Bartlesville Wesleyan College (BWC), a private Christian liberal arts institution in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, provided a unique setting for academic careers until its closure in 2022. Nestled in the heart of the United States' Midwest, BWC emphasized undergraduate teaching infused with Wesleyan Church values. Jobs at Bartlesville Wesleyan College spanned faculty, administrative, and support roles, attracting educators passionate about faith-based higher education. Although the college no longer operates due to enrollment declines and financial pressures, understanding its career ecosystem offers valuable lessons for similar positions at small Christian colleges across Oklahoma and beyond.
The campus, spanning 40 acres, hosted around 200 students at its peak, fostering intimate class sizes ideal for mentorship-focused teaching. Bartlesville, a city of about 37,000 near Tulsa, offered a family-friendly atmosphere with low living costs and proximity to energy industry hubs like Phillips 66 headquarters. Careers here blended academic rigor with spiritual growth, making jobs at BWC appealing for those seeking purposeful work in higher education.
Founded in 1953 as Bartlesville College and renamed in 1967 to reflect its Wesleyan affiliation, BWC delivered associate and bachelor's degrees in fields like business administration, elementary education, pastoral ministries, psychology, and music. Its mission centered on holistic student development through Christ-centered education, shaping job roles around biblical integration in curricula.
Faculty jobs at Bartlesville Wesleyan College required not just subject expertise but a commitment to this ethos, often involving chapel leadership or student discipleship. Over nearly 70 years, BWC built a legacy of preparing teachers, ministers, and professionals, with alumni serving in Oklahoma schools and churches. The closure in May 2022, after students transferred to Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU), marked the end of an era, but its model influences ongoing faculty jobs in faith-based institutions.
Positions at BWC mirrored those at small liberal arts colleges. Faculty roles dominated, including full-time professors, adjunct instructors, and lecturers in departments like Education, Religion, and Business. Administrative jobs covered admissions counselors, registrars, and HR specialists, while support staff handled maintenance and library services.
For a deeper dive into university job types, such as tenure-track versus adjunct positions, our guide explains distinctions. Common openings included:
These roles emphasized teaching over research, aligning with BWC's undergraduate focus.
Securing jobs at Bartlesville Wesleyan College demanded specific credentials. Academic qualifications typically included:
Research focus leaned toward applied scholarship supporting teaching, such as studies on Christian education methods or community impact in Oklahoma. Preferred experience encompassed 3-5 years of college-level teaching, publications in faith journals, and grant writing for small projects.
Essential skills and competencies:
Candidates with experience at community colleges or in rural settings thrived, given BWC's context.
To clarify key terms for jobs at Bartlesville Wesleyan College:
The application process for jobs at Bartlesville Wesleyan College involved online submissions via the college portal, including a resume, cover letter, transcripts, references, and a personal faith statement detailing Wesleyan alignment. Stages included HR screening, faculty interviews, teaching demonstrations, and pastor references.
Actionable tips:
For adjunct roles, flexibility was key, often posted seasonally.
BWC championed diversity within its evangelical framework, recruiting faculty from varied ethnic backgrounds committed to scriptural authority. Initiatives included scholarships for minority students in ministry, cultural awareness training, and partnerships with Native American communities near Bartlesville. The board prioritized inclusive hiring, with examples like hiring international adjuncts for global perspectives in religion courses. Women's leadership was encouraged, with female department chairs in education.
Work-life balance at BWC was supported by a 4-4 teaching load (four courses per semester), sabbaticals every seven years, and family leave policies. Faculty enjoyed summers for research or rest, plus professional development funds. Campus life revolved around daily chapel, athletic events, and community barbecues, building strong bonds. Bartlesville offered trails, arts venues, and a safe environment, with Tulsa 45 minutes away for urban escapes. Housing perks included campus options, enhancing integration.
Employees appreciated the low-stress, purpose-driven culture, though small size meant multitasking.
While jobs at Bartlesville Wesleyan College are no longer available, the insights here apply to similar opportunities in Oklahoma's higher ed sector. Explore higher ed jobs, career advice via higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or if you're an employer, post a job on AcademicJobs.com to connect with top talent.
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