Working at CSU, your next career step!

🎓 Overview of Jobs at Cardinal Stritch University

Cardinal Stritch University (CSU), a private Franciscan Catholic institution in Glendale, Wisconsin, near Milwaukee, offered a range of academic and administrative jobs until its closure on May 1, 2023. Founded in 1937 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, CSU emphasized ethical leadership, service, and community in higher education. Jobs at Cardinal Stritch University attracted educators passionate about liberal arts, professional programs, and faith-based teaching. Although no positions are currently available due to the closure prompted by enrollment declines and financial pressures post-COVID, understanding past opportunities provides valuable insights for similar roles elsewhere. Explore university jobs or higher ed jobs for ongoing openings.

The university served around 2,500 students at its peak, with strengths in education, nursing, business, and humanities. Faculty jobs focused on small class sizes (average 15-20 students), fostering mentorship. Administrative roles supported student success through advising and operations. Salaries aligned with regional averages: assistant professors around $65,000, per Chronicle of Higher Education data.

History and Background of Cardinal Stritch University

Established to educate women in teacher training, CSU expanded to co-ed graduate programs by the 1970s. It grew into a comprehensive university with 60+ majors. The Franciscan heritage shaped jobs, prioritizing values like peacemaking and care for creation. In its final years, CSU navigated challenges like a 20% enrollment drop from 2015-2022, leading to the board's closure decision in April 2023. Assets transferred to partners like Concordia University Wisconsin. This context highlights resilience in higher ed careers amid sector shifts.

Jobs reflected this evolution: early roles in education grew to include healthcare administration and sport management, mirroring regional needs in Milwaukee's economy.

Academic Programs and Common Job Roles

CSU's programs informed diverse jobs. Key areas included the Ruth S. Coleman College of Nursing (BSN to DNP), School of Education (teacher licensure), and College of Business & Management (MBAs). Faculty taught in-person and online, blending theory with practice.

• Full-time faculty: tenure-track positions requiring scholarship.
• Adjunct professors: part-time teaching, ideal entry to academia.
• Staff roles: academic advisors, librarians, IT support.

Learn more about university job types. For example, nursing faculty needed clinical expertise; business roles emphasized ethics. Visit faculty jobs for parallels.

Required Academic Qualifications for Jobs at Cardinal Stritch University

Qualifications varied by role but emphasized credentials and fit with mission. For tenure-track faculty, a PhD or EdD in the relevant field (e.g., PhD in Curriculum and Instruction for education jobs) was standard. Master's degrees sufficed for adjuncts or lecturers. Administrative positions like Dean required advanced degrees plus 5-10 years experience.

Nursing jobs demanded RN licensure and MSN minimum, often DNP preferred. Research roles sought expertise in Franciscan studies or applied ethics. All applicants needed teaching philosophy statements aligning with Catholic identity.

Research Focus and Expertise Needed

CSU prioritized teaching over research, but faculty engaged in applied scholarship. Focus areas: educational equity, healthcare disparities, sustainable business. Expertise in qualitative methods, community-based research suited grants from Lilly Endowment or Wisconsin Humanities Council. Publications in journals like Journal of Catholic Higher Education were valued. Postdocs or research assistants assisted grants, needing stats software proficiency (e.g., SPSS).

Preferred experience: 3+ peer-reviewed articles, conference presentations. See research jobs for similar.

Preferred Experience, Skills, and Competencies

Employers sought:

• Teaching: 2-5 years, student-centered pedagogy.
• Grants: Experience securing funding (average faculty grant $10k/year).
• Skills: Canvas LMS, data analytics, intercultural competence.
• Competencies: Collaboration, innovation, ethical decision-making.

For admin: ERP systems, accreditation (e.g., HLC). Soft skills like empathy supported diverse students (40% first-gen).

📋 Application Process and Tips

Applications went through CSU's portal (now archived). Steps:

1. Review job description for mission fit.
2. Submit CV, cover letter, transcripts, references.
3. Prepare for interviews: teaching demo, values discussion.
4. Follow up professionally.

Tips: Customize for Franciscan values; quantify achievements (e.g., "Mentored 50 students to 95% licensure pass"). Use free cover letter templates. Network via conferences. For remote options, check remote higher ed jobs.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

CSU's Diversity Council promoted equity via:

• Hiring diverse faculty (goal: 30% underrepresented).
• MLK Scholarship for students of color.
• Training on bias, accessibility.
• Partnerships with urban Milwaukee schools.

Inclusion shaped jobs, requiring cultural competency. Annual reports showed progress in staff diversity.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

CSU fostered balance with:

• Flexible hours, summer breaks for faculty.
• Wellness: EAP, gym, chaplaincy.
• Campus: 40 acres, modern facilities, lake views.
• Community: Events like Franciscan feasts, Milwaukee proximity (Brewers games, lakefront).

Benefits: health insurance, retirement match, tuition remission (100% for dependents). Low turnover reflected supportive culture.

Benefits and Compensation

Competitive packages: medical/dental, 403(b) with 10% match, paid leave (20 days PTO). Faculty sabbaticals every 7 years. Regional cost-of-living allowed strong purchasing power.

Summary: Next Steps for Your Higher Ed Career

While jobs at Cardinal Stritch University ended with closure, its legacy informs paths forward. Search higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your profile via recruitment. Explore employer branding secrets or academic CV tips. For salaries, see professor salaries.

Definitions: Tenure-track - Permanent faculty path with job security after review. Adjunct professor - Part-time instructor without benefits. Franciscan values - Principles of simplicity, peace, and service from St. Francis.