Working Relationships: Works with a diverse team of faculty, staff, and students to create a welcoming atmosphere for students and contains the rigor necessary to prepare students for careers in Professional Writing, Creative Writing, English, or related fields. Contributes to the collegiality and culture of the Department.

List Employees Supervised: NA

Special Job Dimensions: Work performed primarily in an office setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly exhibits digital dexterity when entering data into computer. The employee frequently sits for extended periods of time, and occasionally stands and walks. Vision demands include close, relatively detailed vision when focusing on a computer screen. Employee regularly talks and hears. Employee occasionally lifts items up to 50 pounds. Routine work schedule Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm with occasional overtime and travel required

Background Check Requirements. Criminal Background Check and Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) Check.

Salary Information:

Minimum salary of $52,000, final salary commensurate with education and experience.

How to apply

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)
Optional Documents:

Proof of Veteran Status

For full consideration, please apply by March 20, 2025.
Recruitment Contact Information:

HR 479-788-7080All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal background check, sex offender registry check, financial history background check, and/or drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act

Benefits Eligible:
Yes
University of Arkansas – Fort Smith does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment.