Founding Faculty Professor

Art and Wellness Enterprises•Bentonville, AR

5d•Onsite

About The Position

STEM University is a new higher education institution being developed in Bentonville, Arkansas, focused on advancing innovative models of STEM education and workforce development. The university will offer a flexible, experiential educational model combining rigorous STEM instruction with an entrepreneurial and business-infused mindset, focusing on areas like artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, mobility, health technology, energy systems, and entrepreneurship. Through strong industry and regional partnerships, STEM University aims to equip students with high-demand skills for the evolving knowledge economy. The university plans to enroll its first undergraduate class in 2029 and establish a new national model for innovative STEM higher education. Initially, faculty will be hired by Art and Wellness Enterprises (AWE) and integrated into the Crystal Bridges Campus for Art and Wellness, benefiting from shared operational services and expertise. The Founding Faculty Model seeks exceptional individuals to serve as institutional architects, working directly with the President and leadership team to design the academic model, shape the culture of teaching and learning, and establish the university’s identity. This role is a departure from traditional hiring, prioritizing individuals with the capacity to build programs, create new approaches to STEM education, and operate at the intersection of academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. The founding faculty cohort will be central to developing curriculum, launching experiential learning environments, and forming external partnerships.

Requirements

PhD or terminal degree in a STEM discipline or closely related field (e.g., engineering, computer science, applied sciences, data science, or interdisciplinary STEM field), or demonstrated experience leading major higher education initiatives, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 3 years of STEM teaching, training, or instructional experience, which may include: Graduate teaching assistantships, Instructor-of-record experience, Co-teaching, guest lecturing, or formal teaching training programs.
Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and participation in a cohort-based model.
Evidence of effective teaching, mentoring, or training in STEM-related domains.
Demonstrated involvement in curriculum design or program development, including at least one of the following: Designing new courses, programs, or academic pathways, Leading curriculum redesign initiatives, Developing interdisciplinary or applied learning experiences.

Nice To Haves

Minimum 7–10 years of relevant professional experience, including at least one of the following: Faculty appointment, Senior role in industry, research labs, or applied innovation environments.
Demonstrated experience working at the intersection of academia and practice (industry, startups, or applied research environments preferred).
Experience with AI, robotics, health tech, energy systems, or entrepreneurship.
Background in experiential learning environments (e.g., maker spaces, labs, studios).
Demonstrated industry partnerships or commercialization experience.
Record of external funding, venture creation, or translational impact.
Documented experience contributing to or leading the creation of new initiatives, such as: Academic programs, centers, or labs; Experiential learning environments (e.g., maker spaces, design studios); Industry partnerships or applied learning programs.
Orientation toward innovation over tradition.
Willingness to build new systems rather than maintain existing ones.
Comfort with ambiguity, iteration, and startup-like environments.
Commitment to experiential, student-centered STEM education.
Experience preparing grant proposals as Principal Investigator (PI), co‑PI, or key personnel.
Evidence of interdisciplinary or team-based research or teaching.
Experience mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate researchers.
Training or experience in inclusive pedagogy, lab management, or mentoring.

Responsibilities

Deeply engaged in curriculum design, working collaboratively to develop an integrated undergraduate experience that embeds experiential learning throughout the program.
Designing interdisciplinary project sequences.
Incorporating artificial intelligence as both a subject and a pedagogical tool.
Aligning coursework with real-world applications.
Contributing to the development of the university’s experiential learning environment, including the creation of a maker-centered ecosystem where students can design, prototype, and build solutions.
Establishing partnerships with industry and regional organizations to inform curriculum, provide opportunities for applied learning, and ensure alignment with workforce and innovation needs.
Shaping institutional priorities as members of the founding academic leadership team.
Recruiting future faculty.
Contributing to the governance and long-term development of the university.