Assistant Professor - Health Sciences - #001881

Western Carolina University•Cullowhee, NC

44d•Onsite

About The Position

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus. The School of Health Sciences invites applications for a nine-month, tenure track position in the Health Sciences Program with expertise and interest in health education. This is a full-time appointment with the rank of Assistant Professor. Anticipated start date is August 1, 2026. Salary is commensurate with academic qualifications and experience for a regional comprehensive university. Opportunities for summer teaching are available. Responsibilities of the position include: (1) teaching undergraduate and graduate courses that support the Health Sciences curriculum and general education courses; (2) advising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in collaboration with the Advising Center; (3) providing meaningful service to the university, profession, and community; and (4) pursuing a well-defined scholarly/research agenda. We seek candidates who demonstrate their ability to work with, and be sensitive to the educational needs of, first generation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and rural populations; and support the University's commitment to Honoring Our Promise. The Health Sciences program holds inclusive excellence as a core value, and we work together to foster a welcoming community, where all are respected and know they belong. The Health Sciences program is housed in the 160,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Health and Human Sciences Building and is part of the robust and engaged School of Health Sciences. The Health Sciences program consists of a bachelor's degree in Integrated Health Sciences and a master's degree in Health Sciences. The Integrated Health Sciences (IHS) Program is a 120-credit hour, residential, program designed for students who have a broad-based interest in the health field with concentrations in Pre-Professional, Management, and Health & Wellness. This innovative and flexible program of study is intended to equally serve entry-level and transfer students. More information about the program can be found on the website: ihs.wcu.edu The Master of Health Sciences (MHS) program, designed for the working professional, is a 100% online graduate degree program that prepares future health organization managers and educators. The MHS program offers concentrations in Emergency Medical Care, Health Education, Health Management and Nutrition & Dietetics/Dietetic Internship. More information about the program can be found on the website: mhs.wcu.edu. The School of Health Sciences offers undergraduate programs in Emergency Medical Care, Environmental Health, Integrated Health Sciences, Nutrition & Dietetics, and Recreational Therapy. Graduate programs include the Master of Science in Athletic Training and the Master of Health Sciences. Additional programs within the College of Health and Human Sciences include Communication Sciences and Disorders, Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Social Work. A collaborative environment conducive to interdisciplinary teaching, scholarship and service exists within the School and College of Health and Human Sciences. Western North Carolina's rural, ageing, and medically underserved population and location provides numerous and rich opportunities for community partnerships, collaborative research, and grant acquisition. More information on the school can be found on the website: hs.wcu.edu and information on the College can be found on the website: chhs.wcu.edu. Western Carolina University is a regional comprehensive university with more than 12,000 students with its main campus located in Cullowhee, NC. Part of our mission is to inspire student learning through innovative teaching, nationally recognized programs, exceptional support, and a robust connectedness with surrounding communities in Southern Appalachia, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The county and surrounding areas provide residents a high quality of life with their proximity to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, diverse outdoor adventures, a thriving arts community, and mild year-around temperatures.

Requirements

Doctoral degree in health education, health promotion, community health, public health, or closely related field from a regionally accredited institution (ABD candidates will be considered with degree conferral by December 2025 for a January start or May 2026 for an August start) with a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline.
Evidence of teaching experience in the discipline.
Evidence of scholarly activity and a research agenda.
Evidence of service to the profession or community.

Nice To Haves

Credentials or certifications in health education specialties.

Responsibilities

teaching undergraduate and graduate courses that support the Health Sciences curriculum and general education courses
advising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in collaboration with the Advising Center
providing meaningful service to the university, profession, and community
pursuing a well-defined scholarly/research agenda
Support the vision and mission of Health Science programs, along with that of the School, College, and University.
Develop and deliver courses within the Health Sciences program such as, but not limited to, Nutrition, Fitness, & Wellness; Theory of Public Health; Training & Development in Clinical Settings (e.g., patient health education); Women's Health; and Capstone courses.
Mentor and advise students in collaboration with the Advising Center with regard to academic progress and professional development.
Engage in scholarly activities and creative contributions within the profession based upon the Boyer Model of scholarship.
Provide service to the university, profession, and community.
Maintain currency and contemporary expertise in the academic discipline through continuing education, scholarship, and/or participation in activities within the profession, including involvement within professional organizations at the state, district and national levels.
Work cooperatively and collegially with all faculty and staff involved in the Health Sciences program, School of Health Sciences, and across the university.
Submit appropriate artifacts, narratives, and data related to program, liberal studies, and accreditation assessment and continuous improvement.
Carry out other assignments and duties as assigned by the Director of the School of Health Sciences and Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Benefits

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance.
Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire.
Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan.
Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses.
Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.
Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately.
Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

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