Eastern Washington University (EWU), located in Cheney, Washington, stands as a beacon for academic excellence in the Pacific Northwest. Nestled just minutes from Spokane, EWU provides a supportive environment for higher education professionals seeking meaningful careers. Jobs at Eastern Washington University span faculty, administrative, and support roles, offering opportunities to contribute to a vibrant community of over 10,000 students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees.
The university's commitment to accessible education dates back to its founding in 1882 as a normal school for training teachers. Today, EWU has evolved into a comprehensive public institution with seven colleges, including strong programs in education, business, health sciences, and social sciences. For job seekers, this means diverse openings in teaching, research, and leadership positions tailored to the needs of a regional university focused on student success and community engagement.
Established in 1882, EWU began as the Normal School at Cheney, emphasizing teacher preparation—a tradition that continues with its College of Education being one of the largest in Washington. Over the decades, it expanded to offer bachelor's, master's, and specialist degrees, becoming a four-year university in 1937 and gaining university status in 1977. This rich history shapes its job market, prioritizing roles that support innovative teaching and regional research.
Throughout its evolution, EWU has navigated growth amid Washington's higher education landscape, responding to demographic shifts and funding changes. Current jobs reflect this legacy, with emphasis on roles that enhance student retention and graduation rates, key metrics for regional universities. Faculty positions often involve interdisciplinary work, drawing on EWU's location near natural wonders like the Spokane River for environmental studies.
EWU boasts over 100 undergraduate and 40 graduate programs across colleges like Arts, Letters and Education; Business; Health Science and Social Work; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics; and Social Sciences. Popular majors include nursing, computer science, and social work, driving demand for specialized faculty and staff.
Jobs at Eastern Washington University include tenure-track professor positions, adjunct lecturers, research associates, and department chairs. For instance, the nursing program frequently seeks instructors with clinical experience, while the business school looks for experts in accounting and management. Explore university job types to understand variations like clinical research jobs or lecturer roles.
Cheney’s proximity to Spokane enhances opportunities for collaborations with local industries, making jobs here ideal for those interested in applied academia.
To secure jobs at Eastern Washington University, candidates typically need advanced degrees. Tenure-track faculty require a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in their field, such as a Doctor of Education (EdD) for education roles or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for health sciences. Master's degrees suffice for lecturers or administrative staff, but doctoral holders are preferred for research-intensive positions.
Entry-level roles like research assistants often require a bachelor's or master's with relevant coursework. All positions demand alignment with EWU's mission of student-centered learning, verified through transcripts and prior academic records.
EWU encourages research addressing regional challenges, such as rural health disparities or environmental sustainability in the Inland Northwest. Faculty jobs emphasize expertise in grant-funded projects, with priorities in biology, psychology, and public policy. Successful candidates often have publications in peer-reviewed journals and experience with federal grants like those from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
For example, the biology department seeks specialists in ecology, leveraging Cheney's natural surroundings for field studies. Learn more about thriving in research via postdoctoral success.
Employers at EWU value teaching experience, often 3-5 years at the college level, alongside publications (3+ peer-reviewed articles) and grant history. Preferred skills include curriculum development, online teaching proficiency, and data analysis tools like SPSS for social sciences.
Soft skills like adaptability and collaboration are crucial in EWU's team-oriented environment.
Tenure-track position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after a probationary period, typically 5-7 years, involving research, teaching, and service.
Adjunct professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, without benefits or tenure path, common for flexible scheduling.
Terminal degree: The highest academic qualification in a field, like PhD or MFA, required for many faculty jobs.
Grant writing: Process of applying for funding from agencies to support research projects.
The application process starts on EWU's Human Resources portal, where postings list specific requirements. Submit a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and references online. Interviews may include teaching demos and research presentations.
Utilize resources like free resume template and free cover letter template from AcademicJobs.com. Timing matters—apply early in fall for spring starts.
EWU champions diversity through the Office of Diversity and Equity, offering training, recruitment for underrepresented groups, and the TRiO program for first-generation students. The Native American Student Retention and Outreach Coordinator role exemplifies commitment to indigenous communities. Faculty jobs prioritize inclusive pedagogies, with affinity groups for women in STEM and LGBTQ+ support.
In 2023, EWU reported 35% underrepresented minority students, driving hiring goals for diverse faculty. Initiatives include bias training and mentorship programs.
Cheney provides a serene college town vibe with Spokane's urban perks 15 miles away—think hiking in nearby state parks, skiing at Mt. Spokane, or cultural events at the Fox Theater. EWU supports balance with 37.5-hour workweeks, generous PTO (22 days vacation), health benefits, and tuition remission for employees' dependents.
Campus life features Eagles athletics, 150+ clubs, and wellness centers. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals every 7 years and professional development funds. Proximity to nature fosters recharge, ideal for work-life harmony in higher ed.
Jobs at Eastern Washington University offer rewarding paths in teaching, research, and administration amid Washington's dynamic higher ed scene. Whether seeking higher ed jobs, faculty openings, or staff roles, EWU in Cheney combines opportunity with quality living. For career guidance, visit higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Start your journey today.
