Open Rank Professor of Religious Studies

The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) is seeking applicants for a full-time, nine-month faculty appointment in the field of Religious Studies starting August 2024. The position will focus on providing dynamic teaching and support for the University’s Religious Studies program, as well as a commitment to the University’s mission as a school of opportunity. This faculty’s primary responsibility will be to teach Religious Studies courses of all levels for both majors and nonmajors. Religious Studies courses include Biblical studies, world religions, and contemporary issues. The candidate’s application will be strengthened by the ability to contribute to the new Medical Humanities program. Rank and salary will be based on qualifications. Applicants must have a solid commitment to teaching in a small university setting and the ability to work effectively with others in a collegial environment dedicated to student learning. Preference will be given to candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to - and will take an active role in - enhancing diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

An ideal applicant will be committed to interdisciplinary teaching and learning and will have a passion for teaching excellence. In addition to teaching responsibilities, this position will include opportunities for experiential learning and community engagement. While many classes are offered face-to-face, the University does offer classes through other modalities, including hybrid and online. Faculty may have part of their teaching load assigned to these other modalities. The position also requires advising students, providing service to the University community, assisting with departmental activities, and continuing scholarly growth and development.

This position is an opportunity to engage with students at a variety of levels, from General Education courses to more specialized, upper-level courses. Your CV and other application materials will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a pool of the most highly qualified candidates. Please provide a cover letter and specifically address your teaching experience, skills, and teaching philosophy, as well as how you would create an environment of learning and excellence within our program. In addition, please identify what other courses you would like to develop. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Pikeville strives to serve students – 35% of whom are first-generation, 99% of whom receive some form of financial aid, and 18% of whom are non-white at the undergraduate level – by making learning accessible and affordable. One of the University’s signature initiatives is Open Educational Resources, which offers no-cost course materials and reduces the economic burden on students and families. The College of Arts & Sciences uses flexible delivery modes, including face-to-face, hybrid, and online course offerings and programs. In addition to seeking candidates who are committed to the values of educational access and flexibility, the College will take a close look at candidates who are committed to innovative teaching and active learning. The University has a robust mentorship program and multiple other support programs to help new faculty connect and succeed.

Education/Skill Requirements:

• A graduate degree in Religious Studies or Practical Theology is required. A Ph.D., D.Min., or Th.D. and/or teaching experience in Religious Studies, especially at the undergraduate level, is strongly desired. Applicants with ABD status, and those within one year of completion, will also be considered.
• In the application, candidates should address their approaches to/experiences with teaching and mentoring undergraduate students and their demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence.

The University of Pikeville offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. UPIKE offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, telemedicine, long-term disability, tuition waivers, a 403(b)-retirement plan, and HSA, FSA, and dependent care accounts.

The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.

The University of Pikeville is a comprehensive institution made up of five colleges: College of Arts & Sciences, Coleman College of Business, College of Nursing & Human Services, Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Kentucky College of Optometry, with the Tanner College of Dental Medicine to begin in the 2025. For more information about the University of Pikeville, please visit https://www.upike.edu and https://www.higheredjobs.com/InstitutionProfile.cfm?ProfileID=15677.

Interested applicants should complete the online application by visiting http://jobs.upike.edu. In addition to the application, interested applicants are requested to attach a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, copies of their transcripts, a teaching philosophy statement that includes ways diversity principles inform the candidate’s teaching, and the contact information for three to five professional references.