Instructor I, Mahurin Honors College
Western Kentucky University

Job Info

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About Western Kentucky University:

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 15,035 students (29% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority) and just over 2,500 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about.

Job Description:

The Mahurin Honors College (MHC) at Western Kentucky University (WKU) invites applicants for an Honors Interdisciplinary Studies instructor position. This is a nine-month, non-tenure-eligible position at the Instructor I rank. Duties will begin 15 August 2023 and will be a three-year appointment with the possibility for renewal.

The MHC provides its 1,200 honors scholars the experience of a prestigious, highly selective liberal arts college within the context of a robust public comprehensive university. Although standardize test scores are not part of the application process, research demonstrates that scholars in the MHC on average rank in the top 7% of the nation in terms of SAT/ACT scores. The MHC emphasizes writing, research, interdisciplinary, and international learning, and has an excellent record of placing alumni in top graduate/professional programs. The MHC also has a strong record of success in nationally competitive scholarships (see wku.edu/osd for details). Additional information about the MHC can be found at www.wku.edu/honors.

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching the Citizen and Self seminar, the sole required course in the MHC, with additional opportunities to mentor MHC scholars. The successful candidate will have a desire to actively participate in the social and intellectual life of the MHC, mentor outstanding MHC scholars, and collaborate with colleagues. Opportunities for summer teaching may be available.

The Citizen and Self seminar focuses on building theoretical knowledge and practical skills for effective, engaged citizenship and leadership within our various communities and professions. The seminar's format facilitates honors scholars working in research teams and developing the skills necessary to be agents of change over their lifetime. The successful candidate must have the skills and experience to teach a course that emphasizes:

• Developing strong writing and research skills, with a focus on knowledge creation, and collaborative learning;
• Theoretical knowledge and practical skills that prepare students to work effectively in their communities, social groups, and professions to strengthen the broader society;
• Community partnerships and collaborative problem-solving; and
• Engagement with methodologies and approaches to public scholarship and community-based research

Requirements:

• Master's degree.
• Candidates should demonstrate a history of, and commitment to, interdisciplinary engagement with a specific interest in civic studies, public scholarship, and community research.
• Candidates should demonstrate evidence of excellent teaching ability, specifically in a seminar format. Finalists may be asked for teaching evaluations.
• Candidates should have experience working with a diverse student population.
• Candidates should demonstrate interest in and experience with student engagement and undergraduate research.

Additional Information:

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services (EEO). To request an accommodation, report/express a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU''s Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Mr. Joshua Hayes, EEO Director/Title IX Investigator/University ADA Coordinator, via email at joshua.hayes@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-5121.

The University is also required to investigate complaints of sex and gender-based harassment, also a form of discrimination, and has designated the Title IX Coordinator as the individual responsible for coordinating the investigation and response to such complaints. The Title IX Coordinator for the University is Ms. Ena Demir, who can be contacted via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

Application Instructions:

The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system by March 6, 2023, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled:

• Cover letter, which addresses background and suitability to teach Citizen and Self and experience working with academically motivated scholars from all communities
• Current CV
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy

Names and contact information of three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee through an online process at a later date.

You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process.

Quicklink to apply: https://wku.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp;jsessionid=224E3C71BD1FCA0988A609A9AB84C413?JOBID=158969

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