About Wilkes University
Wilkes University, founded in 1933 as Bucknell University Junior College, evolved into Wilkes College in 1947 and achieved university status in 1990. This private institution in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States, is known for its commitment to experiential learning and community engagement. With a mission to provide transformative education, Wilkes emphasizes personalized attention, innovative programs, and real-world applications. Key achievements include strong rankings in regional universities and notable alumni in business, politics, and sciences. The campus spans 35 acres in a vibrant urban setting, featuring modern facilities like the Henry Student Center and the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. Wilkes offers over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs across colleges such as Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Business and Leadership; Education; Health Sciences; and Science and Engineering. It's accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and boasts a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, fostering close mentorship. For more details, visit the Wilkes University Website. Explore academic jobs in related locations like Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Pennsylvania, and Academic Jobs in Wilkes-Barre.
Wilkes University's history reflects resilience and growth, surviving economic challenges to become a pillar of higher education in northeastern Pennsylvania. Its key departments include the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, renowned for entrepreneurship programs, and the Passan School of Nursing, which addresses healthcare needs with cutting-edge simulations. The university's engineering programs, particularly in environmental and mechanical engineering, align with regional industry demands. Notable faculty contributions include research in sustainability and pharmacology. Wilkes prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, with initiatives supporting underrepresented students. Campus life features over 70 clubs, Division III athletics, and community service opportunities. For academics interested in professor positions at Wilkes University or research jobs at Wilkes University, the institution offers a supportive environment with resources like the Farley Library and innovation centers. Students and professionals can rate professors at Wilkes University via platforms like Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, enhancing transparency in higher education jobs at Wilkes University.
In terms of academic opportunities, Wilkes University stands out for its focus on interdisciplinary studies and global perspectives, with study abroad programs and partnerships with international institutions. The university's commitment to research is evident in funded projects in areas like biotechnology and public health. Key milestones include the establishment of the Institute for Environmental Sciences and Sustainability, which tackles regional environmental issues. Wilkes has produced influential alumni, such as business leaders and public servants, underscoring its impact on career trajectories. For those exploring academic careers at Wilkes University, the institution provides robust support for faculty development, including grants and sabbaticals. Discover more about lecturer roles at Wilkes University and faculty jobs at Wilkes University through AcademicJobs.com's resources.
Wilkes University's location in Wilkes-Barre offers access to cultural attractions like the F.M. Kirby Center and proximity to outdoor recreation in the Pocono Mountains. This setting enhances the appeal for higher education jobs at Wilkes University, blending urban convenience with natural beauty. The university's enrollment of around 5,000 students creates a close-knit community, ideal for mentoring and collaboration. Explore salaries in Wilkes University academia and rate professors at Wilkes University to inform your career decisions.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Wilkes University
Faculty job opportunities at Wilkes University are diverse, reflecting the institution's emphasis on health sciences, engineering, and business. High-demand roles include Assistant Professor in Nursing, where candidates contribute to clinical training programs, and Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on innovative design projects. Research Fellow positions in Environmental Science are also prevalent, aligning with Wilkes' sustainability initiatives. Based on 2025 trends, job openings are expected to grow in STEM fields due to regional demands in healthcare and technology. For instance, the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy often seeks faculty for pharmacology research, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Salary ranges for these roles vary: Assistant Professors typically earn $65,000-$85,000 annually, while Associate Professors command $80,000-$100,000, influenced by experience and department. These figures are competitive within Pennsylvania's higher education landscape, with adjustments for cost-of-living in Wilkes-Barre. Explore professor positions at Wilkes University through AcademicJobs.com's filtered search at Higher Ed Jobs. Faculty in the Sidhu School of Business can expect roles emphasizing entrepreneurship, with salaries around $70,000-$90,000 for entry-level positions.
Job trends at Wilkes University indicate a shift toward online and hybrid teaching, post-pandemic, creating needs for digital pedagogy experts. The university's Education department frequently hires for roles like Adjunct Instructor in Curriculum Development, with part-time options averaging $50,000-$70,000 pro-rated. Research jobs at Wilkes University, such as Postdoctoral Fellows in Biology, offer stipends of $55,000-$65,000, supported by grants from organizations like the National Science Foundation. Lecturer roles at Wilkes University in Humanities, including English and History, provide pathways to tenure-track, with starting salaries of $60,000-$75,000. Factors like publication records and teaching evaluations impact hiring. For academic careers at Wilkes University, consider the supportive environment for work-life balance, including family leave policies. Link to opportunities in Academic Jobs in Pennsylvania or Academic Jobs in Wilkes-Barre. Wilkes' commitment to diversity hiring enhances inclusivity in faculty recruitment.
In 2025, projections show increased demand for faculty in data science and cybersecurity, tied to Wilkes' new programs. Salaries for these specialized roles can reach $90,000-$110,000 for experienced professors. The university's small class sizes allow for impactful teaching, making it attractive for those seeking higher education jobs at Wilkes University. Rate professors at Wilkes University via Rate My Professor to gauge departmental cultures. Overall, Wilkes offers stable career paths with opportunities for advancement in a collaborative setting.
