Assistant Professor of Creative Writing (Tenure Track)

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Department of English, Rhetoric and Writing at Berry College invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in creative writing with expertise in fiction. In addition to traditional genres of fiction, the ideal candidate will be versatile in other narrative genres in print and/or digital environments which may include graphic novels/memoirs, speculative fiction, young adult literature, and/or screenwriting. Through courses integrating artistic practice, literary study, practical experience, and community engagement, this position will contribute to the program's efforts to advance Berry's mission to graduate students with the knowledge, experience, character, and passion to improve the communities in which they live, work and serve.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant, engaging department with steady student enrollment in both our creative writing and literature majors. We seek candidates who demonstrate aptitude and enthusiasm for teaching in a liberal arts environment, and a commitment to mentoring and guiding students. We are especially interested in candidates whose teaching and creative publications are aligned with and will advance Berry's culture of diversity and belonging. There are multiple opportunities in and out of the classroom for our faculty to develop meaningful mentoring relationships with our students while fostering their development as student assistants through the college's LifeWorks program, guiding them in undergraduate creative projects and Honors theses, and coaching them in the development of their capstone portfolios.

Responsibilities will include courses in introduction to creative writing and advanced courses in fiction as well as two experiential 400-level courses: Writing about Place and Writing and Community. A commitment to teaching first-year writing is also required. This person will also help recruit visiting writers for the department's Creative Writing Reading Series, facilitating interactions between our students and a range of successful, published writers. Faculty at Berry have access to a wide range of professional development opportunities, including summer research/writing grants and generous support for conference travel as well as for teaching workshops and seminars.

REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants should hold an MFA and/or a Ph.D. in creative writing. ABD candidates near completion will be considered.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

ABOUT BERRY COLLEGE

Berry is a selective independent college of 2,200 students located adjacent to Rome, GA, midway between Atlanta, GA, and Chattanooga, TN. Berry's educational approach deliberately unites challenging academic programs with practical work experience in a residential campus community that encourages faith and emphasizes caring for the needs of others above self. This commitment to an "education of the head, heart and hands" remains as relevant today as when our founder instilled this ethic more than a century ago. Nationally recognized for quality of learning and quality of life, Berry offers first-rate undergraduate degree programs in the sciences, humanities, arts and human sciences, as well as undergraduate and master's level opportunities in business and teacher education. The College's stunning 27,000-acre campus affords opportunities that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. Berry's ongoing commitment is to provide exceptional educational experiences to talented students from a wide range of social, racial, and economic backgrounds.

COLLEGE COMMITMENTS

Berry College is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse faculty and staff. An Equal Opportunity Institution, Berry complies with all applicable laws and provisions prohibiting discrimination in its educational and employment policies. Berry respects the essential dignity of all individuals and accordingly hires and promotes employees without regard to matters of personal identity such as ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and political affiliation. Berry College is committed to ensuring facilities, programs, services, and activities are accessible to everyone, including those seeking employment at Berry College. Inquiries about interview or workplace accommodations are welcomed and can be directed to Wayne Phipps, Director of Human Resources, at (706) 290-2698.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants should submit a letter of application describing the candidate's interest in this position, commitment to the Berry mission and to inclusive teaching and learning; a curriculum vitae; a teaching statement that should articulate the candidate's teaching approach, experience, and goals; a statement of research plans; unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts; and names and contact information of three references.

Review of applications will begin on October 15, and will continue until the position is filled.

Specific questions about the position may be sent directly to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Sandra Meek at smeek@berry.edu.

Apply here.