Coker College, located in the charming town of Hartsville, South Carolina, offers a variety of rewarding career opportunities in higher education. Nestled in the heart of the United States' southeastern region, this private liberal arts institution attracts professionals passionate about teaching and mentoring undergraduates in a close-knit environment. Jobs at Coker College span faculty positions, administrative roles, and support staff, all contributing to its mission of fostering student success through personalized education. With around 1,100 students, the college emphasizes teaching excellence over extensive research, making it ideal for educators who thrive in interactive classroom settings.
The campus's location in Hartsville provides a peaceful backdrop, with easy access to larger cities like Columbia and Charleston. Careers here often involve interdisciplinary collaboration, given the college's strong programs in business, education, and the arts. Whether you're seeking higher ed faculty jobs or administrative positions, Coker College stands out for its community-oriented culture.
Founded in 1908 by Major James Lide Coker, Coker College began as Coker College for Women, focusing on liberal arts education in the Progressive Era. It transitioned to co-educational status in 1944 and officially became Coker University in 2019 to reflect its expanded offerings, though it's commonly referred to by its historic name. The institution's Baptist roots have evolved into a non-sectarian approach, emphasizing ethical leadership and holistic development.
This history shapes jobs at Coker College, prioritizing roles that align with its values of academic rigor and character building. Faculty and staff have contributed to milestones like NCAA Division II athletics success and program growth in criminology and sport management. Understanding this background helps applicants tailor their profiles to the college's enduring commitment to small-class teaching and student engagement.
Coker College boasts diverse programs across five schools: Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Business; Education, Health, and Behavioral Sciences; and the Honors College. Popular majors include business administration, elementary education, athletic training, and theatre. These departments drive demand for specialized faculty, such as professors in exercise science or graphic design.
Jobs often align with these strengths; for instance, education faculty guide teacher preparation amid South Carolina's demand for qualified educators. Sciences roles focus on hands-on labs, while business positions emphasize real-world applications like entrepreneurship. This structure ensures employees engage directly with curriculum development, enhancing job satisfaction.
Common jobs at Coker College include tenure-track professors, adjunct instructors, department chairs, coaches, and administrative staff like admissions counselors or IT specialists. Tenure-track roles offer stability and promotion paths, while adjuncts provide flexibility. Athletics positions are prominent due to 21 Division II teams, requiring expertise in coaching and compliance.
Staff roles support operations, from financial aid to facilities. For a deeper dive into university job types, including lecturer jobs and executive positions, visit our resource page. Remote options are limited, but hybrid models exist for some admin work.
To clarify key terms in higher education jobs at Coker College:
For faculty jobs at Coker College, a master's degree is typically the minimum for teaching roles, especially in professional fields like education or business. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or terminal degree (e.g., Doctor of Education, EdD) is preferred or required for tenure-track positions in academic disciplines such as biology or history. Administrative roles may require a bachelor's plus relevant experience, while senior leadership like deans often needs a PhD and proven management.
In South Carolina's higher ed landscape, these standards align with regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Specific programs, like nursing, demand licensure alongside advanced degrees.
While Coker College prioritizes teaching, faculty are encouraged to pursue scholarship relevant to undergraduates, such as pedagogical research or applied projects in criminology. Expertise in student-centered learning, grant writing for small institutions, or interdisciplinary work (e.g., sports management with data analytics) is valued. Publications in peer-reviewed journals bolster applications, particularly for sciences.
Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of college-level teaching, advising student organizations, or securing internal grants. For athletics, knowledge of NCAA rules is crucial.
Essential skills for success at Coker College include strong communication for classroom engagement, adaptability in small-class environments (average 15 students), and technology proficiency like learning management systems (e.g., Canvas). Competencies such as cultural competence, teamwork, and innovative curriculum design are key. For staff, customer service orientation and data analysis support student retention efforts.
To apply for jobs at Coker College, visit the careers portal on coker.edu/careers, where openings are posted. Submit a cover letter, CV, teaching philosophy statement, transcripts, and three references. Interviews often include teaching demonstrations and campus visits.
Actionable tips:
Applications are reviewed year-round, with peaks in spring for fall hires.
Coker College actively advances diversity through its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council, which organizes workshops and affinity groups. Initiatives include targeted recruitment for underrepresented faculty via partnerships with HBCUs and minority-serving organizations. The college hosts events like Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations and supports first-generation student programs, extending to employee resource groups.
Recent efforts feature bias training and inclusive hiring practices, reflected in a student body that's 40% minority. Employees contribute to these via committees, fostering a welcoming Hartsville community.
Coker College promotes work-life balance with generous PTO, wellness stipends, and family-friendly policies like tuition remission for dependents. The 350-acre campus features trails, a fitness center, and cultural venues, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts in South Carolina's mild climate. Hartsville offers low cost of living (median home $180K) and proximity to beaches.
Campus life includes faculty mixers, athletic events, and theatre productions, building strong bonds. Flexible hours for non-teaching staff and sabbaticals for faculty enhance satisfaction. Employees praise the collaborative vibe, with low turnover due to supportive leadership.
In summary, jobs at Coker College offer meaningful impact in a vibrant liberal arts setting. Explore more higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your opening via recruitment services on AcademicJobs.com. For employer branding tips, check employer branding secrets. Ready to advance your academic career in Hartsville?
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