Fontbonne College, officially Fontbonne University since its transition in recent years, stands as a distinguished private Catholic institution nestled in Clayton, Missouri, a vibrant suburb of St. Louis. Established in 1917 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, it has evolved into a beacon for personalized higher education, serving around 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Known for its intimate class sizes and commitment to student success, Fontbonne emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement. Jobs at Fontbonne College attract educators and professionals passionate about liberal arts, Deaf education, and service-oriented missions.
The campus spans 13 acres, featuring modern facilities like the Jack Roth Stadium for athletics and specialized labs for speech pathology and theatre arts. Its location in the heart of the Midwest provides easy access to St. Louis's cultural hubs, museums, and professional networks, making it an appealing spot for higher ed jobs. Whether you're eyeing faculty positions or administrative roles, opportunities here blend academic rigor with a supportive, faith-based environment.
Founded as a women's college, Fontbonne College opened its doors to men in 1971 and has since grown into a coeducational university. Key milestones include the launch of its renowned Deaf Education program in the 1940s, which remains one of the nation's top programs for preparing teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing. In 2022, it fully embraced university status to reflect expanded graduate offerings. This rich history shapes jobs at Fontbonne College, prioritizing faculty who align with its mission of inclusive, transformative education.
Throughout its over century-long legacy, the institution has navigated challenges like enrollment shifts and expansions, always rooted in Jesuit-inspired values of social justice and academic excellence. Today, it continues to innovate, with recent investments in digital learning tools enhancing teaching roles.
Fontbonne College offers over 30 majors across five schools: Education, Arts & Sciences, Business, Fine Arts, and Graduate Studies. Standouts include Bachelor of Science in Deaf Education, Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre. These programs drive demand for specialized faculty jobs at Fontbonne College.
Faculty often teach multiple courses, advise students, and contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives, making roles dynamic and impactful.
Jobs at Fontbonne College span faculty, staff, and leadership positions. Common openings include assistant professors in education and business, adjunct lecturers for flexible teaching, and administrative roles like academic advisors or admissions counselors. Tenure-track positions emphasize teaching (80% load) alongside scholarship. For a full breakdown, explore university job types.
Specialized roles in Deaf Education require expertise in American Sign Language (ASL) and pedagogy for deaf students. Theatre faculty direct productions, blending artistry with education. Administrative jobs support operations, from HR to student services.
Faculty positions typically demand a PhD or EdD in the relevant discipline, such as curriculum and instruction for education roles or theatre arts for performance faculty. Lecturer positions may accept a master's degree with significant professional experience. Administrative roles often require a bachelor's plus relevant certifications.
Research aligns with institutional strengths: Deaf education methodologies, speech therapy interventions, and community theatre impact studies. Faculty are encouraged to pursue grants from organizations like the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Candidates with 3-5 years of college-level teaching, peer-reviewed publications (e.g., in Journal of Deaf Studies), and grant funding stand out. Experience mentoring first-generation students is highly valued.
Deaf Education: Specialized pedagogy for teaching deaf and hard-of-hearing students, often incorporating visual and tactile methods alongside ASL.
Tenure-Track Position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after probationary review, based on teaching, research, and service.
Adjunct Professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, ideal for professionals balancing teaching with other careers.
Service Learning: Curriculum integrating community service with academic instruction to foster civic engagement.
To apply for jobs at Fontbonne College, monitor their careers portal and platforms like higher ed jobs listings. Submit a tailored cover letter (1 page), CV highlighting teaching philosophy, transcripts, and three references. Interviews often include teaching demonstrations and mission-fit discussions.
Applications are reviewed holistically, prioritizing alignment with Franciscan values.
Fontbonne College champions diversity through its Inclusive Excellence Plan, featuring the Griffin Diversity Council that advises on hiring and retention. Notable efforts include scholarships for underrepresented minorities, ASL training for all staff, and partnerships with St. Louis organizations serving immigrant communities. The Office of Multicultural Affairs hosts events like Heritage Months celebrations, fostering an equitable workplace. Recent hires reflect commitments to broadening faculty demographics in Deaf Education and STEM fields.
With a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, jobs at Fontbonne College offer manageable workloads and collaborative atmospheres. Faculty enjoy summers for research, flexible office hours, and wellness perks like gym access and counseling. Campus life buzzes with theatre productions, Griffin athletics (NAIA), and events at the Lewis & Taylor Arts Exchange. Proximity to St. Louis provides dining, Forest Park trails, and Gateway Arch outings. Employee assistance programs address burnout, promoting sabbaticals and family leave. The close-knit community builds lasting collegial bonds.
Competitive salaries for assistant professors start at $65,000, rising with experience. Full benefits package includes medical/dental/vision, 403(b) matching up to 5%, tuition remission (up to 18 credits/year for dependents), and 25 vacation days. Professional development grants support conferences. Compare via university salaries.
In St. Louis's dynamic higher education landscape, Fontbonne stands out for meaningful impact. Its focus on underserved populations offers fulfillment beyond traditional academia. Explore related resources like become a university lecturer or employer branding secrets. Ready to apply? Visit higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your opening at recruitment on AcademicJobs.com.
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