Assistant/Associate Professor of Computer Science/Cybersecurity

Mid-America Nazarene University • Olathe, KS

3d

About The Position

MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas, is seeking an Assistant/Associate Professor of Computer Science with expertise in cybersecurity. This is a full-time faculty appointment on a 9-month teaching contract. The role combines teaching with substantial program development and leadership, including developing cybersecurity curriculum, growing enrollment, and strengthening industry and community partnerships. The final specialization may be cybersecurity or data analytics, depending on candidate qualifications and university needs; only one appointment is anticipated.

The faculty member will provide leadership for the Computer Science program within the Department of Natural, Health, and Mathematical Sciences, partnering with the Department Chair on program management, course scheduling, and strategic planning. The role includes designing and launching undergraduate and/or graduate cybersecurity courses, concentrations, certificates, and degree pathways; teaching computer science and specialty cybersecurity courses; developing hands-on learning environments; and guiding external program designations and certification preparation where appropriate.

The position also includes program assessment, adjunct faculty oversight, recruitment and enrollment growth, partnership development, interdisciplinary collaboration, student advising, committee service, and participation in campus community life, including chapel and student engagement. Candidates should be committed to higher education delivered with a Christ-centered worldview and to servant leadership. The university is an intentionally Christian community and seeks employees whose faith is reflected in their words, attitudes, and actions.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Information Systems, or a closely related field is preferred; a master's degree in a relevant field with substantial cybersecurity specialty training or professional experience will be considered.
• Specialty education, training, or professional experience in cybersecurity, such as network and systems security, secure software development, digital forensics, incident response, cloud security, or security risk management.
• Demonstrated experience in program development or leadership, such as designing curricula, launching courses, certificates, or programs, or leading technical teams and initiatives.
• Ability to grow and manage master's-level programming and advanced degree pathways.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues within the department and across the institution.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for teaching, mentoring, advising, and program leadership.
• Commitment to higher education delivered with a Christ-centered worldview and to servant leadership.
• Ability and desire to teach through experiential and applied learning, including hands-on labs and real-world security scenarios.

Nice To Haves

• Industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CEH, GIAC, or similar.
• Prior teaching experience, preferably at the undergraduate or graduate level.
• Experience building partnerships with industry, government, community, or professional organizations.
• A record of successful experience in higher education and/or industry, including mentoring students or junior colleagues.
• A Ph.D. in a relevant field.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the Computer Science program and partner with the Department Chair on program management, course scheduling, and strategic planning.
• Lead the design, development, and launch of undergraduate and/or graduate cybersecurity curriculum, including courses, concentrations, certificates, and degree pathways aligned with university priorities and industry workforce needs.
• Teach computer science courses such as programming fundamentals, data structures, and computer networks, as well as cybersecurity specialty courses.
• Develop and maintain hands-on learning environments, including virtual labs and cyber ranges, and integrate industry-standard tools and practices into coursework.
• Guide the program toward appropriate external designations and alignments, such as NSA/CISA National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, and prepare students for industry certifications.
• Oversee program assessment by collecting, analyzing, and reporting Computer Science program learning outcomes and using results for continuous improvement.
• Recruit, support, and oversee computer science adjunct faculty to ensure quality and consistency of instruction.
• Lead program growth and recruitment efforts, including attending recruiting events and collaborating with admissions and marketing.
• Develop and sustain industry, government, and community partnerships to support internships, applied projects, industry advisory input, and program relevance.
• Collaborate with Computer Science, Mathematics, and cross-campus faculty to develop interdisciplinary offerings and build a vibrant student culture.
• Advise students on course selection and career or graduate school planning.
• Serve on department and university committees.
• Participate in campus community life, including chapel, student engagement, and student support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior