Dowling College, located in Oakdale, New York, was a private liberal arts institution known for its unique aviation programs and commitment to undergraduate and graduate education. Founded in 1955 by Frank and Kathryn Dowling, it served students on a picturesque 180-acre campus on Long Island's South Shore. The college offered degrees in fields like aviation management, business administration, education, and arts and sciences, attracting faculty and staff passionate about higher education in a suburban setting.
Unfortunately, Dowling College closed its doors in August 2016 after struggling with declining enrollment and financial difficulties. This means there are no active jobs at Dowling College today. However, understanding the types of positions once available there provides valuable insights for those seeking similar roles at nearby institutions, such as St. Joseph's University New York, which acquired part of the campus, or other Long Island universities. Historically, jobs at Dowling College included tenure-track faculty positions, adjunct instructors, administrative roles in student affairs, and specialized staff in aviation operations.
These opportunities emphasized hands-on teaching and research, particularly in aviation—a rare focus among U.S. colleges. For current higher ed jobs in New York, platforms like AcademicJobs.com list openings at comparable schools. The closure highlights broader challenges in small private colleges, but its legacy endures in alumni networks and program transfers.
To fully grasp jobs at Dowling College, here are essential terms defined:
These definitions help demystify higher education employment structures.
Faculty positions at Dowling College demanded rigorous credentials aligned with accreditation standards from bodies like the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. For full-time professor jobs or lecturer jobs, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in the relevant field was standard, such as a PhD in Aviation Science or Education. Master's degrees, like an MBA (Master of Business Administration) for business roles, sufficed for some lecturer positions.
Administrative jobs often required advanced degrees plus experience; for example, a Director of Aviation needed a master's in aviation management and FAA certifications. Research assistant jobs typically sought master's students or recent graduates with bachelor's degrees in related sciences. These qualifications ensured faculty could contribute to Dowling's flight school, one of the few college-owned operations in the U.S., training over 1,000 pilots annually before closure.
In New York's competitive academic market, these standards mirrored those at Ivy League schools but were more accessible for mid-career professionals.
Dowling College prioritized applied research, especially in aviation and business. Expertise in aeronautical engineering, pilot training simulations, and regional economic studies was crucial. Faculty researched topics like drone integration in commercial aviation or sustainable business practices on Long Island.
For education roles, focus areas included K-12 teacher preparation and special education methodologies. Expertise meant publications in journals like the Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering or grants from the FAA. Research assistants supported projects on flight safety data analysis, requiring skills in statistical software like SPSS.
This hands-on approach distinguished Dowling, fostering collaborations with local airports like Long Island MacArthur.
Employers at Dowling College favored candidates with 3-5 years of teaching experience, ideally at community colleges. Publications (5+ peer-reviewed articles), grant success (e.g., NSF or FAA funding), and industry tenure—like airline operations—were highly valued for aviation faculty.
Administrative roles preferred experience in accreditation processes or student retention strategies. For adjunct professor jobs, prior course development was key. Statistics show Dowling's faculty averaged 10 years of experience, contributing to its 80% student retention rate pre-closure.
Core skills for jobs at Dowling College included strong communication for classroom engagement, technological proficiency (e.g., Blackboard LMS, flight simulators), and interpersonal abilities for mentoring diverse students. Competencies like grant writing, curriculum design, and data-driven decision-making were essential.
Aviation staff needed FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification. Soft skills such as adaptability in small-college environments and cultural competence supported student success. These aligned with broader higher ed career advice.
Historically, applying to Dowling involved:
Tips: Highlight Long Island connections, quantify achievements (e.g., "Trained 50 pilots yearly"), and follow up promptly. Use tips for academic CVs. For similar roles today, target New York university jobs.
Dowling College actively pursued diversity through its Equal Opportunity Employer policy, recruiting underrepresented minorities in aviation—a field where women and minorities were historically under 10%. Initiatives included the Women's Leadership Program and partnerships with HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) for exchange programs. The college hosted cultural events and offered scholarships for diverse students, aiming for a student body reflecting New York's demographics (40% minority). Faculty hiring emphasized inclusive practices, aligning with federal Title IX compliance.
Dowling's Oakdale campus provided an idyllic work environment with lakeside views, athletic fields, and proximity to NYC (1-hour drive). Faculty enjoyed flexible schedules, professional development funds, and events like aviation airshows. Work-life balance featured summer breaks, wellness programs, and commuter perks. The small size (2,500 students) allowed close faculty-student bonds, with clubs like the Flying Golden Lions club. Post-closure, the site's tranquility continues at successor institutions, offering similar suburban appeal minus urban stress.
Common roles mirrored university job types: faculty, lecturers, administrators, and research assistants. Aviation-specific jobs were unique, now available at schools like Embry-Riddle.
While Dowling College no longer offers jobs, its model inspires opportunities in New York's vibrant higher ed scene. Explore higher ed jobs, get career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. For aviation enthusiasts, check specialty jobs or research jobs. Visit Oakdale jobs for local leads.
Related reading: Become a university lecturer or employer branding secrets.
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