Assistant Professor in Nursing 💼
Focus on clinical education; salary $70,000-$90,000.
Lecturer in Engineering 🎓
Innovative projects; salary $65,000-$85,000.
Research Fellow in Science 🔬
Grant-funded; salary $55,000-$70,000.
Adjunct in Business 📊
Entrepreneurship focus; salary $50,000-$65,000 pro-rated.
Why Work at Wilkes University
Working at Wilkes University offers a blend of academic rigor and community impact, with research opportunities in emerging fields like biotechnology and sustainable engineering. Faculty benefit from professional development funds, collaborative grants, and a supportive tenure process. Unique perks include tuition remission for dependents and access to wellness programs. Career prospects are strong, with many advancing to leadership roles. Explore why academic careers at Wilkes University are rewarding via Higher Ed Career Advice. The university's location in Pennsylvania provides a low cost of living, enhancing salary value. Wilkes fosters innovation through centers like the Institute for Public Policy, attracting scholars passionate about societal change.
Advantages include small class sizes for meaningful student interactions and partnerships with local industries for applied research. Faculty jobs at Wilkes University emphasize work-life balance, with flexible scheduling and sabbaticals. Compared to larger institutions, Wilkes offers quicker paths to impact, ideal for early-career academics.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Wilkes University
The salary guide for faculty at Wilkes University reflects competitive compensation in Pennsylvania's higher education sector. Based on 2025 data from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and university reports, average salaries range from $60,000 for entry-level lecturers to over $110,000 for full professors in high-demand fields like pharmacy. Factors influencing pay include experience, with tenure adding 10-20% premiums, department (e.g., engineering salaries 15% higher than humanities), and location adjustments for Wilkes-Barre's affordability. Assistant Professors earn $65,000-$85,000, often with startup funds for research. Associate Professors see $80,000-$100,000, while Full Professors average $95,000-$120,000. Benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions add 30% value. Compared to national averages, Wilkes offers solid packages, especially in health sciences. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries. Salaries in Wilkes University academia are influenced by union negotiations and grant funding availability.
In business departments, faculty might earn $75,000-$95,000 as assistants, rising with publications. Nursing roles command higher ranges due to shortages, up to $105,000 for associates. Experience levels: 0-5 years at lower ends, 10+ years at upper. Location in Pennsylvania provides tax advantages. Trends show 3-5% annual increases, outpacing inflation. Adjuncts earn $3,000-$5,000 per course, supplementing full-time roles. Overall, salaries support a comfortable lifestyle in Wilkes-Barre.
Additional perks include performance bonuses and relocation assistance. For research-intensive positions, external funding can boost effective income. Explore faculty salaries at Wilkes University through AcademicJobs.com resources for informed negotiations.
| Role | Salary Range 📊 | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $65,000-$85,000 | Nursing |
| Associate Professor | $80,000-$100,000 | Engineering |
| Full Professor | $95,000-$120,000 | Business |
| Lecturer | $60,000-$75,000 | Humanities |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Wilkes University
Discover top educators at Wilkes University using the Rate My Professor platform on AcademicJobs.com. This tool helps students and academics evaluate teaching quality, with ratings based on clarity, helpfulness, and difficulty. High ratings often correlate with strong programs in nursing and engineering. Professor ratings at Wilkes University guide course selections and recognize excellence in academia.
Dr. Prahlad Pant (Engineering)
Rating: 4.8/5 - Known for innovative projects.
Dr. Kimberly Ference (Pharmacy)
Rating: 4.7/5 - Expertise in clinical practice.
Prof. Helen Davis (Education)
Rating: 4.9/5 - Engaging pedagogy.
Dr. Michael Steele (Biology)
Rating: 4.6/5 - Research-focused teaching.
Dr. Evene Estwick (Communication)
Rating: 4.8/5 - Dynamic lectures.
Career Progression at Wilkes University
Career progression at Wilkes University follows a structured path from adjunct to tenured professor, with emphasis on research and teaching excellence. Tenure-track roles offer milestones like promotion reviews every 3-5 years, supported by mentoring programs. Salaries increase by rank: Assistants at $65k-$85k, Associates at $80k-$100k, Full at $95k+. Strengths in health sciences provide ample funding. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice for tips.
Professional development includes workshops and conferences, fostering growth in academic careers at Wilkes University.
Research and Innovation at Wilkes University
Research at Wilkes University focuses on sustainability, healthcare, and technology, with centers like the Environmental Institute leading projects. Funding from NSF and NIH supports collaborations. Explore Research Jobs.
Innovations include biotech advancements and community-based studies, enhancing research jobs at Wilkes University.
Resources for Wilkes University Academics
- Professional development grants for conferences 💼
- Faculty unions for advocacy
- Health and retirement benefits
- Access to innovation labs 🎓
Student Life and Perspectives at Wilkes University
Student life at Wilkes University includes clubs, athletics, and career services. Programs in nursing lead to strong outcomes. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection.
Perspectives highlight community engagement and internships, preparing for careers.

