Clearwater Christian College (CCC), located in Clearwater, Florida, was a private liberal arts institution founded in 1966 by the Bible Presbyterian Church. Nestled in the sunny Gulf Coast region of the United States, the college emphasized a Christ-centered education, blending rigorous academics with spiritual formation. Spanning 57 acres overlooking Clearwater Bay, CCC served around 500 students at its peak, offering associate and bachelor's degrees in fields like biblical studies, biology, business administration, education, music, nursing, and psychology.
Jobs at Clearwater Christian College were deeply intertwined with its mission to equip students for Christian service. Faculty and staff positions required not only academic expertise but also a personal commitment to evangelical Christianity. The college's location in Clearwater provided a vibrant community with access to beaches, cultural events, and proximity to Tampa, making it appealing for those seeking a balance of professional and personal life. However, CCC ceased operations on April 28, 2017, due to sustained financial challenges and declining enrollment, marking the end of active job opportunities there.
Despite its closure, understanding jobs at CCC offers valuable insights into careers at small Christian colleges, particularly in Florida's higher education landscape. These roles highlighted the unique blend of teaching, mentoring, and ministry, attracting educators passionate about faith-integrated learning.
The employment landscape at Clearwater Christian College evolved over its 51 years. Early hires in the 1960s focused on foundational faculty for Bible and theology programs, drawn from Presbyterian circles. By the 1980s and 1990s, expansion into sciences and professional studies led to hires in nursing and business, with faculty numbers peaking at around 50 full-time equivalents.
Jobs at CCC were characterized by long-term commitment; many professors served decades, fostering deep student relationships. Administrative positions, such as admissions directors and residence life coordinators, emphasized relational skills in a residential campus setting. The college prioritized internal promotions, with staff often advancing from adjunct to full-time roles. Economic pressures in the 2010s reduced openings, culminating in the closure announcement in 2016, after which remaining employees transitioned to similar institutions.
This history underscores the stability and mission-driven nature of jobs at small faith-based colleges, where professional growth aligned with spiritual development.
Historically, jobs at Clearwater Christian College spanned faculty, staff, and administrative categories. Faculty positions included full-time professors, associate professors, and adjunct instructors in departments like Bible & Theology, where roles involved preaching, counseling, and curriculum design. Science faculty taught biology labs with a creationist perspective, while education professors prepared teachers for K-12 Christian schools.
Administrative jobs covered registrar, financial aid officers, and IT support, all requiring alignment with CCC's doctrinal statement. Support staff roles in facilities, cafeteria, and athletics maintenance provided entry-level opportunities. For a broader view on university job types, including adjunct professor jobs and research assistant jobs common in higher ed, visit our resource page.
To fully grasp jobs at Clearwater Christian College, key terms include:
Jobs at Clearwater Christian College demanded specific qualifications tailored to its mission. Required academic credentials varied by role: faculty positions typically needed a master's degree at minimum, with PhDs preferred for departments like biology or business. Bible faculty often held seminary degrees (e.g., Master of Divinity). All applicants submitted a personal testimony of faith conversion.
Research focus emphasized undergraduate-level projects integrating faith, such as studies on bioethics from a Christian viewpoint or economic principles in Scripture. Large federal grants were uncommon; instead, faculty pursued internal funding for student collaborations.
Preferred experience included 3+ years of college teaching, publications in faith-based journals, and church leadership roles. For advancement, evidence of student mentorship and conference presentations was key.
Essential skills and competencies encompassed:
These aligned with broader higher ed faculty jobs, preparing candidates for similar roles elsewhere.
The application process for jobs at Clearwater Christian College was straightforward yet thorough. Candidates applied online or via email to HR, submitting a CV, cover letter, three references, transcripts, and a signed doctrinal statement. Shortlisted applicants underwent phone screens, campus interviews with teaching demonstrations, and meetings with leadership to assess fit.
Actionable tips for success:
Even post-closure, these steps apply to university jobs at comparable institutions. For CV advice, see how to write a winning academic CV.
Clearwater Christian College championed diversity within its evangelical framework. Initiatives included recruiting faculty from various Protestant denominations and international backgrounds, with programs like the Global Studies major fostering cross-cultural understanding. Scholarships targeted minority students, and campus events celebrated Hispanic Heritage and Black History Month through faith lenses.
Employee diversity efforts featured hiring from underrepresented groups in academia, such as women in STEM roles, and training on cultural sensitivity. The administration aimed for a student body reflecting 20% international and 15% ethnic minorities by 2015, influencing staff composition. These approaches modeled inclusive Christian community, relevant for today's higher ed jobs.
Campus life at Clearwater Christian College enhanced work-life balance for employees. Daily chapel services provided spiritual renewal, while family-friendly policies allowed flexible hours for parents. Proximity to Clearwater's beaches enabled weekend retreats, and events like faculty picnics built community.
Residence halls and athletic facilities created a vibrant atmosphere, with staff participating in intramurals and mission trips. Salaries, though modest ($40k-$60k), included benefits like tuition remission for dependents. The small size fostered mentorship over bureaucracy, reducing burnout. Florida's climate and location offered outdoor pursuits, aligning professional duties with personal well-being.
While jobs at Clearwater Christian College are no longer available due to its 2017 closure, the legacy of mission-driven roles in Clearwater, Florida, informs careers in faith-based higher education. Explore current higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. For faculty insights, check employer branding secrets or become a university lecturer. Additional resources include professor salaries and postdoc jobs.
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