ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH – TENURE TRACK

Assistant Professor of English
Tenure Track

Summary of position:
The English Department at Whitworth University invites applications for a tenure track Assistant Professor in English with an emphasis on medieval and early modern literature. Approaches focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion are highly desirable.  We value candidates who demonstrate interest in and preparation for teaching additional courses in areas such as classical literatures in translation, global literatures, book history, and/or digital humanities.

The English Department, situated within the College of Arts and Sciences, at Whitworth University includes ten full time faculty members, bears primary responsibility for providing an education that is grounded in the great tradition of liberal arts and sciences and committed to the integration of faith and learning. We offer major programs in literature, writing studies, and education, along with a number of minors, including Film and Visual Narrative, Editing and Publishing, Medieval and Early Modern Studies, and TESOL. We also support the university's interdisciplinary minors in U.S. Cultural Studies and Women's and Gender Studies. The department is home to the national literary magazine Rock & Sling and the peer reviewed journal Present Tense: A Journal of Rhetoric in Society. The department is also home to the university writing program, and it provides leadership both for the university writing center and for writing across the curriculum initiatives on campus. For a further description of the English Department and the work of its faculty, please see http://www.whitworth.edu/english/.

Since 1890, Whitworth University, a private, residential, comprehensive, master’s-level, liberal-arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, has held fast to its founding mission to provide its students an education of mind and heart characterized by rigorous and open intellectual inquiry and the integration of Christian faith and learning. Anchored in the Reformed tradition and enriched throughout its history by strong evangelical and ecumenical currents, Whitworth's mission is carried out by a diverse community of dedicated Christian scholars and staff members who are called to a variety of vocations to serve and support students. Whitworth believes the best learning occurs in the context of relationship – inside and outside of the classroom – where professors and staff members alike invest in the lives of students. Whitworth is committed to modeling the highest standards of integrity and fairness and being a trusted and valued member of the community.

STARTING DATE: July 1, 2022

PRIMARY TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES:
Successful applicant will teach first-year composition, upper-division seminars in area of specialization, survey of British Literature Before 1800, Shakespeare, and lower-division literature courses focused on voices from under-represented groups. Successful applicant will help shape our existing Medieval and Early Modern Studies minor (housed in English and History). May be called on to teach in Whitworth’s Core/Worldview Studies program. Teaching normally 3-1-3 (3 in regular semesters and 1 during a shortened January term).

Favorable faculty-student ratio. All faculty members produce scholarship and participate in advising (including advising first-year students) and departmental/university service. ABD applicants welcome.

required qualifications, skills, and abilities

• Evidence of promise in effectiveness at college-level teaching (demonstrated effectiveness preferred)
• A personal commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith and learning
• Strong potential for an on-going stream of research in the candidate’s area of specialization
• Demonstrated growth in cultural competence, awareness of societal and structural inequities and proven experience in effectively establishing relationships and positive communications with students and other constituents across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, varying abilities, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, class or religious perspectives
• A commitment to the educational mission of Whitworth University as a comprehensive Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church
• Ability to work effectively as a colleague with university administration, faculty, staff, and students.
• Commitment to providing an equitable, just, and inclusive learning environment for all students.
• Must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States by the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue to work legally for the proposed term of employment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. or ABD in English or related field.

SALARY: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

TO APPLY:  Please submit to www.whitworth.edu/facultycareers

• a letter of application addressing your qualifications for the position and interest in teaching at a Christian liberal arts university with an increasingly diverse student body,
• curriculum vitae,
• a short personal essay describing your personal Christian faith. This essay is intended to be a statement in your own words that will help the committee to understand your interest in joining Whitworth’s community of Christian scholars. (Click here for guidance on writing the faith essay), 
• a brief writing sample (approximately 15 double-spaced pages)
• names, addresses, email address and phone numbers of at least three academic references (one or more additional non-academic references who are able to speak to your qualifications for the position may also be included).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: A background check, sexual misconduct check, and confirmation of degrees earned will be required of the successful candidate. All Whitworth University employees are required to comply with the university’s COVID-19 vaccination policy.

DEADLINE: Application review begins immediately and will continue until position is filled. Full consideration is guaranteed for applications received by January 15, 2022. Preliminary interviews (via Zoom) anticipated for February 2022.

Please direct questions about the position to the search committee chair, Dr. Charles (Casey) Andrews at charlesandrews@whitworth.edu.

Our Benefits:
Whitworth University provides a robust offering of benefits and services to enhance the quality of life of its faculty and staff. Employees who are eligible for benefits may participate in health plans including medical, dental and vision; a generous retirement plan (8% employer match); life insurance and long-term disability insurance. Well-being services include spiritual enrichment, the employee assistance program, and free access to the University Recreation Center and the Megan E. Thompson Aquatic Center. Free tuition for employees and tuition remission programs for spouses and dependents round out the offerings. Additionally, Whitworth employees enjoy 17 paid holidays each year.

Whitworth complies with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws that are applicable to religious nonprofit institutions and does not engage in unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. With our Christ-centered commitment to building a diverse and inclusive community, the university encourages applications from populations underrepresented at Whitworth including members of racial/ethnic communities, women, and persons with disabilities.