Daniel Webster College (DWC), located in Nashua, New Hampshire, was a specialized institution renowned for its focus on aviation, aeronautical engineering, and management programs. Founded in 1965, it prepared students for careers in the aviation industry through hands-on training and industry partnerships. Although DWC closed its independent operations in May 2017, with its campus and programs integrating into Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), understanding jobs at Daniel Webster College provides valuable insights into roles in niche higher education sectors like aviation education. Nashua's proximity to Manchester-Boston Regional Airport made it an ideal hub for such positions, attracting professionals passionate about flight and engineering.
Jobs at Daniel Webster College typically revolved around faculty, staff, and administrative roles supporting its unique curriculum. These opportunities emphasized practical skills, regulatory knowledge, and innovation in aerospace. Even today, similar positions thrive in New Hampshire's higher ed landscape, offering pathways for educators and experts.
The history of Daniel Webster College traces back to its establishment by Eugene M. Emerson as a junior college offering aviation management degrees. By the 1980s, it expanded into a four-year baccalaureate institution, gaining accreditation and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) approval for flight training. This evolution shaped job opportunities, creating demand for certified flight instructors, aeronautical engineers, and business faculty with aviation expertise.
Throughout its operation, DWC employed around 100 faculty and staff, with roles peaking during program expansions in the 2000s. Salaries for professors averaged competitive rates for specialized fields, often supplemented by industry consulting. The 2017 closure led to transitions, but alumni and former employees continue in aviation roles nationwide. For those eyeing higher ed faculty jobs, DWC's model highlights the blend of academia and industry.
DWC's programs included Bachelor of Science degrees in Air Traffic Management, Aviation Management, Aeronautical Engineering, and Computer Science with aviation applications. These attracted jobs like lecturers in air traffic control simulation and engineering lab coordinators. Flight training was a cornerstone, requiring instructors with Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) ratings.
Position types ranged from tenure-track professors to adjunct faculty. For a deeper dive into university job types, including adjunct professor jobs and lecturer roles, visit our resource page. Administrative positions, such as directors of flight operations, supported these programs, often needing prior airline experience.
To fully grasp jobs at Daniel Webster College, key terms include:
Jobs at Daniel Webster College demanded rigorous qualifications tailored to its aviation niche. Faculty positions typically required a PhD in aeronautical engineering, aviation management, or related fields for tenure-track roles, while master's degrees sufficed for adjuncts or instructors.
Research focus centered on aviation safety, drone technology, and air traffic optimization, often funded by FAA grants. Preferred experience included publications in journals like the Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering, plus grants from NASA or industry partners.
Essential skills and competencies:
Administrative jobs needed bachelor's degrees with MBA preferences, emphasizing leadership in higher ed settings. Explore professor salaries for benchmarks in similar institutions.
Applying for jobs at Daniel Webster College involved an online portal submission of a CV, cover letter, teaching philosophy, and references. Interviews often included flight simulator demos or technical presentations. Post-closure, similar processes apply at SNHU.
Actionable tips:
For broader advice, read how to write a winning academic CV.
Daniel Webster College actively pursued diversity through the Women in Aviation chapter and scholarships for underrepresented minorities in STEM. Faculty hiring prioritized diverse candidates, with initiatives like mentorship programs pairing women and minorities with senior aviation experts. Partnerships with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals supported inclusive recruitment. These efforts aimed to reflect the diverse aviation workforce, fostering an environment where varied perspectives enhanced innovation in aeronautical programs.
Campus life at DWC balanced rigorous academics with aviation perks. Employees enjoyed flexible schedules accommodating flight training, on-site simulators, and proximity to Nashua's trails and Boston (45 minutes away). Work-life balance featured wellness programs, tuition remission for staff children, and events like airshows. The small campus (about 52 acres) promoted community, with faculty collaborating closely on research projects. Though closed, Nashua's vibrant scene—tech hubs, low cost of living—made it appealing for higher ed professionals. Similar benefits persist at SNHU's integrated campus.
While direct jobs at Daniel Webster College ended in 2017, aviation and engineering roles abound in New Hampshire. Check higher ed jobs, university jobs, and higher ed career advice on AcademicJobs.com. Institutions post openings regularly; employers can post a job to attract talent. For Nashua-specific searches, explore local uni jobs or research jobs. Stay informed on postdoc opportunities in aeronautics.
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