Benedictine College, located in the charming town of Atchison, Kansas, along the Missouri River, stands as a beacon of Catholic higher education in the United States. Founded in 1858 by the Benedictine monks of Atchison Abbey, the institution has grown into a respected liberal arts college serving around 1,700 undergraduate students. Known for its unwavering commitment to the Benedictine values of prayer, work, and community (ora et labora), Benedictine College integrates faith and reason across its curriculum. Jobs at Benedictine College attract educators and professionals who seek a meaningful career in a faith-centered environment, where teaching, research, and service intertwine.
The college offers over 50 majors and pre-professional programs, spanning theology, philosophy, business, nursing, engineering, and the sciences. Its small class sizes—averaging 20 students—allow faculty to form close mentorships, making faculty positions particularly rewarding. Atchison's serene setting provides a peaceful backdrop, enhancing the appeal for those considering higher ed jobs in Kansas.
The roots of Benedictine College trace back to 1858 when Benedictine monks established it to educate future priests and lay leaders amid the Kansas frontier. Over 165 years, it evolved through mergers, including with Mount St. Scholastica College in 1970, becoming co-educational while preserving its Catholic identity. Today, under President Stephen D. Minnis since 2019, the college emphasizes orthodox Catholic teaching, earning recognition from the Cardinal Newman Society for fidelity to Church doctrine.
This rich history shapes jobs at Benedictine College, prioritizing hires who align with its mission: forming leaders grounded in faith for a changing world. Faculty and staff contribute to initiatives like the "Benedictine Way," promoting spiritual growth alongside academic excellence. Historical commitment to education in underserved areas continues, influencing roles in outreach and mission-driven programs.
Jobs at Benedictine College encompass faculty, administrative, and support roles. Faculty openings include tenure-track professors in theology (requiring deep Catholic scholarship), business (with AACSB accreditation pursuits), and STEM fields like engineering. Adjunct professor jobs fill teaching needs part-time, ideal for local Kansas educators. Administrative positions cover admissions, student life, and advancement, while staff roles support athletics (NCAA Division III Ravens) and facilities.
For a deeper dive into university job types, including lecturer jobs and professor jobs, explore our comprehensive guide. Common openings reflect the college's growth, with recent hires in nursing and education amid expanding enrollment.
Securing faculty jobs at Benedictine College demands rigorous credentials. A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field is standard for tenure-track roles—for instance, a PhD in theology for religious studies positions. Master's degrees suffice for adjuncts, but doctoral candidates are preferred.
Research focus aligns with college strengths: Catholic theology, moral philosophy, bioethics, and applied sciences. Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (e.g., in journals like The Thomist), securing grants from bodies like the National Science Foundation, and undergraduate teaching records. Skills and competencies emphasize excellent communication, curriculum development, and service to the Catholic community. Proficiency in learning management systems like Canvas and commitment to writing a winning academic CV are essential.
| Role Type | Key Qualifications | Preferred Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | PhD, 1-3 years teaching | Publications, grants |
| Adjunct | Master's minimum | Local teaching experience |
| Dean/Director | PhD + admin experience | Leadership in higher ed |
Understanding key terms enhances clarity for jobs at Benedictine College:
The application process for jobs at Benedictine College begins on their careers page (bc.edu/careers), where postings detail requirements. Submit a cover letter addressing mission fit, CV, transcripts, teaching statement, and three references. Interviews often include campus visits with teaching demos and meetings with monks from Atchison Abbey.
Actionable tips:
Applications are reviewed year-round, with peaks in spring for fall hires. Persistence pays off in this selective process.
Benedictine College actively fosters diversity within its Catholic framework. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion sponsors the Black Student Union, Hispanic Leadership Organization, and annual Martin Luther King Jr. events. Recruitment targets underrepresented groups via partnerships with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains and HBCUs. In 2022, they launched scholarships for first-generation students, increasing minority enrollment by 10%. Faculty hires prioritize diverse perspectives in theology and social sciences, ensuring inclusive dialogue on issues like racial justice aligned with Church teachings. These efforts create a welcoming environment for jobs at Benedictine College.
Work-life balance thrives at Benedictine College's 120-acre campus in Atchison, a town of 10,000 with low cost of living. Faculty enjoy a 12-15 credit teaching load, research sabbaticals every seven years, and family-friendly policies like tuition remission for dependents. Wellness includes gym access, counseling, and spiritual direction from monks.
Campus life buzzes with 50+ clubs, Division III sports (watch Ravens football), and events like the annual Benedictine Festival. Proximity to Kansas City (50 miles) offers urban escapes, while river trails promote outdoor activities. Employees rave about community barbecues and Mass, blending professional and personal fulfillment in this supportive Midwestern haven.
In summary, jobs at Benedictine College offer a unique blend of academic rigor, spiritual depth, and community in Atchison, Kansas. Whether seeking higher ed faculty jobs, administrative roles, or adjunct opportunities, the college provides growth amid its upward trajectory—ranked top among Midwest Catholic schools. Explore higher ed career advice, university jobs, or higher ed jobs for more. Institutions like Benedictine value mission-driven professionals; for employers, consider post a job on AcademicJobs.com to attract top talent.
Recent trends show demand for educators in growing programs like cybersecurity and physician assistant studies. Salaries competitive for region: professors average $70,000+, per university salaries data. Connect via about us or contact us for guidance.
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