Arkansas State University (ASU), located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, stands as a prominent public research institution offering diverse career opportunities in higher education. Founded in 1909 as the First District Agricultural School, ASU has evolved into a comprehensive university with over 13,000 students and recognition as an R2 Doctoral University by the Carnegie Classification. Jobs at Arkansas State University span faculty positions, research roles, administrative leadership, and support staff, attracting professionals passionate about education, innovation, and community impact.
The university's commitment to academic excellence creates openings in colleges like Agriculture and Technology, Business, Education, Engineering and Computer Science, Liberal Arts and Communication, Nursing and Health Professions, and Sciences. Whether you're seeking tenure-track professor jobs, lecturer positions, or research assistant roles, ASU provides a supportive environment in the heart of the United States' Midwest, with easy access to Memphis, Tennessee.
Academic professionals find value in ASU's emphasis on student success, research productivity, and regional service. Salaries are competitive, with benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition discounts for employees' dependents.
Established on September 23, 1909, Arkansas State University began as a small agricultural school serving northeast Arkansas. Over the decades, it expanded significantly, gaining university status in 1967 and joining the Arkansas State University System. Key milestones include the development of its doctoral programs in the 1990s and elevation to R2 status in 2021, reflecting high research activity.
ASU's mission centers on providing outstanding higher education that transforms student lives through quality teaching, research, and public service. This ethos shapes its job offerings, prioritizing faculty who contribute to innovative research and community-engaged scholarship. The university's growth to include online programs and international partnerships broadens appeal for global talent seeking jobs at Arkansas State University.
To understand jobs at Arkansas State University fully, key terms include:
Jobs at Arkansas State University encompass a variety of roles tailored to academic careers. Faculty positions dominate, including assistant, associate, and full professors across disciplines. Research-focused roles like research assistants and postdocs support labs in environmental science and biotechnology. Administrative jobs include deans, department chairs, and HR specialists.
For a deeper dive into university job types, explore categories such as professor jobs, lecturer jobs, and higher ed postdoc positions. ASU also lists opportunities in administration jobs and specialized areas like nursing faculty.
Securing jobs at Arkansas State University demands specific credentials. Required academic qualifications typically include a PhD in the relevant field for tenure-track faculty positions, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biology for science roles or Doctor of Education (EdD) for education leadership.
Research focus at ASU aligns with its strengths: agriculture (crop science, aquaculture), STEM (engineering innovations), health professions (nursing simulations), and media (digital journalism). Expertise in interdisciplinary areas like sustainability or data analytics is highly valued.
Preferred experience encompasses 3-5 years of postdoctoral work, 5+ peer-reviewed publications in journals like the Journal of Agricultural Education, and securing grants exceeding $100,000. For lecturers, classroom experience at community colleges suffices.
Essential skills and competencies include:
ASU seeks candidates demonstrating cultural competence and innovation, preparing them for roles in a dynamic academic setting.
The application process for jobs at Arkansas State University begins with monitoring the official ASU jobs portal and platforms like higher ed jobs on AcademicJobs.com. Submit a tailored CV, cover letter, transcripts, and three references online.
Actionable tips:
Applications are reviewed year-round, with peaks in spring for fall hires. Expect background checks and possible Zoom interviews.
Arkansas State University champions diversity through dedicated initiatives. The Office of Diversity and Community Engagement recruits underrepresented minorities, supports Latinx and Black faculty affinity groups, and hosts the annual Diversity Conference. ASU's compliance with Title IX ensures equitable hiring, with goals to increase women in STEM by 20% by 2025. Programs like the Multicultural Faculty Fellows provide mentorship, fostering an inclusive environment for jobs at Arkansas State University.
Work-life balance at Arkansas State University is supported by a 4:1 teaching load for research faculty, sabbaticals, and 22 vacation days annually. The Employee Assistance Program offers counseling, while wellness centers provide fitness classes and stress management workshops.
Campus life in Jonesboro thrives with 300 sunny days yearly, low housing costs ($1,200/month average rent), and events like Red Wolves athletics, Fowler Center performances, and family picnics at Centennial Farms. Proximity to the Mississippi River enables outdoor pursuits, making ASU ideal for balanced careers. Explore higher ed career advice for thriving in such settings.
ASU offers stability in a growing institution with $50M+ annual research expenditures. Faculty enjoy collaborative departments, state-of-the-art facilities like the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum, and opportunities for public impact in Arkansas. Whether advancing research or shaping future leaders, jobs at Arkansas State University deliver fulfillment.
In summary, from faculty to research roles, opportunities abound. Check higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com for more. For branding insights, see employer branding secrets and lecturer paths via become a university lecturer.
